Console Commands Xcom Enemy Within »

Go to your XCOM installation directory. If you are using Steam, the default path is: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\XCOM Enemy Unknown\XEW\XComGame\Config

Note: You are looking for the XEW folder (XCOM Enemy Within), not the base XComGame folder for Enemy Unknown, though the commands work in both.

For the uninitiated, console commands are a series of codes that can be entered into a game's developer console to manipulate various aspects of the game. In XCOM: Enemy Within, enabling the console involves a simple tweak in the game's configuration file or pressing a designated key (often ~ or ctrl + shift + ~ on PC) during gameplay. Once the console is accessible, players can input a range of commands to affect everything from the game's difficulty to individual soldier stats and enemy spawn rates.

While console commands offer a wealth of possibilities, there are also considerations:

XCOM: Enemy Within is a masterpiece, but it has bugs. The console is often the only fix.

A great topic for XCOM fans!

Here are some useful console commands for XCOM: Enemy Within:

General Commands

Gameplay Commands

Soldier Commands

Debug Commands

Enemy Commands

Other Commands

To use these console commands:

Keep in mind that some commands might not work in certain situations or may have unintended consequences. Use them at your own risk!

Note that these commands are based on the PC version of XCOM: Enemy Within. Console versions may have different commands or methods to access the console. console commands xcom enemy within

Take Control of the Invasion: A Guide to XCOM: Enemy Within Console Commands

Whether you're looking to recover a campaign gone sideways or simply want to experiment with the game's mechanics, console commands provide powerful tools for any XCOM commander. However, unlike its sequel, accessing these commands in Enemy Within (EW) requires a bit of behind-the-scenes work. How to Enable Console Commands

The traditional "tilde" key method typically used in PC gaming doesn't work by default in Enemy Within due to updates that patched out old developer console access. Instead, you must manually bind commands to specific keys within the game's configuration files.

Locate the Configuration File: Navigate to your XCOM: Enemy Unknown installation folder, typically found at:C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\XCom-Enemy-Unknown\XEW\XcomGame\Config.

Edit DefaultInput.ini: Open this file with a text editor like Notepad. Always create a backup before making changes.

Add Key Bindings: You must place your bindings under the correct section depending on where you want them to work:

Tactical (In-Mission): Look for [XComGame.XComTacticalInput]. Base (Geoscape): Look for [Engine.PlayerInput].

Format Your Commands: Add a line using this syntax:.Bindings=(Name="K", Command="[CommandName]", Alt=True).

Note: Using Alt=True is highly recommended so you don't trigger cheats accidentally during normal gameplay. Essential Tactical Commands

These commands are best bound under the [XComGame.XComTacticalInput] header for use during active missions.

Restart Level: restartlevel — Restarts the current mission from the beginning, including a fresh randomization of alien and Meld locations.

Teleport to Cursor: TeleportToCursor — Instantly moves the currently selected soldier to where your mouse is pointing.

Toggle Fog of War: ToggleFOW — Reveals the entire map, though enemies may still stay hidden until actually spotted.

Invincibility: TakeNoDamage — Makes all your units immune to damage.

Unlimited Ammo/No Reload: PowerUp — Combines invincibility with infinite ammunition. Strategic Base Commands

For boosting your resources at HQ, bind these under the [Engine.PlayerInput] section. Command Name Description Example Binding Give Engineers Instantly adds a set number of engineers.

.Bindings=(Name="E", Command="GiveResource Engineers 50", Alt=True) Give Scientists Instantly adds a set number of scientists.

.Bindings=(Name="S", Command="GiveResource Scientists 50", Alt=True) Give Cash Boosts your monthly funding. .Bindings=(Name="C", Command="GiveCash 1000", Alt=True) Level Up Barracks Increases the rank of all soldiers. .Bindings=(Name="L", Command="Levelupbarracks 7", Alt=True) Add Items Adds specific resources like Meld or Elerium. .Bindings=(Name="M", Command="GiveItem Meld 500", Alt=True) Pro Tip: The "Long War" Shortcut Go to your XCOM installation directory

If editing .ini files feels too tedious, many players choose to install the Long War mod or use its standalone Developer Console patch available on Nexus Mods. These modifications often re-enable the standard backslash (\) or tilde (~) key to open a live console window, removing the need for manual key bindings. Console Commands on Enemy Within - Steam Community

Enabling console commands in XCOM: Enemy Within (EW) is different from the base game because the standard developer console is hidden. To use cheats, you must either bind commands to specific keys in the configuration files or use a mod like Activate Dev Console from Nexus Mods. How to Enable via Keybindings

This method allows you to use specific commands without installing external mods. Locate the File : Go to your installation directory, typically:

...\Steam\steamapps\common\XCom-Enemy-Unknown\XEW\XComGame\Config\ DefaultInput.ini : Open this file with a text editor (like Notepad). Add Your Binds

: Scroll to the section corresponding to when you want the command to work: Base/Strategy Commands : Look for [Engine.PlayerInput] Tactical/Combat Commands : Look for [XComGame.XComTacticalInput] : Add lines at the bottom of the section. Use to prevent accidental triggers. .Bindings=(Name="U", Command="restartlevel", Alt=True) Common Console Commands

Once bound to a key, these commands can be triggered in-game. Steam Community Keybind commands - Enemy Unknown - Nexus Mods Forums

Enabling the console in XCOM: Enemy Within is more complex than in its successor, XCOM 2, because the developers patched out standard access. You cannot simply use a launch parameter like -allowconsole in the base game. Method 1: Key Binding (No Mods)

The most reliable way to "use" commands without heavy modding is to bind specific commands to keys in the game's configuration files.

Locate File: Go to C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\XCom-Enemy-Unknown\XEW\XcomGame\Config\ (or your specific install path).

Open DefaultInput.ini: Use a text editor like Notepad. Back up this file first. Add Bindings:

Tactical Commands (In-mission): Find the [XComGame.XComTacticalInput] section and add your line below it.

Base Commands (Geoscape): Find the [Engine.PlayerInput] section and add your line below it.

Format: Use this syntax: .Bindings=(Name="K", Command="[COMMAND]", Alt=True).

Example: .Bindings=(Name="U", Command="restartlevel", Alt=True) will restart the mission when you press Alt + U. Method 2: Using the "Long War" Dev Console Mod

If you want a live, typeable console, you must download a modified Engine.upk file, typically found on the Long War Nexus Mods page. This works for both the Long War mod and the base Enemy Within game. Once installed, pressing \ (backslash) usually opens the console. Essential Console Commands Most commands from Enemy Unknown also work in Enemy Within.

In XCOM: Enemy Within, console access is restricted, requiring users to enable commands by editing the DefaultInput.ini file to bind keys or by installing a third-party Developer Console Activation mod. Common commands allow for functionality like toggling the fog of war, teleporting units, and leveling up soldiers. For a detailed guide on enabling these commands, visit Steam Community. Console Commands on Enemy Within - Steam Community

XCOM: Enemy Within (EW) doesn't make it easy to access the developer console. Unlike its successor, XCOM 2, which allows you to simply add a launch parameter, EW requires a bit more legwork—either through manual .ini file editing or third-party patches. How to Enable the Console in XCOM: Enemy Within

There are two primary ways to gain "god-like" powers over your campaign. Method 1: The Keybind Method (No Mods Required) Bug: "My soldier fell through the world/Teleported into

This is the safest method and involves binding specific commands to keys in your game configuration files.

Navigate to your game’s config folder: ...Steam\steamapps\common\XCom-Enemy-Unknown\XEW\XcomGame\Config. Open DefaultInput.ini with a text editor like Notepad.

For Tactical Commands (during missions): Find the line [XComGame.XComTacticalInput].

For Base Commands (at HQ): Find the line [Engine.PlayerInput]. Add your custom binding below the header using this format: .Bindings=(Name="U", Command="restartlevel", Alt=True)

Note: Using Alt=True ensures you don't accidentally trigger a cheat by hitting the key during normal play. Method 2: The PatcherGUI Method (Full Console Access)

If you want a live console where you can type commands as you go, you’ll need the Developer Console Activation for EW from Nexus Mods. Download and run PatcherGUI.

Apply the .txt patch file included with the mod to your XComGame.exe.

Once patched, you can usually press the Tilde (~) key in-game to open the command line. Essential Console Commands for XCOM: EW

Once your console or keybinds are active, use these commands to manipulate the game. restartlevel Restarts the current mission from the beginning. TeleportToCursor Instantly moves the selected unit to your mouse pointer. ToggleFOW Turns the Fog of War on or off to see the whole map. GivePerk [ID] Grants a specific ability to the selected soldier. Levelupbarracks 7 Sets all soldiers in your barracks to the maximum rank. GiveItem [Name] [Qty] Adds specific items or resources to your inventory. Console Commands on Enemy Within - Steam Community

In XCOM: Enemy Within , enabling the developer console requires more than just a single key press, as the expansion removed the original shell access found in the base game. You must either manually bind commands to specific keys or use a third-party mod to restore the full command line. Method 1: Manual Key Bindings (No Mods)

This is the most common way to "use" commands without altering core game files.

Locate the Config File: Navigate to your installation folder:...\Steam\steamapps\common\XCom-Enemy-Unknown\XEW\XComGame\Config\.

Edit DefaultInput.ini: Open the file in a text editor (e.g., Notepad).

Add Bindings: Find the relevant section and paste your desired command. For Base/Strategy Screen: Find [Engine.PlayerInput].

For Tactical/Mission Screen: Find [XComGame.XComTacticalInput].

Example Syntax: .Bindings=(Name="F10", Command="GiveResource Money 5000"). Essential Console Commands

If you have the Developer Console mod (often found via Nexus Mods) installed, you can hit the tilde key (~ or \) to type these directly. Keybind commands - Enemy Unknown - Nexus Mods Forums

Before you can use console commands, you must enable the Developer Console.

.Bindings=(Name="F12",Command="toggleui | showlog")

You can summon any unit in the game—including enemies. Spawn a Sectopod to fight alongside you (it will likely turn on you, but it’s fun to try).