Note: Exact command names and parameters differ between XCOM: Enemy Within and mods or console implementations. If the command fails, try variations like giveitem, additem, or consult mod documentation.
| Command | Effect |
|---------|--------|
| BuildFacility facilityname | Instantly builds facility (e.g., BuildFacility CyberneticsLab) |
| RemoveFacility facilityname | Removes a facility |
| SatelliteRequest X | Adds X satellites instantly |
| AddItem EItem_OfficerTrainingSchool 1 | Adds Officer Training School upgrades |
| ExitToMainMenu | Aborts mission and returns to main menu |
The dev console in XCOM: Enemy Within is a raw tool—functional for Unreal Engine debugging but less user-friendly than modern modding tools. However, by binding ToggleDebugCamera and ShowHUD, players gain powerful control over the game's presentation, and basic cheats allow for stress-testing game mechanics without the risk of perma-death.
Enabling the full developer console in XCOM: Enemy Within (EW) is more complex than in the original game because most standard methods, like HEX editing or simple launch parameters, were patched out. Steam Community To get full access, you have two primary options: binding commands directly in configuration files or using PatcherGUI to permanently re-enable the console. Steam Community Option 1: The Keybind Method (No Mods Required)
This is the most stable way to use specific commands without modifying core game files. You bind a "Command" to a specific "Key" in the game's configuration. Steam Community Locate the Config File
SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\XCom-Enemy-Unknown\XEW\XcomGame\Config DefaultInput.ini Choose Your Mode Tactical (Battlescape) : For in-mission cheats, find the section [XComGame.XComTacticalInput] Strategy (Geoscape/Base) : For resources and tech, find the section [Engine.PlayerInput] Add the Bindings : Add lines under your chosen section using this format: .Bindings=(Name="F12", Command="restartlevel", Alt=True) (This binds Alt+F12 to restart the mission). Save and Run : Save the file and start the game. Steam Community Option 2: Full Console Re-Enable (Mod Method) To open a live command line (usually the key) as you would in XCOM 2, you must use a patch. Steam Community Download PatcherGUI : Available on Nexus Mods Download the Console Patch
: Search Nexus for "Dev Console" specifically for Enemy Within. Apply the Patch : Point PatcherGUI to your XCom-Enemy-Unknown\XEW folder and run the patch script. This modifies the Engine.upk file to restore the console's functionality. Steam Community Essential Console Commands xcom enemy within dev console full
Once enabled, these are the most useful commands for "fixing" a run or testing builds: KillAliens Instantly kills every alien on the current map. GiveResource Money 1000 Adds §1,000 to your treasury. GiveResource Elerium 100 Adds 100 Elerium. GiveResource Alloys 100 Adds 100 Alien Alloys. LevelUpBarracks 1 Promotes every soldier in your barracks by one rank. RestartLevel Restarts the current mission from the beginning. ToggleUnlimitedActions Allows your units to move/attack indefinitely this turn. Grants god mode and unlimited ammo to your squad. Advanced Strategy Tool: Strategy.txt If you have many items to add, create a file named Strategy.txt XEW\Binaries List commands inside (e.g., GiveResource Money 5000 GiveResource Scientists 20 DefaultInput.ini , bind a key to exec Strategy.txt
Pressing that key in the base will run all those commands at once. : Always backup your DefaultInput.ini XcomGame.exe
To fully enable the developer console in XCOM: Enemy Within , you need to modify the game's internal files because it is force-disabled by default. Unlike later sequels, simple launch options like -allowconsole typically do not work for this specific expansion. How to Enable the Dev Console
The most reliable method involves replacing or patching the Engine.upk file.
Download the Patch: Get the Developer Console Activation for EW or the modified Engine.upk from the Long War Nexus page under "Misc Files".
Backup Your Files: Before making changes, navigate to your game directory (typically ...\Steam\steamapps\common\XCom-Enemy-Unknown\XEW\XComGame\CookedPCConsole) and create a backup of the original Engine.upk. Apply the Patch: Note: Exact command names and parameters differ between
If using a .upk replacement: Replace the original file with the downloaded version.
If using PatcherGUI: Download the XCOM PatcherGUI tool and use it to apply the .txt patch script provided by the modder.
Launch & Activate: Start the game and press the Backslash ( \ ) or Tilde ( ~ ) key to open the console overlay. Common Console Commands
Once the console is active, you can use these commands (note that some only work in specific screens): Strategy Layer (Geoscape/HQ): GiveCash [amount] – Adds credits. GiveItem Meld [amount] – Adds Meld. GiveItem AlienAlloys [amount] – Adds alloys. GiveItem Elerium115 [amount] – Adds Elerium.
Levelupbarracks 7 – Maxes out the level of all soldiers in the barracks. Tactical Layer (Battlescape):
Powerup – Enables god mode (invincibility and infinite ammo). ToggleFOW – Removes Fog of War to see the entire map. RestartLevel – Restarts the current mission immediately. However, by binding ToggleDebugCamera and ShowHUD , players
TeleportToCursor – Moves the selected unit to wherever your mouse is pointing.
KillAllAliens – Instantly ends the mission with a victory. Alternative: .ini Keybindings
If you prefer not to mod the .upk file, you can manually bind specific commands to keys in your DefaultInput.ini file located in XEW\XComGame\Config.
Find the section [XComGame.XComTacticalInput] for mission cheats.
Add a line like: .Bindings=(Name="U", Command="restartlevel", Alt=True) to use Alt+U as a shortcut. Enemy Within: Enabling the Developer Console :: XCOM