Examples:
GiveResource 500
GiveItem MELD 99
ToggleGodMode
SpawnUnit Sectoid 1
The console commands in XCOM: Enemy Within transform a tense strategy game into a mad scientist’s playground. Whether you need to inject 10,000 Meld into your bank account to build a full squad of MEC troopers, or you just want to teleport a Sniper to the roof of a UFO, the power is literally one text file edit away.
Remember the golden rules:
Now go, Commander. The aliens have no idea you just activated god mode. Now type GiveTech BlasterLauncher and rain hellfire from across the map.
Good luck.
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 console commands xcom enemy within
Console commands in XCOM: Enemy Within (EW) are primarily used for debugging, resolving stuck missions, or bypassing resource management. Unlike many modern games, the developer console in EW is not enabled by default and requires modifying game files or using community mods to activate. Steam Community How to Enable the Console
Because standard methods like launch arguments often fail for the Enemy Within expansion, players typically use one of two methods: Keybinding Method (Manual) : You can bind specific commands to keys by editing the DefaultInput.ini file located in your game's installation folder (typically XEW/XcomGame/Config ). Use the syntax: .Bindings=(Name="Key", Command="CommandName", Alt=True) Dev Console Mod (Automated) : Many players use the PatcherGUI
tool from Nexus Mods to apply a "Dev Console" patch, which re-enables the tilde (~) or backslash (\) key functionality. Steam Community Useful Tactical Commands (Battlescape)
These commands are used during a mission to influence combat or the map: Dev Console (Long War) - UFOpaedia
Enabling console commands in XCOM: Enemy Within (EW) is notably more difficult than in the base game or XCOM 2 because the developer shell was intentionally patched out by the developers. To access these commands, you must either manually bind specific keys in your configuration files or use a third-party mod to re-enable the full interface. Steam Community 1. How to Enable the Console There are two primary methods for PC players: The Key-Binding Method (No Mods Required) DefaultInput.ini in your game files, typically at:
Steam\steamapps\common\XCom-Enemy-Unknown\XEW\XComGame\Config\ Open the file and find the sections for [Engine.PlayerInput] (for the base/strategy layer) or [XcomGame.XcomTacticalInput] (for combat). Add a line following this format: .Bindings=(Name="K", Command="KillClosestEnemy", Alt=True) In-game, press to execute the command. The Modding Method (Full Console Interface) Download the Developer Console mod (often found on the XCOM Nexus ) or use the console enabler included with the
Once installed, you can typically open the full console with the Backslash () 2. Essential Console Commands
Once enabled, use these commands to manage your squad and resources: Strategy Layer (Base/Geoscape) lowerpanic : Reduces panic across all countries. Levelupbarracks [Number]
: Sets all soldiers in your barracks to the specified level (e.g., for Colonel). GiveResource [Type] [Amount] : Adds resources. Replace Scientists Steam Community Tactical Layer (Combat/Missions) Console Commands on Enemy Within - XCOM The console commands in XCOM: Enemy Within transform
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. Now go, Commander
| Command | Effect |
|--------|--------|
| GiveSoldierRank <firstname> <class> <rank> | Ranks up a specific soldier (class: Heavy, Assault, Sniper, Support) |
| LevelUpBarracks X | Levels up all soldiers in barracks by X ranks |
| GivePsiXP X | Gives psi XP to selected soldier (only works in tactical view) |
| RemoveUnit <soldier name> | Removes a soldier from barracks |
One of the coolest uses of the console is creating hybrid super-soldiers. Want a Heavy with Squad Sight? A Sniper with Run & Gun? You can do that.
First, you need the internal perk names. You cannot guess them. Here are some fan-favorites:
How to use it:
Your sniper now has Squad Sight on top of their existing skills. This can break the game's balance, but it is incredibly fun.
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).
Once the console is open, type these commands and press Enter. Important: Commands are case-sensitive. Also, most cheats require you to toggle “DisableAchievements” off if you care about unlockables.
Console commands in XCOM: Enemy Within can significantly enhance your gameplay experience in several ways: