Console Commands - Xcom Enemy Within

This report documents known console command usage, common command categories (debug, cheats, and config), how to enable the console, typical commands, and risks. It focuses on XCOM: Enemy Within (a 2013 Firaxis XCOM: Enemy Unknown expansion) running on PC.

To use console commands in XCOM: Enemy Within , you must first enable the developer console, as it is disabled by default. Unlike later titles, enabling it usually requires either manual configuration file editing or a small mod. How to Enable the Console

There are two primary ways to access commands in Enemy Within: Console Commands on Enemy Within - Steam Community

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.

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

XCOM: Enemy Within , there is no single "piece" command. However, you can use the console commands xcom enemy within

command to add various "pieces" of equipment or resources, such as Weapon Fragments Alien Alloys Steam Community Enabling the Console

Unlike XCOM 2, XCOM: Enemy Within requires more than a simple launch option to enable the developer console. Direct Binding Method : You must edit your DefaultInput.ini file located in XEW\XcomGame\Config Add Commands : Search for the section [XComGame.XComTacticalInput] (for battle) or [Engine.PlayerInput] (for the base) and add a line like:

.Bindings=(Name="U", Command="GiveItem WeaponFragment 100", Alt=True) Third-Party Tool : Alternatively, download a modified Engine.upk file (often from the Nexus page) to enable the standard tilde key access. Resource & Item "Piece" Commands

If you have the console enabled, use these commands to add specific items or resources: Command Example Add Weapon Fragments GiveItem WeaponFragment [amount] Add Alien Alloys GiveItem AlienAlloys [amount] GiveItem Meld [amount] Add Elerium GiveItem Elerium115 [amount] GiveCash [amount] Steam Community Common Gameplay Commands GivePerk [PerkID]

: Adds a specific ability to the soldier currently under your cursor. RestartLevel : Restarts the current mission from the beginning. LevelUpBarracks [number]

: Levels up all soldiers in your barracks by the specified number of ranks. Steam Community or help finding the exact file path for your version of the game?

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)

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

Here’s a short, informative piece tailored for a gaming guide or blog. It covers the essentials for using console commands in XCOM: Enemy Within.


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. This report documents known console command usage, common

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.

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 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 , the standard "tilde key" console found in many games is disabled by default and cannot be enabled through simple launch options like -allowconsole (which is for XCOM 2). Instead, you must either modify game files to bind specific commands to keys or use a third-party "patcher" to unlock the full developer console. Method 1: Manual Key Binding (Safe & Direct)

You can assign specific commands to keys by editing the DefaultInput.ini file.

Locate File: Go to \Steam\steamapps\common\XCom-Enemy-Unknown\XEW\XComGame\Config\DefaultInput.ini. Gameplay Commands

Add Commands: Open the file and find the relevant section (Tactical for missions, Base for HQ). Paste your custom binds under the header: Strategic (Base) Commands: Add under [Engine.PlayerInput].

Tactical (Mission) Commands: Add under [XComGame.XComTacticalInput]. Format: Use the following syntax:

.Bindings=(Name="K", Command="KillAliens", Alt=True) (This would trigger "Kill All Aliens" when pressing Alt+K). Method 2: Unlocking the Full Dev Console

To type commands freely, you must download a modified Engine.upk file (often found on the XCOM Nexus Mods) or use the PatcherGUI tool to re-enable the console. Essential Console Commands KillAliens Instantly kills all visible enemies on the map [0.21]. GiveResource Engineers [X] Adds [X] number of Engineers to your staff [0.15]. LowerPanic Reduces panic levels for all countries by 1 [0.3, 0.24]. GiveItem [Item] [X]

Adds [X] amount of a specific item (e.g., SectopodCorpse) [0.15, 0.21]. UnlimitedMoves

Soldiers can move and shoot without ending their turn [0.21]. TakeNoDamage Makes all your units invincible [0.5]. PowerUp Provides infinite ammunition [0.5]. LevelUpBarracks [X] Increases the rank of all soldiers in your barracks [0.21]. SetWill [X] Sets the Will stat of the selected soldier [0.25]. Common Item Names for GiveItem

Corpses: SectoidCorpse, ThinManCorpse, CryssalidCorpse, MutonCorpse [0.15]. Resources: Engineers, Scientists, Money [0.15]. Important Notes

Achievements: Using the console or modified files may disable Steam Achievements for that playthrough [0.29].

Backup: Always create a copy of your DefaultInput.ini before making changes [0.1, 0.15]. XCOM Enemy Within Developer Console - Steam Community

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

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

These work on the Geoscape (the holographic globe view).

| Command | Effect | | :--- | :--- | | giveresource credits 5000 | Adds 5,000 Spacebucks to your treasury. Change the number as desired. | | giveresource alloys 500 | Adds 500 Alien Alloys. Essential for late-game armor. | | giveresource elyrium 500 | Adds 500 Elerium. (Note: elyrium is the internal spelling, not "Elerium"). | | giveresource meld 500 | Adds 500 Meld. Go crazy with genetic modifications. | | givescientist 50 | Adds 50 Scientists to speed up research. | | giveengineer 50 | Adds 50 Engineers to unlock workshops and satellites. | | GiveTech [TechName] | Instantly researches a technology. Example: GiveTech "Carapace Armor" | | GiveFoundryProjects | Unlocks every Foundry upgrade instantly. Your SHIVs will be terrifying. |

  • Launch the game. Press the tilde/backtick key (~) to open the console (may require regional keyboard variations such as \ or Shift+`).