Mastering XCOM: Enemy Within console commands can transform a grueling campaign into a sandbox of tactical possibilities. Whether you're stuck on a buggy mission, looking to experiment with late-game gear early, or simply want to bypass the resource grind, this guide covers everything from enabling the console to the most powerful commands available. How to Enable the Console in XCOM: Enemy Within
Unlike its sequel, XCOM: Enemy Within does not have a simple "enable console" toggle in the menus. There are two primary ways to gain access: Method 1: The Config Bind (Simplest)
This method allows you to bind specific commands to keys without needing external mods.
Locate your DefaultInput.ini file. It is typically found at:...\Steam\steamapps\common\XCom-Enemy-Unknown\XEW\XcomGame\Config
Open the file and find the headers [XComGame.XComTacticalInput] (for battle commands) or [Engine.PlayerInput] (for base management).
Add your desired bind. For example, to bind a mission restart to Alt+U, paste:.Bindings=(Name="U", Command="restartlevel", Alt=True) Method 2: The Dev Console Mod
To use a real-time typing console (typically opened with the backslash (\) or tilde (~) key), many players download a modified Engine.upk file from sources like Nexus Mods. This is the standard for the Long War mod and provides the most flexibility. Essential Tactical Console Commands
These commands are used during active missions (the "Battlescape").
restartlevel: Restarts the current mission from the beginning, useful for fixing broken triggers or undoing a disastrous turn. console commands xcom enemy within
GivePerk [ID]: Grants a specific ability to the currently selected soldier. For example, GivePerk 117 might grant "Low Profile." Use a negative sign (e.g., GivePerk -117) to remove it.
GivePsiPerks: Instantly grants all psionic abilities to the selected soldier. TakeNoDamage: Makes all units on your squad invincible.
ToggleFOW: Toggles the "Fog of War," revealing the entire map and all enemy locations. PowerUp: Combines invincibility with unlimited ammunition. Essential Strategy Console Commands
These commands are used while at XCOM HQ (the "Geoscape") to manage your resources and base. 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:
~ key (or the key you've bound to "toggleconsole").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.
Resource IDs:
Use these with the giveresource command. Example: giveresource Elerium 1000. Mastering XCOM: Enemy Within console commands can transform
Elerium (Elerium Crystals)Alloys (Alien Alloys)WeaponFragment (Weapon Fragments)EleriumCore (Elerium Cores)EleriumJet (Flight Computers)EleriumPower (Power Sources)AlienFood (Alien Food)AlienStasisTank (Stasis Tanks)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.
Before you can use console commands, you must enable the Developer Console.
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\common\XCom-Enemy-Unknown\XEW\XComGame\Config\XEW\XComGame\Config.DefaultInput.ini. Open it with a text editor like Notepad..Bindings=(Name="F12",Command="toggleui | showlog")
(You can change "F12" to any key you prefer, like "F1" or "Tilde").The commands are divided into several functional categories, ranging from tactical manipulation to strategic resource management.
Using the console in Enemy Within is not as polished as in PC-native shooters. There are significant drawbacks to consider.
| Command | Effect |
|--------|--------|
| GiveTech <tech name> | Instantly researches a technology (e.g., GiveTech BeamWeapons) |
| GiveFacility <facility name> | Adds a base facility instantly |
| SetStrategyResearchComplete X | Completes current research |
These are best used in the Ant Farm (the strategy layer), not during a mission.
| Command | Effect | Example |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| GiveResource 0 [amount] | Adds Money (Credits) | GiveResource 0 5000 |
| GiveResource 1 [amount] | Adds Alloys | GiveResource 1 999 |
| GiveResource 2 [amount] | Adds Elerium | GiveResource 2 999 |
| GiveResource 3 [amount] | Adds Meld | GiveResource 3 500 |
| GiveResource 4 [amount] | Adds Weapon Fragments | GiveResource 4 300 |
| GiveEngineer [amount] | Adds Engineer staff | GiveEngineer 25 |
| GiveScientist [amount] | Adds Scientist staff | GiveScientist 25 |
| GiveActionPoints [amount] | Gives all soldiers extra moves (Tactical) | GiveActionPoints 3 |
| SetHQTransferRate [0-5] | Changes panic level globally (0=none, 5=max panic) | SetHQTransferRate 0 |
Pro Tip: After adding engineers or scientists, you may need to exit to the main menu and reload your save for the game to recalculate build times. toggleconsole : Enables or disables the console