Introduction
“XCOM: Enemy Unknown” is a strategy game that has captivated players from around the world since its 2012 release. Developed by Firaxis Games and published by 2K Games, this remake of the classic “X-COM” series has been praised for its strategic depth, engaging gameplay, and replay value. One relatively unknown yet very powerful aspect of the game is the use of console commands. These commands allow players to adjust the game in various ways, from simple tweaks to the mechanics or to cheat codes enabling a more unreliable casual experience.
This comprehensive guide is going to harbor everything about XCOM: Enemy Unknown console commands, from enabling the console, through the most effective commands and their applications to benefit your gameplay. Whether an established player wishing to fine-tune the game in any way or a curious beginner keen to experiment with the game’s mechanics, this guide carries a little bit for everyone.
Enabling the Console
Before jumping into the commands proper, it will be good to know how to enable the console in XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Different from some games, the console cannot just be accessed; one must do some tricks along the way to unlock it.
Step 1: Find the Config File
To enable the console, you’ll need to modify the configuration files for the game. These files belong usually in the main directory for the game. You can try the following to locate it:
Go down into the directory where XCOM: Enemy Unknown is installed. The default path usually looks something like:
objectivec
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C:Program Files (x86)SteamsteamappscommonXCom-Enemy-UnknownXEWXComGameConfig
In here, locate a file named DefaultEngine.ini.
Step 2: Editing the Config File
Once you have located the file DefaultEngine.ini, make a few edits to enable the console:
Use a text editor (Notepad will do fine) to open DefaultEngine.ini.
Search for a section called [Engine.Console].
If that section does not exist, create it manually and then enter the following lines:
makefile
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ConsoleKey=Tilde
TypeKey=Tilde
This console key is the default key~ used to open the console. You can replace it with another key if you so choose.
After the modification, save the file and close the file window.
Step 3: Enable console access via launch options (optional)
Sometimes, the console has got to be enabled through the launch options for the game itself:
Right-click the title XCOM: Enemy Unknown in your Steam library.
Choose Properties, then under the General tab, find the Set Launch Options button and click it.
In the dialog box that pops up, type -allowconsole and click the OK button.
Now when you launch the game, the console should open up when you hit the ~ key (or the key that you assigned instead).
Using Console Commands
The console enabled, you are free to start using commands to influence your game. Console commands available in XCOM: Enemy Unknown are very versatile and can be more fun, allowing you to spawn items, to change the difficulty of the game.
Basic Commands
Some console commands that could prove useful for any player are:
GiveResource [ResourceName] [Amount]: Adds the specified resource and amounts to your inventory. Type in the resource name you want to add by replacing [ResourceName] (e.g., Elerium, Meld, Alloys), and then put in the desired quantity in place of [Amount].
EXAMPLE:
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GiveResource Elerium 100
GiveTech [TechName]: This command instantly researches the technology. Replace [TechName] with the technology you want to unlock.
EXAMPLE
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GiveTech LaserWeapons
AddItem [ItemName] [Amount]: Adds specific items to your inventory. Replace [ItemName] with the name of the item and [Amount] with its quantity.
EXAMPLE
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AddItem AlienGrenade 5
SetSoldierStat [StatName] [Value] [FirstName] [LastName]: Change the stat of a soldier. Replace [StatName] with the stat you wish to alter (Aim, Will, HP, etc.), [Value] with the new value, and [FirstName] and [LastName] with the soldier’s first and last names.
EXAMPLE
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SetSoldierStat Aim 100 John Doe
Teleport: Instantly transports the selected soldier to his mouse pointer location. It should be used to reposition soldiers during missions.
Example:
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Teleport
GiveXP [Amount]: Give the specified amount of experience points to the selected soldier.
Example:
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GiveXP 500
ForceCritHits [True/False]: Turns guaranteed critical hits on or off.
Example:
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ForceCritHits True
SetDifficulty [Value]: Changes the difficulty of the game: 0 for Easy, 1 for Normal, 2 for Classic, 3 for Impossible.
Example:
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SetDifficulty 2
GiveEngineer [Amount]: Inserts the amount of engineers supplied into your base.
Example:
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GiveEngineer 10
GiveScientist [Amount]: Inserts the amount of scientists supplied into your base.
Example:
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GiveScientist 10
These commands are the basic building blocks on which the player can build his console experience. They basically allow you to customize your experience: make it easy for yourself or just try out different scenarios.
Advanced Commands
If players desire more depth into the mechanics or to modify the game in more complex ways, some bonus commands can be worth exploring.
Spawning Enemies & Allies
On the interesting note of the console, during missions, enemies or allies can be spawned. This can serve as a way to test out a strategy or just to have some fun with the mechanics.
Spawn [UnitName]: Spawns that unit at the mouse cursor location. Replace [UnitName] with the name of the desired unit.
Example:
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Spawn Sectoid
You can spawn a vast range of enemies, including:
Sectoid
Muton
Ethereal
Chryssalid
ThinMan
Cyberdisc
Amongst others…
SpawnFriendly [UnitName]: Spawn a friendly unit at the mouse cursor location.
Example:
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SpawnFriendly SHIV
KillNearestEnemies: Kill all enemies in the vicinity of the selected soldier.
Example:
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KillNearestEnemies
These commands will be handy if players want to set up certain scenarios or test how different units interact with one another.
Mission Manipulation
Other than spawning units, you can also manipulate the whole missions using console commands. It could be useful when you want to skip a terribly hard mission or replay one with different parameters.
EndBattle [0/1]: Ends current battle. Use 0 to end the battle in defeat and 1 to end in victory.
Example:
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EndBattle 1
ReloadLevel: Reloads current mission level.
Example:
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ReloadLevel
SkipMission: Skips current mission entirely.
Example:
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SkipMission
GiveObjective [ObjectiveName]: Immediately complete a specific mission objective.
Example:
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GiveObjective SecureBase
SetGlobalVariable [VariableName] [Value]: Change global variables for missions, such as panic levels and mission timers.
Example:
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SetGlobalVariable PanicLevel 0
Customizing Soldiers
Customizing your soldiers is one of the most familiar uses for the console commands outside of editing stats. Other commands are available for changing soldier classes, abilities, and appearances.
MakeSoldierAClass [ClassName] [FirstName] [LastName]: Changes the class of a soldier. Substitute [ClassName] with one of these values:
Assault
Heavy
Sniper
Support
MEC (if you have the Enemy Within expansion)
SHIV
Example:
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MakeSoldierAClass Sniper Jane Doe
GiveAbility [AbilityName] [FirstName] [LastName]: Grants a specific ability to a soldier. Substitute [AbilityName] with the one you want.
Example:
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GiveAbility RunAndGun John Doe
RemoveAbility [AbilityName] [FirstName] [LastName]: Removes the specific ability from a soldier.
Example:
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RemoveAbility Suppression Jane Doe
SetSoldierAppearance [FirstName] [LastName] [AppearanceCode]: Changes the soldier’s appearance. Substitute [AppearanceCode] with some code corresponding to different cosmetic options.
Example:
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SetSoldierAppearance John Doe 3
SetSoldierArmor [ArmorName] [FirstName] [LastName]: Give a soldier a certain armor.
Beyond the basic commands that change soldier stats and abilities, there are more sophisticated ways to customize your squad that perhaps enhance the personal touch.
Armor and Weapon Customization
You can equip your soldiers with specific armors and weapons, which means you have control over their loadouts without relying on the base resources.
SetSoldierArmor [ArmorName] [FirstName] [LastName]: This command equips the specified soldier with a chosen armor type. Use [ArmorName] for types like TitanArmor, GhostArmor, ArchangelArmor, and so forth.
Example:
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SetSoldierArmor TitanArmor John Doe
SetSoldierWeapon [WeaponName] [FirstName] [LastName]: Equip a soldier with a specific weapon. Use [WeaponName] for weapons like PlasmaRifle, LaserSniper, HeavyPlasma, and others.
Example:
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SetSoldierWeapon PlasmaRifle Jane Doe
GiveItem [ItemName] [Amount]: For this command, the items indicated by the parameters are added to your inventory directly, from where they are distributed to the soldiers.
Example:
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GiveItem Medikit 3
SetSoldierNationality [NationalityCode] [FirstName] [LastName]: This changes the nationality of the soldier, either for roleplay purposes or if you want to add some diversity to your squad. The nationality codes are commonly two-letter country codes.
Example:
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SetSoldierNationality US John Doe
Adjust Soldier Experience and Ranks
If you want to get your squad straight onto the battlefield without grinding any more than is necessary, give your soldiers promotion through these commands and award them appropriate XP.
GiveXP [Amount]: Gives a number of XP to the currently selected soldier, allowing them to level up faster.
Example:
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GiveXP 1000
SetSoldierRank [Rank] [FirstName] [LastName]: Directly set a Soldier’s rank. Use [Rank] for the rank desired; e.g., Rookie, Squaddie, Sergeant, Colonel, etc.
Example:
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SetSoldierRank Colonel John Doe
SetSoldierPsi [PsiLevel] [FirstName] [LastName]: Setting psi abilities for a soldier involves setting the psi level. Input the [PsiLevel] according to the level you choose (for example, 1 could mean basic psi abilities, 2 for advanced).
Example:
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SetSoldierPsi 2 Jane Doe
Gameplay Impacts
Once in a while, in XCOM: Enemy Unknown, the use of cheats can dramatically change the essence of a game-the best or worst, depending on the way they are used. While we do not necessarily discourage these commands, one should think about the ramifications of their use since it takes away from the challenge and satisfying feeling of overcoming every single difficulty the game throws at you.
Encompassing Fun Versus Fair Play
Some of the reasons why players use console commands include removing the frustration of a mission being unfairly hard, or simply because they want to toy around with the game mechanics. One of the downsides of these commands is that overusing them will greatly diminish the experience, as the premise of the challenge is that the game pits one against the player.”
If you wish to utilize the commands, it is better to use them in moderation to preserve some level of challenge. For instance, you might use commands to grant yourself a slight resource boost or to tweak the stats of a single soldier instead of lifting your whole team to invulnerable status or showering yourself with unlimited resources.
Experimentation and Learning
On the other hand, console commands can be great tools for experimentation and learning. If one is just starting out or finds certain aspects of the game difficult, commands enable one to try different strategies and get a better grasp of the mechanics without worrying about losing a mission.
For example, spawning different enemy types to observe their behavior or changing certain mission parameters to focus on practicing specific tactics can come in handy. Such measures will help in preparing for harder difficulties, which provide a much smaller room for error.
Making Your Own Scenarios
Console commands let advanced users create custom scenarios, adding considerable replay value to the game. For instance, you may wish to set up a scenario where you fight large numbers of one particular enemy type or create a mission where your squad is outnumbered but holds superior firepower.
Custom scenarios can even be shared with other players or simply used for challenging oneself in new ways, allowing for an alternate approach to the game title even after having gone through it a dozen times.
A Consolized Perspective Offers: Going one step beyond
Almost a classical art form is being one of the advanced players using commercial console commands in XCOM: Enemy Unknown; and here are some tips and tricks to complement that experience.
Scripting and Macros
Helping save time could include the creation of scripts/macro if you repeat the same commands over and over again. This is done by writing all your commands into a script file that can be run with a single command in the console.
Creating a Script: Simply write your commands in a text file, save it with the extension .cfg, and place it in the appropriate directory in your game’s installation folder.
Example Script (custom_loadout.cfg)
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GiveItem AlienGrenade 3
SetSoldierArmor GhostArmor Jane Doe
SetSoldierWeapon PlasmaRifle Jane Doe
Executing a Script: You have to open the console and type exec [ScriptName] to run a script.
Example:
bash
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exec custom_loadout.cfg
This way, you can apply complex changes in a hurry, instead of entering each command manually every time.
Combining Commands for Complex Modifications
You can mix console commands together to create more complex modifications. For example, you could combine commands to instantly upgrade your entire squad’s loadout, change some of their stats, and spawn a tougher enemy wave for a custom battle scenario.
Upgrading a Squad:
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GiveResource Meld 500
GiveItem PlasmaRifle 5
SetSoldierStat Aim 95 Jane Doe
SetSoldierStat HP 15 John Doe
Spawning a Custom Enemy Wave:
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Spawn Muton
Spawn Sectoid
Spawn Cyberdisc
The more creative you combine your commands, the more scenarios you can create. Everything from pushing your squad to the limits to the most epic battles is possible!
Reverting Changes
Sometimes there might be occasions, after applying some console commands, when you want to return the game to its original state. There is no direct “undo” command, but if you want, you can reset most changes by applying the reverse of the commands that have been entered.
Removing Resources or Items: If you have given yourself too many resources, you can reduce their number using negative values.
Example:
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GiveResource Elerium -100
Resetting Soldier Stats: To reset a soldier’s stats to base values, you have to manually set them using SetSoldierStat.
Example:
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SetSoldierStat Aim 65 John Doe
SetSoldierStat HP 8 Jane Doe
Removing Abilities: If you’ve given a soldier an ability he or she shouldn’t have, use the RemoveAbility command.
Example:
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RemoveAbility PsiPanic Jane Doe
Reverting Equipment: Just set the soldier’s original gear back using SetSoldierArmor and SetSoldierWeapon.
Example:
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SetSoldierArmor CarapaceArmor John Doe
SetSoldierWeapon AssaultRifle Jane Doe
While enabling you to restore the game to its original state, keep in mind that frequent usage of console commands can lead to unforeseen issues; hence, having backup saves is recommended before implementing major changes.
Conclusion
Being rich in tactical depth and intense gameplay, along with console commands broaden the possibilities of XCOM: Enemy Unknown out there for you to play around with. Should you wish to reduce frustration, test new ways, or build scenarios of your own, console commands empower you to change the very nature of your gaming experience.
This guide explored all manner of commands, from simple resource management and buying items, to highly productive commands such as manipulating mission progress or forcing enemies to spawn. The challenge, satisfaction, and core design philosophy of the game are well and truly tempered if these commands are heavily exploited.
Thus, it remains an option that adds another layer of depth and replayability for those who know how to explore the console commands in XCOM. When you know how to enable, use, and combine these commands, it will be possible to customize the game to your liking and open the door to fresh ways of enjoying one of the best strategy games of this past decade.