Do you want a specific event to start, or want to test out some game theory ideas, or do you just want to cheat? Well, this Stellaris guide on how to use console commands is the one for you.
Console commands allow players to meddle with the game in a wide variety of ways. It is a great tool for developers and mod creators to test their work. Most average players use it to get an unfair advantage or to power through a bug.
Recommended Read: How to Get Minor Artifacts in Stellaris
This guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to use console commands in Stellaris.
To use console commands in Stellaris, you need to open the command interface using the tilde “`” key. After that, simply type in the key you wish to use and hit enter. The action is then triggered, and the game will carry out the command you gave it.
Table of Contents
How to Use Console Commands in Stellaris
Console commands can help you do almost anything within the confines of the game, of course.
Want to spawn all the end-game crises at once? Go nuts. Want to make every AI empire say yes to your proposals, no matter how wild they are? Go right ahead.
Console commands will only ever work in non-ironman, single-player games. So, if you were thinking of trolling your friends with them, you are out of luck.
Every possible console command is not covered in this guide. There is a list of the most useful ones at the end.
If you are looking for a very niche command, such as spawning a specific event or unlocking a game feature, the best place to go is the Stellaris Wiki. There, you will find a definitive list of almost every command there is.
Using the Debugging Window
Before you can enter any console commands, you first need to open a special window in the game called the debugging window. This is also sometimes called the command interface.
By default, and assuming that you are using a QWERTY keyboard, the standard shortcut is the tilde “`” key. If that doesn’t work, try pressing Shift + Alt + C.
You will know it has worked as a translucent box will appear on the top left hand of your screen.
In the event that none of those commands worked, check if you are in an ironman game. If that is the case, you will not be able to use console commands on that save file.
Many of the commands in the game require the input of a numerical ID. Every asset in the game has an ID, and to edit that asset with the debugging window, you will need to know that specific ID.
The first command we will learn is the debug tooltip command. Simply type debugtooltip and hit enter. This will now display the ID of any asset that you hover over with your mouse.
You now pretty much know everything you need to know about console commands. It is as simple as typing the command in, adding ad ID if required, and hitting enter.
IDs for quests, special characters, or events are on the Stellaris Wiki.
List of the Most Helpful Stellaris Console Commands
A table of the most helpful Stellaris commands is provided here for your convenience.
While this list is not exhaustive, it contains everything you would want to know when getting started with the debugging window.
| Command | What it Does | Example |
|---|---|---|
| cash [amount] | Adds 500 energy credits. You can add a value after cash to obtain a specific amount | cash 7500 |
| communications | Adds communications with all empires | communications |
| research_all_technologies | Unlocks all non-repeatable technologies. You can add a one at the end to add crisis and creature techs. Add another number after that to unlock to that tier of repeatable techs | Research_all_technologies 1 7 |
| resource [good] [amount] | Adds an amount of a specific resource. If no amount is entered the default is 5000. Use an underscore if the resource is two words e.g. consumer_goods | Resource alloys 1234 |
| event [event id] | Spawns a specific event, such as an end-game crisis or a machine uprising | event anomaly.95 |
| create_megastructure [megastructure id] | Zoom into a specific system and enter this command to receive an instant megastructure. Pressing tab after entering create_megastructure will reveal all structure IDs | Create_megastructure think_tank_4 |
| damage [amount] | First, select a fleet, then enter this command. All ships in that fleet will take the amount entered in hull damage | damage [250] |
| activate_all_traditions | Unlocks every tradition for your empire | activate_all_traditions |
| ai | Switches the AI off | ai |
| build_pops [amount] | Creates the specified amount of pops on a planet that you have selected. Will not work on non-colonized planets | build_pops 12 |
| colonize [pop id] | Begins the colonization process on a selected planet, as if you had sent a colony ship containing the pop with the assigned ID. Find the ID by using the debug tooltip from earlier in the guide | colonize 24 |
| contact | Begins first contact with all empires within the galaxy | contact |
| annex [empire id] | Take over an entire empire with this simple command. Find the empire ID by hovering over the target empire’s flag | annex 13 |
| debug_yesmen | AI empires will always agree to any proposals you send | debug_yesmen |
| intel | Removes fog of war | intel |
| effect force_add_civic = [civic name] | Will add a civic to the player empire. Use underscores instead of spaces when entering the civic name. Invalid civics will not work | effect force_add_civic = vaults_of_knowledge |
| add_trait_leader [leader id] [trait name] | Adds a trait to any leader in the game. Find the leader ID by hovering over their image | add_trait_leader 26 disorder |
| max_resources | Fills all resources to their storage capacity | max_resources |
| invincible | Ships will take no damage | invincible |
You can deactivate a persistent effect, such as yes men, by re-entering it into the debugging menu.
This is everything you need to know about how to use console commands in Stellaris.
If you have any questions or suggestions for this guide, please let us know in the comments section below. As always, have fun abusing the console commands in Stellaris.
