Starfield console commands are developer debugging tools built into the PC version of the game that let you modify nearly everything, from adding items and credits to changing your character’s traits, skipping quests, and even spawning ships. You open the console by pressing the tilde (~) key, type a command, and press Enter to apply it. Below is a complete guide to the most useful commands, how to enable them, and what to watch out for.
What Are Starfield Console Commands?
Console commands are a legacy feature in Bethesda games, present in Skyrim, Fallout 4, and now Starfield. They are text-based instructions that the game engine executes in real time. In Starfield, they allow you to do things that are otherwise impossible or extremely time-consuming, such as giving yourself 100,000 credits, unlocking all research projects, or changing your character’s name and appearance after you’ve started playing.
The commands work only on the PC version of the game. The Xbox Series X/S version does not have a console, and there is no official way to enable it on consoles without modding the system itself. On PC, the console is always available, even during gameplay, and it pauses the game while open.
How to Open and Use the Console
To open the console, press the tilde key (~), located just below the Esc key on most keyboards. If that doesn’t work, try the backtick key (`) or the single quote key (') depending on your keyboard layout. The console will appear as a semi-transparent overlay at the bottom of the screen.
Once open, you can type commands directly. You can also click on objects, NPCs, or your ship to select them, which is required for commands like kill or setvalue. After typing a command, press Enter to execute it. To close the console, press the tilde key again.
Here are the basic steps:
- Press
~to open the console. - Type a command (e.g.,
player.additem 0000000F 1000). - Press Enter to apply it.
- Press
~again to close the console and resume gameplay.
Note that the game does not pause when you open the console during a dialog or a space battle, so be careful. Also, some commands may require you to be in a specific context, like being in space to spawn a ship.
Essential Commands: Items, Credits, and Stats
The most commonly used commands fall into three categories: adding items, changing stats, and teleporting. Here are the essential ones with examples:
- Add credits:
player.additem 0000000F 50000– adds 50,000 credits. The ID0000000Fis the universal credit code. - Add a specific item:
player.additem [itemID] [quantity]– e.g.,player.additem 0000000F 1for one credit, orplayer.additem 0021F7C3 1for a specific weapon (you need the correct ID). - Add all research projects:
player.addperk [perkID]– not all perks can be added this way, but research projects are unlocked viaplayer.additemwith the right quest items. - Change player level:
player.setlevel 50– sets your character to level 50. - Set a skill rank:
player.setav [skill] [rank]– e.g.,player.setav lockpicking 4to max out lockpicking. - Unlock all skills:
player.addperk [perkID]– but you need the correct perk IDs, which are not easy to find.
For item IDs, you can use the help command to search. For example, typing help "Ammo" 4 will list all items with “Ammo” in their name, along with their IDs. This is the most reliable way to find specific items without an external database.
Quest Commands: Skipping or Fixing Missions
If a quest is bugged or you want to skip ahead, you can use quest commands. The most useful are:
player.sqs [questID]– shows the current stage of a quest.player.setstage [questID] [stage]– sets a quest to a specific stage. For example,player.setstage 000139B0 100(this is a generic example; use the actual quest ID).player.completequest [questID]– instantly completes a quest.player.resetquest [questID]– resets a quest to its beginning.
To find a quest ID, use help "quest name" 0 to search. Be careful: skipping stages can break quests if you skip a required trigger. Always save before using quest commands.
Ship and Outpost Commands
Starfield’s space and outpost systems also have console commands. You can spawn ships, modify your ship’s stats, or instantly build outpost items.
- Spawn a ship:
player.placeatme [shipBaseID]– this spawns a ship near you, but it may not be controllable. A better way is to usehelp "ship" 4to find ship IDs, then useplayer.additem [shipID] 1to add it to your fleet (if that works). - Set ship speed:
player.setav speedmult 500– makes your ship faster in space. - Add outpost resources:
player.additem [resourceID] [amount]– same as items, but you need resource IDs (e.g., iron is000057F7). - Unlock all outpost blueprints:
player.addperk [perkID]– again, perk IDs are needed.
For ships, the most reliable method is to use the help command to find the ship’s base ID, then use player.placeatme to spawn a copy. However, this may not give you ownership. A safer approach is to use the setstage command on the ship-related quests to unlock ships through normal gameplay.
Cheat Codes vs. Console Commands: What’s the Difference?
Many players ask if console commands are the same as cheat codes. They are not. Cheat codes are usually predefined sequences that the developer intentionally includes (like the Konami code). Console commands are raw engine commands that are always present in the game’s code. They are not officially supported, meaning Bethesda does not provide a list or guarantee they won’t cause issues. However, they are not considered cheating by the game itself – using them does not disable achievements on PC, unlike in some other games.
Another common misconception is that console commands are only for cheating. In reality, they are often used to fix bugs, like when a quest item doesn’t spawn or a door won’t open. For example, if a key item is missing, you can use player.additem [itemID] 1 to get it. This is a legitimate troubleshooting method.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
Using console commands can cause issues if you’re not careful. Here are the most common problems and how to avoid them:
- Game crashes: Some commands, especially those that spawn many objects or change global variables, can crash the game. Always save before using a command.
- Broken quests: Skipping quest stages can lock you out of future content. Only use
setstageif you know the correct stage number. - Character corruption: Changing your character’s appearance or name after starting can cause issues with some NPCs. Use
showlooksmenu playerto change appearance, but be aware that it may reset your character’s face. - Achievements: On Steam, using console commands does not disable achievements. However, if you use mods that enable achievements, they might interact oddly.
- Incorrect IDs: Using a wrong ID can give you a different item or nothing at all. Always use
helpto verify IDs.
If you break something, you can often fix it by reloading a save. The game autosaves frequently, so you can always revert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do console commands disable achievements in Starfield?
No, on PC, using console commands does not disable achievements. This is different from some other games. However, if you use third-party mods, they might affect achievements.
Can I use console commands on Xbox?
No, the console is only available on PC. Xbox players cannot access it without modifying their system, which is not recommended and may void warranties.
How do I find item IDs?
Use the help command in the console. For example, type help "credits" 4 to find credit IDs. You can also search online databases, but they may be incomplete.
What is the command to give myself infinite ammo?
There is no direct infinite ammo command. You can use player.additem [ammoID] 9999 to give yourself a large amount. To find the ammo ID, use help "ammo" 4.
Can I use console commands to get a specific ship?
Yes, but it’s tricky. Use help "ship name" 4 to find the ship’s base ID, then player.placeatme [baseID] to spawn it. However, you may not be able to pilot it. A better method is to use quest commands to unlock the ship through the story.
Will console commands affect my save file permanently?
Yes, the changes are saved. If you add items, they stay. If you change a quest stage, it’s permanent. Always save before using commands so you can revert if needed.
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