Accessing the Power: Opening the Console
In the desolate landscapes of the Mojave Wasteland, where survival is a daily struggle and choices have lasting consequences, one tool stands ready to bend the rules of reality itself: the console. In the critically acclaimed role-playing game *Fallout: New Vegas*, a command console grants players unprecedented control over their experience. Whether you’re seeking to overcome a persistent glitch, inject a touch of creative customization, or simply tip the scales in your favor against the odds, mastering the console commands can elevate your journey through the post-apocalyptic world. This article dives deep into the world of *Fallout: New Vegas* console commands, providing a comprehensive guide to get you started, troubleshoot issues, and unlock the full potential of the game.
Before embarking on your journey of modification, you must first learn how to access the tool itself. The process is quite simple but crucial for executing any command. In *Fallout: New Vegas*, the console is opened by pressing a single, unassuming key. The key you need is typically the tilde key (`~`). It’s located in the top left corner of most standard keyboards, right below the Escape key.
However, be aware that the location of the tilde key can vary depending on your keyboard layout. If you’re having trouble finding it, check the key directly below Esc. Once pressed, a small window containing a prompt will appear at the top of your screen. This is the console, and it’s your gateway to wielding significant influence over the game. With this window open, you are ready to input your commands.
Essential First Steps: Basic Console Commands
Once you’ve opened the console, you’ll need to understand some fundamental commands to get started. These core commands will serve as your bread and butter, providing the foundational building blocks for nearly any interaction you want to have.
The first command you should become acquainted with is the `help` command. Typing `help [command/keyword] [level]` and pressing Enter will display information about a specific command or keyword. For example, if you want to know how to use the “player.additem” command, type `help additem` into the console. If you are looking for items such as guns, typing `help gun 4` would return a list of all guns. The level parameter provides a certain level of filtering. This allows you to find commands and information more easily.
Next up, is how to acquire items. The `player.additem [item ID] [quantity]` command is your primary tool for acquiring anything you desire. You’ll need to know the item’s ID, a unique code that identifies each object in the game. For example, to grant yourself five stimpaks, you would type `player.additem 0002386e 5`. To remove an item, use `player.removeitem [item ID] [quantity]`. To remove five stimpaks, type `player.removeitem 0002386e 5`.
Adjusting your character’s level is also important to have the correct stats to get the most out of the game. Use `player.setlevel [level]` to jump to a particular level. To set your level to 20, simply type `player.setlevel 20`. Be careful about setting the level too high as this can cause the game to freeze and potentially corrupt a save file.
You’ll want to modify your skills and character attributes. The `player.modav [attribute/skill] [value]` command allows you to modify attributes and skills. Attributes are things like Strength, Perception, Endurance, Charisma, Intelligence, Agility, and Luck. Skills are things like Speech, Barter, Repair, Medicine, Science, Survival, etc. You would type `player.modav strength 10` to add ten points to your Strength, for example.
For speedy travel, `coc [cell ID/location name]` is your friend. This command immediately teleports you to a designated location. For example, `coc GoodspringsSchoolhouse` will transport you to the Goodsprings schoolhouse.
Sometimes, you need the freedom to move without constraint. The `tcl` command toggles collision on and off. Type `tcl` to walk through walls and other objects. Use it again to restore collision detection.
If you are a content creator and need to take screenshots, use `tm` to toggle menus. This hides the HUD, the heads up display, giving you a clean screen for screenshots. Type `tm` to turn the heads up display off and again to turn it back on.
For those moments when you need to survive, the `tgm` command enters god mode. This provides invincibility and unlimited ammunition. Type `tgm` in the console, press enter, and you will be invincible. Type it again to turn it off.
Finally, to make the wasteland yours, use `kill` to instantly remove a targeted NPC or creature from existence.
You can also bring them back with `resurrect [optional: form ID]` which revives a targeted NPC or creature.
Crafting Your Avatar: Item and Character Manipulation
Mastering the console opens the doors to extensive customization. Whether it’s crafting a perfectly geared character or acquiring that elusive weapon, here’s a more in-depth look at character and item manipulation.
Let’s go over more on item manipulation. The `player.additem [item ID] [quantity]` command is perhaps the most commonly used command. The possibilities are endless, from a small sum of caps to the rarest of weapons and armor. If you are searching for caps, you can try `player.additem 0000000f 1000` to give yourself 1000 caps. Be sure to research the item ID of the items you want as this is required for the command to work.
To remove an item from your inventory use the `player.removeitem [item ID] [quantity]` command.
For equipping weapons, armor, and apparel, use the `player.equipitem [item ID]` command.
For character customization, the `player.setav [attribute] [value]` command allows you to directly set the value of an attribute. Type in the attribute name, then the numerical value. For example, typing `player.setav strength 10` sets your strength to 10. Similarly, you can also use `player.forceav [skill] [value]` command to set the skills.
The `showracemenu` command allows you to completely customize your character’s appearance after character creation. This means that you can change your hair, face, and any other visual aspect of your character. You can also use the command `sexchange` if you would like to change the gender of your character.
The ability to set the combat skill scaling to the level you prefer is possible with the console. `player.setgs fCombatSkillScaling 1` will change it to your preference. You can use `player.setgs fBarterSkillScaling 1` to change the barter skill scaling if you wish.
Mastering the Wasteland: World and Gameplay Commands
Beyond personal customization, the console can be employed to manipulate the game world itself. You can control the environment and the very fabric of your experience.
You already have the ability to travel anywhere with the `coc [location ID/cell name]` command. Some useful locations that are most helpful for getting around are Goodsprings, the Lucky 38, and the Mojave Outpost.
If you want to find locations, you can use `tmm [1 or 0] [1]` to toggle map markers. This will reveal the undiscovered areas and points of interest on your map. `tmm 1 1` will make all map markers visible. `tmm 0 1` will hide them.
Another great command that makes gameplay easier is `set timescale to [value]`. This changes the rate at which time passes in the game. The default value is 30, which means one in-game hour passes every two real-world minutes. Changing the value can alter the speed of the game, depending on how you enjoy playing the game.
`tdetect` helps with stealth builds. This toggles detection. If you’re in stealth mode, no one will see you. If you’re in the open, everyone sees you. `stopcombat` will stop combat if you are trying to reset an encounter, and `caqs` completes all quests.
Advanced Commands and Troubleshooting: Diving Deeper
The console offers far more sophisticated options. Learn more on the object manipulation. The ability to target an object in the game world and access its specific object ID can be incredibly useful. Simply open the console, click on the desired object, and its ID will appear in the console prompt.
You can use the `set [variable] to [value]` to set the value of variables such as the quest stage. If a quest has glitched and you have to advance it, you can do so with this command. Use `getglobal [variable]` to get the current value of a global variable.
You may experience issues when using console commands. These are some common issues and solutions:
Game Crashes: Incorrect command syntax, or attempting to manipulate the game in ways that are unsupported, can cause crashes.
Commands Not Working: Verify that you have entered the command correctly and that the command is not specific to another game.
Character Being Glitched: In some instances, console commands can result in characters that have been teleported, stuck in walls, or display other strange behavior.
Always save your game before using console commands. Backup your save files to avoid corrupted files. Also, check the syntax and the item IDs before pressing enter on your commands.
Unlocking the Treasures: Finding Item and Object IDs
To maximize the effectiveness of console commands, you need to find the correct item and object IDs. One method is to use the `help` command in conjunction with keywords.
Online resources such as the Fallout Wiki and dedicated FNV databases are extremely useful. They usually contain extensive lists of IDs for items, objects, and locations.
Important Notes and Warnings
Console commands should be used with caution, as they are not officially supported. Always save your game before using console commands, and be prepared for unexpected results. Using commands incorrectly can potentially break your game, leading to crashes or save corruption.
Be aware that some console commands may disable achievements. Furthermore, while console commands offer a way to circumvent difficult situations, overuse can diminish the intended challenge of the game.
A World of Possibilities
The console commands are a fantastic resource that allow players to truly make the game their own. From minor tweaks to major overhauls, *Fallout: New Vegas* console commands empower players to explore, experiment, and uncover the many secrets hidden within the post-apocalyptic world. Use them wisely, have fun, and enjoy the endless potential this feature brings to your gaming experience.
