Unlike its successor (XCOM 2), XCOM: Enemy Within does not have a native in-game console accessible by default. To input commands, you must first "unlock" the console, typically by modifying the game's initialization files or using a third-party trainer. The commands listed below are based on the standard Unreal Engine 3 debugging console.
Step 4: Launch the Game
Start XCOM: Enemy Within. On the main menu or during a tactical mission, press the tilde key (~) (usually below the Esc key and left of the 1 key).
If you did it correctly, a semi-transparent white text box will slide down from the top of the screen. Congratulations, you’ve unlocked the developer’s toolkit.
B. Base Management & Resources (The "Cheat Engine" Commands)
These work on the Geoscape (the holographic globe view).
| Command | Effect |
| :--- | :--- |
| giveresource credits 5000 | Adds 5,000 Spacebucks to your treasury. Change the number as desired. |
| giveresource alloys 500 | Adds 500 Alien Alloys. Essential for late-game armor. |
| giveresource elyrium 500 | Adds 500 Elerium. (Note: elyrium is the internal spelling, not "Elerium"). |
| giveresource meld 500 | Adds 500 Meld. Go crazy with genetic modifications. |
| givescientist 50 | Adds 50 Scientists to speed up research. |
| giveengineer 50 | Adds 50 Engineers to unlock workshops and satellites. |
| GiveTech [TechName] | Instantly researches a technology. Example: GiveTech "Carapace Armor" |
| GiveFoundryProjects | Unlocks every Foundry upgrade instantly. Your SHIVs will be terrifying. |
Important Warning
Using console commands can break achievements, corrupt saves, or disable Ironman mode progress.
Always save manually before experimenting.