Fallout: New Vegas Console Commands: Your Complete Guide & List

Introduction

Welcome to the vast and vibrant world of *Fallout: New Vegas*, a game that has captivated players with its compelling story, intricate choices, and the freedom to forge your own path across the Mojave Wasteland. From gritty survival to power-hungry ambition, *Fallout: New Vegas* offers an unparalleled role-playing experience, and for PC players, there’s a powerful tool that can further enhance your adventure: the console commands. These hidden commands, often overlooked by casual players, allow you to tweak, adjust, and even bend the game’s rules to your will, offering a deeper layer of customization and control over your journey.

This comprehensive guide will delve into the world of *Fallout: New Vegas console commands*, providing you with everything you need to know, from the basics of opening the console to advanced commands that can significantly alter your gameplay. We will explore the diverse uses of these commands, including fixing frustrating bugs, personalizing your gameplay, and, yes, even a bit of mischievous fun.

Before you embark on this journey, it’s important to understand a fundamental principle: console commands can be a double-edged sword. While they offer tremendous power, they can also introduce instability to the game. Improper use or reckless experimentation could lead to crashes or corrupt your save files. Therefore, approach this guide with care, backup your saves regularly, and always exercise caution when altering your game.

Opening the Gateway: Accessing the Console

The very first step to wielding the power of console commands is knowing how to open the console window itself. Fortunately, it’s a straightforward process. On PC, the console is typically activated by pressing the tilde key (`~`). This key is generally found in the upper-left corner of your keyboard, below the Esc key and to the left of the “1” key. When you press the tilde key, a small, text-based window should appear on your screen. This is your gateway to the *Fallout: New Vegas* console.

In rare instances, the tilde key might not work, often due to variations in keyboard layouts or settings. If the tilde key fails, you might try the grave accent key (`)`, which is usually located on the same area of the keyboard. If neither of those keys works, check your keyboard layout settings in Windows or your preferred operating system to ensure you are using the correct configuration.

Once you are finished using the console, you can close it by pressing the tilde key again. The console will then disappear, and you will return to your game.

Building the Basics: Essential Commands for Beginners

Now, let’s delve into some essential *Fallout: New Vegas console commands* that will prove invaluable as you navigate the post-apocalyptic landscape of the Mojave.

One of the most basic, yet crucial commands, is the `help` command. Typing `help` followed by a command name and (optionally) a level will display information about that command. For example, typing `help player.additem` will present a description of how `player.additem` works, as well as other relevant information. This command is your friend and ally.

Next, we have the god mode command: `tgm`. Simply type `tgm` into the console and press Enter. This command toggles “god mode,” making your character virtually invulnerable to damage and granting them infinite carry weight. This command is especially useful for testing builds, exploring dangerous areas without fear of immediate death, or simply enjoying a more relaxed gameplay experience.

If you find yourself stuck within the geometry of the game world, then use `tcl`. Typing this in the console and pressing enter activates “no-clip” mode. This allows you to pass through walls, objects, and any other physical obstructions. This can save you from being trapped and can be used to get to locations quicker. Be careful, though, as you can also accidentally clip into things you weren’t supposed to.

The `player.additem` command is a powerhouse for managing your inventory. Its basic format is `player.additem [item code] [quantity]`. This is arguably the most important console command in the game, as it allows you to obtain any item you desire. For example, if you want to add a Plasma Rifle to your inventory, you would use the command: `player.additem 00004322 1`, assuming that “00004322” is the correct item code for the Plasma Rifle (remember to double-check the codes!). The second argument is the number of the items that you want to add.

Another useful one is `player.setlevel [level]`. This lets you change your character’s level directly, but is not recommended if you are new to *Fallout: New Vegas*. It’s advisable to save your game before using it, as it can potentially cause some unintended consequences.

If you need to eliminate a particularly troublesome enemy, the `kill` command is your answer. You must target the enemy first by clicking on them with your mouse in the console (after opening it) before typing `kill` and pressing Enter. The enemy will instantly perish. Be careful; you could potentially target friendly NPCs.

Should a character meet an unfortunate end, the `resurrect` command can bring them back to life. Similar to `kill`, you must first target the deceased NPC by clicking on them with your mouse in the console. Then, type `resurrect` and press Enter. Keep in mind that this can also cause unexpected side effects in some instances.

The `coc [cell name]` is a teleportation command that can rapidly move you to any location in the game. For example, if you want to go to Goodsprings, you would use the command: `coc Goodsprings`. You’ll need to know the exact cell name to use this command effectively. This is very handy for those times you need to get somewhere quickly.

Finally, `setgs fJumpFallHeightMin [value]` allows you to change how much damage is taken from falls. The higher the value, the less likely you will take damage from falling. This can be useful for exploring tricky terrain or if you just don’t feel like managing jump heights.

These commands provide a solid foundation for your console command explorations. Remember to always save your game before experimenting, and be sure you enter the commands precisely.

Taking it Further: Advanced Command Mastery

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can elevate your *Fallout: New Vegas console commands* skills with a selection of more advanced options.

When it comes to inventory manipulation, beyond simply adding items, there are the commands `removeitem`, and `equipitem`. The `removeitem [item code] [quantity]` command is the opposite of `player.additem`. It removes items from your inventory. `equipitem [item code]` allows you to immediately equip an item.

For managing your character, you can add perks with `player.addperk [perk code]` and remove them with `player.removeperk [perk code]`. These can be helpful for testing different character builds, or if the game gets you locked into a perk you did not want.

The `player.setav [attribute] [value]` command allows you to directly set the value of an attribute. For instance, `player.setav strength 10` will set your strength to 10. Then, the `player.modav [attribute] [value]` command allows you to modify the value of an attribute. You can increase it with a positive number, or decrease it with a negative number. Finally, `player.forceav [attribute] [value]` will also force the value of the attribute.

If you wish to change your character’s appearance or gender, the `showracemenu` command allows you to alter your character’s race, sex, and appearance. Note that this command can sometimes cause glitches, so save beforehand. `sexchange` changes your character’s gender.

The command `player.setscale [value]` lets you control your character’s size. A value of `1` is the default scale.

To adjust the game’s time, use `set timescale to [value]`. The default value is `30`, with `1` representing real-time. You can use values higher or lower than 30 to speed up or slow down the game’s passage of time.

The command `fov [value]` allows you to change your field of view. A higher value will increase the width of your screen, and a lower value will decrease it.

If you need to unlock something, the `unlock [object ID]` command can remove the lock, provided you target the object. You can also use the `lock [object ID] [lock level]` command to lock a door or container and set the difficulty level.

For quest manipulation, `getstage [quest ID]` displays your current progress in a particular quest. `setstage [quest ID] [stage]` allows you to advance the quest to a specific stage, and `sqs [quest ID]` shows all of the quest stages with their IDs and status. Finally, `resetquest [quest ID]` resets a quest.

Finding Your Keys: Item Codes, NPC IDs, and Location Codes

The effective use of many *Fallout: New Vegas console commands* hinges on knowing the correct IDs for objects, characters, locations, and more. Fortunately, this information is readily available.

The most reliable source is the *Fallout Wiki*. Search for the specific item, NPC, or location you’re interested in, and the wiki will generally provide the appropriate ID. Many other online resources also serve as a repository for these codes. Be sure you trust the website.

Another method is to utilize the game itself. When you open the console, click on an object, NPC, or anything else to select it. The object’s ID will then appear in the console window.

Remember to double-check your IDs. A minor error in an ID can lead to unexpected results.

When Things Go Wrong: Troubleshooting Tips

Even with careful use, you might encounter issues when using *Fallout: New Vegas console commands*. Here are some common problems and solutions:

• Console Not Opening: If the console fails to open, double-check that you are pressing the correct key (usually `~` or “) and have selected the correct input language.
• Commands Not Working: Ensure you are typing the command correctly, including spaces and proper case. Verify that you have the correct ID for the item or target. Try saving and reloading.
• Game Crashes or Instability: Console commands can sometimes cause instability. Save your game before using commands, and avoid excessive or rapid command use. Remove any mods that might be conflicting with the commands.

Balance and Ethics: The Responsible Command User

While *Fallout: New Vegas console commands* can be a lot of fun, it is important to understand the potential impact on the game. Using them without thought can disrupt the game’s balance and potentially diminish the intended gameplay experience.

During your first playthrough, consider using commands sparingly, mostly for fixing bugs or for quality of life improvements. Avoid using them to gain an unfair advantage, such as by adding unlimited resources or skipping the game’s challenges.

By approaching console commands responsibly, you can enhance your *Fallout: New Vegas* experience without sacrificing the challenges and rewards the game has to offer.

Conclusion

*Fallout: New Vegas console commands* empower you to shape your adventure in the Mojave Wasteland. Whether you aim to fix bugs, experiment with character builds, or simply customize your experience, these commands open up a world of possibilities. With a solid understanding of the commands, a willingness to experiment, and a healthy dose of caution, you can turn *Fallout: New Vegas* into a truly personalized journey.

Experiment, explore, and have fun in the Mojave! Remember to save your progress often, and always keep an eye on your game’s stability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get banned for using console commands? No, console commands are part of the game itself and will not get you banned in a single-player experience.

Do console commands disable achievements? No, console commands do not disable achievements in *Fallout: New Vegas*.

What if I break my game with console commands? If you experience problems, the best option is to load a previous save game.

Are there any console commands I should avoid? While there aren’t specific commands that are inherently dangerous, some commands (like those dealing with quests) can lead to problems if used incorrectly. Proceed with caution.

Where can I find the latest item codes? Consult the *Fallout Wiki* or websites like *Nexus Mods* to find item codes. Always cross-reference to verify accuracy.

Can I use console commands on the Xbox or PlayStation? No, console commands are only available on the PC version of *Fallout: New Vegas*.