Kenshi Console Commands and cheats

Kenshi doesn’t include console commands in its base version, a design choice that preserves its notoriously unforgiving sandbox experience. For players who wish to experiment, correct a game-breaking bug, or simply bend the rules after paying their dues in the wasteland, third-party tools are necessary. 

This guide details how to enable and use these tools to modify your Kenshi playthrough.

How to Enable Console Commands in Kenshi (at least some kind  of)

Required Tools

Since Kenshi lacks a built-in command console, you will have to rely on external programs or the game’s own development kit. The most common method involves a trainer, which is essentially a mod that runs alongside the game.

• Primary Method: Mr.Antifun’s Trainer is a widely used tool for this purpose. But now it comes with WeMod installation, go for it if you are ok using WeMod.
• Alternative Tools: The Forgotten Construction Set (FCS) is the official modding tool that allows for detailed save editing. For in-game world manipulation, the In-Game Editor (IGE) lets you place structures and other objects.

Installation Steps

1. Download the Trainer Mod: First, get Mr.Antifun’s Trainer. Always check that the trainer version is compatible with your current version of Kenshi to avoid crashes or unpredictable behavior.
2. Install the Mod: Install the  downloaded file.

3. Activate Trainers: Once in the WeMode interface, you can activate the desired trainers.

Complete List of Kenshi Console Commands

The following commands are common examples found in trainers like Mr.Antifun’s. The exact list and functionality may differ based on your chosen tool.

Command	Effect	Description
godmode	Invincibility	Characters become immune to all forms of damage, including combat, weather, and acid rain.
infiniteweight	No Encumbrance	Removes the carry weight limit, allowing characters to hold an unlimited number of items.
nohunger	Disable Hunger	Your characters no longer need to eat, effectively removing the hunger system.
fastconstruction	Rapid Building	Greatly accelerates the speed at which you construct buildings and machinery.
instantresearch	Instant Tech	Any active research project in your tech tree is completed immediately.
unlimitedmoney	Infinite Money	Grants a massive amount of Cats, removing any economic challenges.
infinitebackpackspace	Unlimited Inventory	Stretches your inventory capacity, allowing for limitless storage in backpacks.
instantmastery	Max Skills	Sets all character skills, such as combat and crafting abilities, to their maximum level.
acquirehashish	Spawn Hashish	Adds hashish to your inventory, a lucrative but illegal trade good.
infinitehealth	Unlimited HP	Keeps character health at its maximum value, preventing them from being downed or killed.
raisethedead	Resurrect NPCs	Can bring dead NPCs back to life, though this can sometimes have buggy outcomes.
fishmen	Toggle Fishmen	Reportedly controls the spawning or presence of the Fishmen faction.
instantbuddies	Spawn Allies	Creates friendly NPCs who will follow and defend you.

Experimental Commands

Some trainers list commands with obscure names and unverified effects. Use these with extreme caution, as their function is not guaranteed and they may destabilize your game. Or just use them and have fun! 😊

Command	Effect	Description
hangontothepast	Unknown	The function is undocumented. It may relate to game timers or world states.
ohhowtheturntable	Unknown	Could potentially invert faction relations or trigger other dramatic world changes.
runningandselling	Unknown	This might influence character movement speed or trade-related mechanics.

Alternative Methods: FCS and IGE

For those who prefer a more controlled or less invasive approach than live trainers, the official modding tools provide another avenue for modification.

Forgotten Construction Set (FCS)

The FCS is Kenshi’s own modding toolkit, launched from the game’s folder in your Steam library. Instead of injecting commands live, it allows you to edit your save files directly.

You can surgically alter character stats, change faction relations, add money, and place items in inventories. 

These changes are made by opening your specific save file within the FCS and altering character or world data directly.

• Adjusting Faction Relations: Locate your save file’s faction data. By finding the relationSID for a specific faction, you can then modify your standing with them from -100 to 100, turning rivals into allies or vice-versa.
• Altering Life & Death States: Within a character’s MEDICAL_STATE, you can resurrect a dead character by setting their death value to false and restoring their flesh value. Conversely, you can instantly kill any NPC by setting their death value to true and flesh to 0.
• Direct Stat & Skill Modification: You can edit any character’s stats and skills by finding their entry in your save file. This allows for instant mastery by setting values to a desired level (capping at 100 to prevent issues) or creating god-like regeneration by setting health-related stats to extreme numbers.
• Editing Player Wealth: Player money is stored in an unusual place. In your save file’s “Changes List,” open the “Camera” entry to directly edit the amount of Cats your faction possesses.
• Modifying Hunger Values: A character’s hunger can be managed by editing their MEDICAL_STATE. The primary hunger value ranges from 0-3 (representing 0-300 in-game), while the NU value controls the regeneration rate..
• Creating Custom Game Starts: The FCS allows you to build a new game start from scratch. You can define a custom squad, assign specific gear, set starting funds, and establish initial faction relations for a tailored beginning.
• Creating Custom Items: You can create a new mod to alter existing items. For example, to create a backpack with immense capacity, you can modify its “Stackable Bonus” values to a high number. This new item must then be acquired in-game.
• Modifying Global XP Rates: In the global game settings within the FCS, you can adjust the experience multipliers for any race. This will affect how quickly skills are learned, but be aware that it applies to all characters of that race, including enemies.
• Duplicating Unique Items: You can multiply rare items, such as Meitou-grade weapons. To do this, acquire the unique weapon, store it in a chest at your base, and then import your save. The weapon will remain in your chest, while the boss who originally carried it will be reset and have another copy.

This method is often more stable than trainers and offers a granular level of control for players who want to fine-tune their game world without activating god-like powers in real-time. Check out Shidan’s save editing guide for more info

In-Game Editor (IGE)

The IGE shares some functions with the FCS but is primarily used for building and world modification from within the game. It allows you to place buildings and objects without needing the required resources and bypass many construction limitations. 

Press Shift + F12 while in the game to open Kenshi In-Game Editor

This is less a “cheat” tool and more of a creative or town-planning utility.

Cheat Engine Integration

A Fearless Revolution cheat table enables stat manipulation (e.g., strength, dexterity) by modifying memory addresses. You can find more detailed instructions on the cheat engine website.

To use:

1. Install Cheat Engine and load the .CT file.
2. Attach the process to kenshi_x64.exe.
3. Adjust values for desired effects (e.g., health, currency).

Best Practices for Using Kenshi Console Commands

Safety and Compatibility

Before you begin, always back up your save data. Test new commands on a disposable character or a separate save file to understand their effects without risking your main playthrough. Ensure your trainer is compatible with your game version, especially after a new patch, and be aware that conflicts with other mods can arise. If you encounter issues, refer to the mod’s documentation or community forums for support.

Maintaining Gameplay Balance

Using these tools can fundamentally alter Kenshi’s core design. While cheats can be useful for testing character builds, overcoming a particularly frustrating bug, or setting up a specific scenario, overuse can quickly diminish the sense of accomplishment. Kenshi’s appeal often lies in its challenge and the stories that emerge from struggle. Consider using commands to solve specific problems rather than to remove all difficulty, as a world without consequence can become uninteresting.

Troubleshooting Console Command Issues

If you run into problems, here are a few common fixes to try.

• Game Crashes: A crash is a serious sign of instability. Immediately revert to a backup save from before you started using commands. A mod conflict or an outdated trainer is the most likely culprit.
• Mod Conflicts: To isolate the source of a problem, try disabling all other mods temporarily. If the commands work, you can re-enable your other mods one by one to find the conflict.
• Game Version: Double-check game and trainer versions. They should be compatible 

These tools offer a way to reshape the sands of Kenshi to your liking. They can be used to create new narratives, bypass frustrating mechanics, or simply to see how the world ticks. Whether you use them for surgical adjustments with the FCS or for raw power with a trainer, remember that Kenshi’s soul is in its struggle, so modify the experience thoughtfully.

Check out my guide on how to use import game in Kenshi, have fun cheating! 😂