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.
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How to Enable Console Commands in Kenshi
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
- 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.
- Install the Mod: Install the downloaded file.
- Activate Trainers: Once in the WeMode interface, you can activate the desired trainers.
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.
Core IGE Functions:
- Moving Objects: Click an object (a building, a rock, even a person) and use the move/rotate gizmos to reposition it.
- Placing Buildings: Click the ‘Buildings’ button. A list of all structures will appear. Select one (e.g., ‘Stationhouse’) and click on the ground to place it. You don’t need materials.
- Fixing Things: If your characters are stuck, you can open the editor, click ‘Fix Stuff’ and it will often resolve common bugs.
- The Navmesh Tool: If you build a new town, NPCs won’t know how to walk around. Click ‘Navmesh’ then ‘Regenerate Sector’ to make the AI understand your new layout.
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.
How to Spawn Items?
Kenshi doesn’t have a simple spawnitem command. Instead, you use the built-in editor to create items through containers.
This is the fastest method for getting any item in the game.
- Open the Editor: In-game, press Shift + F12. The world will pause, and an editing panel will appear.
- Select the Building Tool: Click the “Buildings” button on the left panel.
- Choose a Container: From the dropdown list, select an item container. A “Storage Chest” is the best choice as it can hold anything.
- Place the Container: Click on the ground near your character to place the chest.
- Exit the Editor: Press Shift + F12 again to close the editor and resume the game.
- Add Your Items: You can now open the chest like any other. In its inventory panel, there will be a button or dropdown menu that allows you to add any item in the game to its inventory. Simply select what you want and take it.
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:
- Install Cheat Engine and load the .CT file.
- Attach the process to kenshi_x64.exe.
- 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! 😂
Import Game In KenshiCommon Questions About Console Commands
To access the in-game editor, press Shift + F12. Be aware that this is a modding tool for world editing, not a traditional command console designed for cheats.
If options in the Shift + F12 menu don’t produce results, it’s because this is a development tool that requires specific knowledge to use. For most cheats, you will need to use external trainers or edit game files directly with the Forgotten Construction Set (FCS).
You can use the Shift + F12 editor to place items, but to avoid them being flagged as stolen, you must be inside a building you own. For a more direct method, use a community-made trainer like WeMod or edit your save file with the FCS.
To teleport, open the editor with Shift + F12. Position the camera where you want to go, save the game, and then reload it with the “reset squad positions” box checked. Note that this will teleport your entire squad to the camera’s location.
The primary method for editing stats is using the Forgotten Construction Set (FCS). Open your save file in the FCS, navigate to your character’s data, and manually edit the skill values. It is not recommended to set stats above 100, as this can cause stability issues.
The FCS is Kenshi’s main tool for modding and save editing. To use it for cheats, navigate to your save folder (typically located at Users/[Username]/AppData/Local/Kenshi/save), open your save, and locate your character’s data to edit it. Always back up your save file to avoid corruption.
If you experience issues with third-party trainers like WeMod, try launching the game through Steam first. After the game is running, you can then launch and activate the trainer. This often resolves activation and stability problems.
While there’s no simple console command, you can achieve this through mods like “Zatoichi, the last samurai” which provides massive health regeneration, or by using trainers that offer unlimited health options.
