All Civilization 7 console commands and cheats

Introduction to Civilization 7 Console Commands

Civilization 7 is a game that offers a wealth of intricate features and mechanics, allowing you to customize and tailor your civilization to your heart’s content. However, for those looking to delve even deeper, the game provides a series of console commands and cheats that can give you a significant advantage or simply help you explore different aspects of gameplay. These commands are not as widely known as other in-game features, but they can be incredibly useful. To access these commands, you’ll need to enable the debug menu, a process that involves a bit of file manipulation. While it is relatively straightforward, it’s important to back up your files to avoid any unintended consequences. This guide will walk you through how to enable the console commands and list some of the most useful options available.

Enabling the Debug Menu

Enabling the debug menu in Civilization 7 is a crucial first step to accessing console commands. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Navigate to the Game Directory: Open File Explorer and navigate to C: > Users > AppData > Local > Firaxis Games > Sid Meier’s Civilization VII.
Edit the AppOptions.txt File: Locate the AppOptions.txt file in this directory. Right-click it and choose "Open with" and select Notepad.
Modify the File: Scroll down to the line that reads ;EnableDebugPanels -1 and change it to EnableDebugPanels 1. Make sure to remove the semicolon at the beginning of the line, as this is crucial for the commands to work.
Save and Launch the Game: Save the changes you’ve made to the file and close Notepad. Then, launch Civilization 7 as you normally would.

By following these steps, you should be able to access the debug menu without any issues. Once you have the game open, press the ~ key on your keyboard to bring up the console. You’ll see a list of various game options, including both technical settings and useful gameplay enhancements.

Exploring the Console Commands

Once the debug menu is enabled, you’ll find a range of console commands at your disposal. Here are the four most useful commands and how to use them:

Force Age Transition: This command is located in the UI section under the Gameplay option. Activating it allows you to instantly skip to the next age, bypassing the normal requirements and progression. This can be particularly handy if you want to test out different strategies or technologies in a specific era without waiting through the usual development cycles.
Reveal All: Found in the Map section under the Debug option, this command reveals the entire map to you, including all hidden resources, enemy movements, and other strategic elements. It’s an incredibly powerful tool for understanding the game’s landscape and ensuring you have a comprehensive view of your surroundings.
Explore All: Also in the Map section under the Debug option, this command reveals the entire map but leaves some mystery intact. Unlike "Reveal All," it doesn’t show everything on the map, such as specific resources or enemy positions. This is a great option if you want to explore the map without spoiling all the surprises.
Enable FOW: This option, also found in the Map section under the Debug option, controls the Fog of War mechanic. You can disable or enable the fog that shrouds unexplored areas, which can be useful for strategic planning or for a more immersive gameplay experience.

The Benefits of Using Console Commands

Utilizing console commands in Civilization 7 can significantly enrich your gaming experience. Here are some of the key benefits:

Enhanced Strategy: By revealing the full map or exploring all areas, you gain a broader perspective of the game world. This can help you make more informed decisions about where to settle cities, which resources to prioritize, and how to navigate potential threats.
Time-Saving: The "Force Age Transition" command can save you hours of gameplay by allowing you to skip to the next age quickly. This is especially useful if you’re testing out new strategies or if you’re stuck in a particular era.
Problem-Solving: If you encounter bugs or issues during gameplay, some console commands can help you troubleshoot and fix problems more efficiently.
Customization: For modders and advanced players, console commands provide a way to tweak and customize the game to your liking. This can include adjusting game speed, modifying AI behaviors, and more.

However, it’s important to use these commands judiciously. Overusing them can diminish the challenge and satisfaction of the game. It’s best to use them sparingly and for specific purposes to maintain the integrity of your gameplay experience.

The Risks and Precautions

While the console commands can be highly beneficial, there are a few risks and precautions to keep in mind:

File Corruption: Manipulating game files can sometimes lead to corruption or errors. Always back up your saved games and the AppOptions.txt file before making any changes.
Game Balance: Using commands like "Reveal All" or "Force Age Transition" can disrupt the balance of the game. This might make certain challenges too easy or too hard, depending on how you use them.
Multiplayer: Console commands are not supported in multiplayer games. Using them in such settings can result in your disconnection or other issues.

To mitigate these risks, it’s a good practice to use the commands in single-player mode and to only apply them when necessary. Additionally, you can always revert the changes you made to the AppOptions.txt file if you decide to disable the debug menu.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

For players looking to maximize the utility of console commands, here are a few advanced tips and tricks:

Testing New Strategies: Use the "Force Age Transition" command to quickly test out new strategies or technologies in different eras. This can help you refine your gameplay approach and discover what works best for you.
Resource Management: With "Reveal All," you can identify all available resources on the map and plan your city’s development accordingly. This can give you a strategic edge over AI opponents who might not have the same level of information.
Exploration Without Spoilers: If you’re a fan of the exploration aspect of the game but want to see the full map, use the "Explore All" command. This will allow you to explore without revealing every detail, maintaining some of the mystery and excitement.
Disabling Fog of War: The "Enable FOW" command can be particularly useful in the early game stages when visibility is limited. Disabling the fog can help you make more informed decisions about where to build and how to expand.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In summary, Civilization 7’s console commands offer a wealth of opportunities to enhance and customize your gameplay experience. Whether you’re looking to save time, gain a strategic advantage, or simply explore the game world in more detail, these commands can be incredibly useful. However, it’s essential to use them responsibly to avoid disrupting the game’s balance and to back up your files to prevent any unintended issues. By understanding how to enable and use these commands effectively, you can take your Civilization 7 experience to the next level, making it both more enjoyable and more challenging.