Mastering Witcher 3: Unlock and Use Console Commands on PC

Introduction

Console commands in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offer a direct way to tweak gameplay, unlock items, or just have fun without grinding. While the original game only supports these cheats on the PC version, they can grant you anything from infinite gold and instant travel to weather changes and full Gwent decks. However, activating the console takes a one-time configuration change; after that, a simple keystroke opens the command window. This guide walks you through every step, from preparing your game files to using specific commands safely.

What You Need

• A PC copy of The Witcher 3 – Console commands are not available on consoles.
• Administrator access – To edit game configuration files.
• A text editor – Notepad works; avoid word processors that add formatting.
• Basic comfort editing .ini files – It’s simple, but double‑check changes to avoid crashes.
• Optional: a backup of the original config file – In case something goes wrong.

Step‑by‑Step Guide to Enabling and Using Console Commands

Step 1: Locate the Game’s Configuration File

Navigate to the folder where your Witcher 3 installation saves local settings. The typical path is:

Documents\The Witcher 3\ on Windows. Inside, you’ll find a file named input.settings. This file controls keyboard and controller bindings, and it’s where we’ll enable the console.

Step 2: Edit the input.settings File

Open input.settings with your text editor. Scroll down until you see the [Exploration] section (or a similar section named after gameplay states). Look for a line that reads:

IK_Home=(Action=OpenConsole)

If it exists, it’s already mapped to the Home key. If not, add the line under the appropriate section. Save the file.

Tip: Some mod managers or older versions require you to also add the line under [Combat] and [Dialogue] for the console to work in all situations. Add the same line to those sections if needed.

Step 3: (Optional) Edit the General Config for Extra Commands

In the same directory, open general.ini if it exists, or create it. Add the following lines:

[Developer]

EnableCheats=1

This unlocks developer‑only commands like god mode. Not strictly required, but recommended.

Step 4: Launch the Game and Open the Console

Start The Witcher 3 and load any save or start anew. Press the ~ (tilde) key (usually above Tab) or the Home key, depending on your mapping. A small text box should appear at the top of the screen. If it doesn’t, double‑check the input.settings edits or try a different key (F2 and Insert also work for some).

Step 5: Input Console Commands

Type your desired command and press Enter. Commands are case‑sensitive. Below are the most useful ones, grouped by function.

Money, Items, and Stats

• addmoney(amount) – Adds the specified number of crowns. Example: addmoney(5000)
• additem('item_name') – Adds any item by its internal ID. For instance, additem('gwint_karta_111') adds a specific Gwent card.
• addabl('AbilityName') – Unlocks a skill or ability.

Travel and World

• xy(x,y) – Teleports Geralt to the given coordinates. Use getcoordinates() to find your current location.
• changeweather('weather_id') – Switches to rain, snow, sunny, etc. IDs include GW_PL_RAIN, GW_PL_SNOW, GW_PL_SUNNY.

Gwent and Challenges

• addgwintcards() – Unlocks all Gwent cards.
• winGwint(1) – Force‑win a Gwent match.

Visuals and Debug

• makeup() – Cycle through haircut and beard styles without visiting a barber.
• healme() – Full health restoration.

For a complete list of internal IDs and commands, refer to community wikis – they’re too numerous to list here.

Tips and Warnings

• Save before experimenting – Some commands can corrupt your save, especially adding items with wrong IDs.
• Achievements may be disabled – Using console commands can prevent achievements from unlocking. If you care about them, use commands sparingly or back up your save beforehand.
• Case sensitivity matters – Commands and IDs must be typed exactly as in the list; otherwise they won’t work or may crash the game.
• Use the console only in single‑player – There’s no online mode, but using cheats won’t affect other players.
• If the console window doesn’t appear, verify that the input.settings edit is in the correct section. Try adding the line under [All] if other key bindings don’t work.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• “Console opens but commands do nothing” – Ensure you’ve set EnableCheats=1 in general.ini, and restart the game.
• “Game crashes after a command” – Likely a typo or invalid item ID. Reload the last save and avoid that command.
• “Key binding not working” – Try remapping to another key by editing the line to IK_F5=(Action=OpenConsole).

With these steps, you can fully harness the power of The Witcher 3 console commands. Use them responsibly – or not – and enjoy the freedom they bring to your adventures in the Continent.