Before you can cheat better, you need to unlock the console. Unlike many modern games, Starcom requires a manual edit.
How to use it better: Instead of keeping this on permanently (which risks tempting you to ruin your own fun), keep a shortcut to the boot.config file on your desktop. Enable the console only when you need to fix a specific issue, then disable it. This preserves your sense of achievement.
In-game, press the tilde key (~) or F1 (depending on your build) to open the grey box of omnipotence.
kill – Respawns your ship at the last save point. Use this instead of reloading a 40-minute-old autosave.
The research tree is wonderful, but on a second playthrough, you don't want to wait 30 minutes for "Advanced Hydroponics." starcom unknown space console commands better
Standard: research [tech_id] (Too slow to type each one).
Better: research all
But wait—research all gives you everything, which often breaks quest triggers (like being asked to "Discover Laser Cannons" when you already have Plasma Rifles).
Use tech_points 1000 to get a massive pool of research points, then manually click the tree. This lets you feel the progression (the good part) without the time gate (the bad part).
Specific high-value tech IDs to target early: Before you can cheat better, you need to unlock the console
| If you want... | Don’t use... | Better command... |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| More ship parts | addresources 9999 | additem alloy 20 |
| Faster travel | godmode + speed 10 | additem deuterium 100 + upgrade engines |
| Find anomalies | revealmap | fullmap 0.3 |
| Recover a bugged quest | completequest | resetquest [name] then replay step |
Once enabled, you will have access to a custom UI panel. This panel acts as your "console." It allows you to manipulate the game state without typing lines of code.
Here is a breakdown of the most useful "commands" (buttons) available in this menu:
If the in-game Debug Menu isn't enough, Starcom saves its data in accessible files. You can effectively use a text editor as your console to grant yourself resources. How to use it better: Instead of keeping
Location of Save Files:
C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\LocalLow\Wx3 Labs\Starcom Unknown Space\Saves\
How to Edit:
Why this is better: The in-game debug menu often grants "infinite" resources, which removes the fun of balancing your economy. Editing the save file allows you to give yourself a massive starting boost without breaking the game mechanics entirely. You still have to manage logistics, you just have a bigger bank account.
In the vast, treacherous expanse of Starcom: Unknown Space, knowledge is power. But what if you could wield the power of a god? That’s where the developer console comes in. While the game prides itself on a compelling narrative of exploration and tactical ship-building, sometimes you hit a bug, lose a vital resource, or simply want to skip the grind to enjoy the cosmic horror faster.
However, most players just type in giveall and call it a day. That is inefficient. To truly play better, you need to understand the nuance, the hidden codes, and the quality-of-life tricks that transform the console from a cheat tool into a game management system.
Here is the definitive guide to using Starcom: Unknown Space console commands better.