| Do This | Avoid This | |---------|-------------| | Backup your save before using mods / editors | Using Dev Menu in multiplayer (can crash others) | | Use Community Editor for permanent changes | Spawning too many objects at once | | Use Dev Menu for fun or testing only | Changing story-critical flags manually | | Play offline with Dev Menu | Over‑editing survivor traits (can break skills) |
Save location (Windows):
%LocalAppData%\StateOfDecay2\Saved\SaveGames\<SteamID>\Release\v2
If you are looking for a traditional developer console (like pressing ~ in Skyrim or Fallout) to spawn items or toggle god mode in State of Decay 2, you might be disappointed. Unlike many PC titles, State of Decay 2 does not have an official, built-in console command system for the retail version of the game.
However, there are ways to manipulate the game on PC through third-party tools. Below is a breakdown of how the game handles "cheats" and what your options are.
State of Decay 2 does not have a traditional built-in developer console or text-based console commands like those found in Bethesda or Valve games. To modify the game, players typically rely on community-made mods or save editors. How to Use "Cheats" and Commands
While there are no native commands, you can achieve the same results through these primary methods: Community Mod Manager:
This is the standard tool for the PC version. It allows you to install mods that grant "God Mode," infinite stamina, or instant construction. You can find these on the State of Decay 2 Nexus Mods The Community Editor (Save Editor):
Created by Helios, this is the most powerful "command" tool. It allows you to directly edit your save file to: Add any item or weapon to your locker. Modify survivor traits, skills, and appearances.
Change your community's resources (Influence, Food, Meds, etc.). Teleport characters or change the world's difficulty/map. Cheat Facility Mod: mod packs for Xbox and PC
add a physical "Cheat Facility" to your base. Once built, you can interact with it to trigger effects like "Free Power" or "Super Fast Construction" directly through the game menu. Unofficial "Developer Mode" (PC Only) Some users claim that typing developermodeon
on the main title screen enables a hidden developer console accessible via
, though this is inconsistent across different game versions and often requires a specific modded executable to function. Google Groups Core Game Mechanics Often Confused with Commands
If you are looking to change your gameplay without external tools, remember these core mechanics: Radio Commands: Use the in-game Radio (O key on PC) to spend state of decay 2 console commands
for supply drops, vehicle deliveries, or finding specific resources. Skill Resetting: You cannot use a command to reset skills; you must use Respec Manuals
(purchased from mysterious wandering traders) to change a survivor's specialization. or a guide on how to install Radio Command mods State Of Decay 2 Console Commands - Google Groups
I’ll be straight with you: State of Decay 2 does not have a built-in developer console for players to type commands into. Unlike Skyrim or Fallout, you can’t just hit the tilde (~) key and type "god mode."
If you are looking to "command" the game to behave differently, your only options are third-party tools:
Community Editor (PC): This is the gold standard. It’s a save editor that lets you modify your survivors' stats, teleport them, spawn items, and change your community's resources.
WeMod / Fling Trainer (PC): These provide a simple overlay to toggle things like infinite health, no reload, and unlimited stamina while you play.
Cross-Save (Xbox): If you’re on console, the only way to "use commands" is to sync your save to a PC, use the Community Editor there, and then let the cloud sync the modified save back to your Xbox. The Quiet Collapse: A Reflection on State of Decay 2
The post-apocalypse in gaming is often treated as a power fantasy—a playground where the hero finds a shotgun and becomes a god. State of Decay 2 rejects this. It is a simulation of the "quiet collapse," where the greatest threat isn't a towering monster, but a lack of antibiotics or a car running out of gas at 2:00 AM.
The game’s brilliance lies in its focus on the collective over the individual. You aren't playing as a chosen one; you are managing a fragile group of flawed humans. When a character dies, they stay dead. This permanence gives every decision weight. Should you scavenge the pharmacy even though your best fighter has a broken leg? Do you exile a survivor who eats too much food but is a master mechanic?
While the lack of console commands might be frustrating for some, it reinforces the game's core philosophy: survival is meant to be earned. In the world of State of Decay 2, there are no shortcuts—only the difficult, desperate choices of people trying to see one more sunrise.
Unlocking the Console
To use console commands in State of Decay 2, you'll need to unlock the console first. Here's how: | Do This | Avoid This | |---------|-------------|
Accessing the Console
Once you've enabled the console, you can access it in-game by:
Basic Console Commands
Here are some basic console commands to get you started:
Useful Console Commands
Here are some useful console commands for State of Decay 2:
Cheat Codes
Here are some cheat codes you can use in State of Decay 2:
Tips and Tricks
By following these steps and using these console commands, you'll be well on your way to customizing your State of Decay 2 experience and having a blast in the game's post-apocalyptic world!
Here’s a useful, practical guide to console commands in State of Decay 2.
For PC players who want the closest feeling to a real console, the Debug Menu Mod is what you need. Once installed via the mod manager (like Vortex or manually in the Cooked folder), you press a hotkey (usually F2 or F5) to open a floating window. If you are looking for a traditional developer
This window acts exactly like a console command list. You can:
There are a few input methods in the game that function like "button combinations" or cheat codes found in older games, though they are limited.
givexp
settime
teleport
showdebug / toggledebug
setinfectedcount
spawnvehicle <vehicle_name>
If you want access to some developer functions without Cheat Engine, you can edit your engine.ini file. This can enable a simplified UI and other debug features.
Steps:
Once installed, launch your community and press:
You will see a text overlay or a categorized menu. This is your "command console."