Unlock RimWorld's Hidden Console God Powers: No-BS Cheat Mode Activation

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🎮 CONSOLE 🎮    🎮 CONSOLE 🎮    🎮 CONSOLE 🎮
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🎮 CONSOLE 🎮    🎮 CONSOLE 🎮    🎮 CONSOLE 🎮
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Unlock RimWorld's Hidden Console God Powers

No-BS guide to activating Cheat Mode on Xbox and PlayStation

Updated: 2025-06-08 Console Edition

Contents

Introduction to Developer Mode

RimWorld Console Edition (Xbox and PlayStation) initially launched in July 2022 without the developer mode that PC players were familiar with. However, in response to community feedback, the developers added an official "Cheat Mode" in Update 1.23 (May 2023).

This Cheat Mode provides console players with many of the same capabilities as the PC's developer mode, including god mode building, spawning items, and editing pawn stats. While there are some differences in implementation due to console controls, the core functionality is now available on both Xbox and PlayStation. If you're new to RimWorld, check our complete beginner's guide to learn the fundamentals before diving into cheat mode.

Development Timeline:

July 2022

Console Edition Launch

Initial release without developer mode or sandbox features

Late 2022

Royalty DLC

DLC added but still no dev features

May 2023

Update 1.23

Cheat Mode added! Major update adding God Mode & cheat functionality

2023-2025

Ongoing Support

Minor updates and improvements to Cheat Mode

How to Enable Cheat Mode

Enable Cheats When Starting a New Colony

  1. Start a new game of RimWorld Console Edition
  2. Choose "Custom Scenario" when selecting a scenario
  3. In the scenario editor, find the "Enable Cheats" option and toggle it ON
  4. Continue setting up your colony as normal
  5. Once the game begins, Cheat Mode will be available

Visual Guide to Options Menu:

The options menu in RimWorld, displaying various audiovisual and gameplay settings

Main options menu with gameplay settings

The RimWorld options menu with development mode enabled

Options menu showing development mode toggle

Enabling development mode in RimWorld's gameplay settings

Development mode successfully enabled

Using this method will disable achievements/trophies for that save file. The game will display a warning to inform you of this.

How to Access the Cheat Menu

Once Cheat Mode is enabled, you access the actual cheat menu using the same button combination:

  • PlayStation: L2 + R3 opens the cheat menu
  • Xbox: LT + RS opens the cheat menu
  • Use the controller to navigate through the menu options

Cheat Mode Features

God Mode

Instantly build anything without resources or work required. All structures and items are free and appear instantly. Perfect for testing optimal colony layouts without the usual resource constraints.

RimWorld base built using god mode

Example of a complex base built using God Mode - instant construction with no resource costs

  • All research unlocked
  • No resource costs
  • Instant construction

Spawn Items

Generate any item in the game instantly. Spawn resources, weapons, furniture, or any other item.

  • Raw resources
  • Weapons and armor
  • Furniture and decorations
  • Food and medicine

Spawn Pawns

Create colonists, animals, or enemies at will. Customize their faction and other attributes. Great for testing combat scenarios or populating your colony quickly.

  • Colonists with custom skills
  • Animals (tame or wild)
  • Raiders and enemies
  • Neutral visitors

Edit Pawns

Modify existing colonists or animals. Change their skills, traits, needs, and health conditions. Useful for experimenting with different colonist builds or fixing problematic traits that affect colonist mood.

  • Modify skills and passions
  • Add or remove traits
  • Heal injuries instantly
  • Adjust needs (hunger, rest, etc.)

Trigger Events

Force game events to happen on command. Weather changes, raids, trader caravans, and more.

  • Change weather conditions
  • Start raids or infestations
  • Call trader caravans
  • Force orbital trade ships

World Manipulation

Change aspects of the game world and environment. Reveal map, destroy or create terrain features.

  • Reveal entire map
  • Set time of day
  • Modify terrain
  • Toggle god mode visibility

Photo Mode

Another feature added alongside Cheat Mode is Photo Mode, which lets you hide the UI to take screenshots of your colony. While not strictly a cheat function, it's a useful creative tool for showcasing your builds. Perfect for documenting your impressive colony designs.

PC vs. Console Comparison

Feature PC Version Console Edition Notes
Access Method Options Menu Toggle Controller Combo or Scenario Setting Console uses LT+RS (Xbox) or L2+R3 (PS) to toggle
Interface Top Toolbar Menu-based Console adapted for controller navigation
God Mode Identical functionality
Spawn Items/Pawns Both versions allow spawning anything
Edit Pawn Stats Console's interface is simplified but functional
Debug Logging Technical debug tools omitted on console
Mod Integration No mod support on Console Edition
Scenario Editor Added in Update 1.23 alongside Cheat Mode
Achievements Disabled with Dev Mode Disabled with Cheat Mode Both versions prevent achievements when cheats are on

Performance Considerations

Both PC and console versions can experience performance issues when heavily using dev/cheat features. Console hardware has fixed specifications, so be cautious when spawning large numbers of items or pawns as this can cause lag or even crashes. For performance optimization tips, see our multiple colony management guide.

Community & Developer Insights

July 2022

Initial Community Reactions

When RimWorld Console Edition launched, players immediately began asking about developer mode. Many Reddit threads were created with questions like "Will dev mode ever be added to console?" The initial response from the community was to temper expectations, as many console games don't include debug features.

Early 2023

Growing Demand

As the community grew, so did the demand for creative tools. Players who had seen PC gameplay videos wanted similar capabilities on console. The developers began acknowledging these requests in community updates.

May 2023

Developer Response

Double Eleven (the console port developer) announced: "We heard you and are very happy to be bringing Cheat Mode and God Mode to RimWorld Console Edition." The update was celebrated by the community as a major quality-of-life improvement.

2023-2025

Ongoing Feature Requests

While Cheat Mode satisfied many players, some still request additional features like mod support and multiplayer. The developers have stated they are focused on bringing core content (like the remaining DLCs) to console before considering these more complex features.

"Believe it or not, RimWorld console edition has a cheat menu... you can spawn any item or pawn, basically you're in god mode."

— Reddit User, r/RimWorldConsole

"While the console edition is forked from the PC version and follows its own roadmap, we are keen to bring over content and features from RimWorld PC that work with the console UI and hardware."

— Double Eleven Developer

Future Outlook

Based on developer statements and community engagement, here's what we might expect for the future of RimWorld Console Edition's developer features:

  • Biotech DLC - When this eventually comes to console, expect Cheat Mode to be updated to include genes, mechanoids, and other Biotech content.
  • Cheat Mode Refinements - Minor improvements to the console Cheat Mode interface based on player feedback.
  • Mod Support - No current plans announced, though this remains a frequent request.
  • Multiplayer - Not currently planned according to official statements.

FAQ & Troubleshooting

Will using Cheat Mode disable achievements/trophies?

Yes, enabling Cheat Mode will disable achievements/trophies for that save file. This applies whether you start a new game with cheats enabled or toggle them on in an existing save.

There was a reported bug that allowed trophies when starting a fresh colony after using cheats in another save without quitting the game, but this may have been patched. Using such exploits is not recommended.

I pressed the button combination but Cheat Mode isn't activating. What's wrong?

There are a few possible issues:

  • Make sure you are using the correct button combination: L2+R3 (PS) or LT+RS (Xbox).
  • Press and hold both buttons simultaneously for a second or two.
  • Verify your game is updated to at least version 1.23 (released May 2023).
  • Some players report needing to restart the game if the combination doesn't work.
Can I use PC mods on Console Edition?

No. RimWorld Console Edition does not support mods. This is officially stated in the developer FAQ:

"PC mods would not be directly compatible with Console Edition as the game was built for console as a closed environment."

There is no official mod support, workshop integration, or way to load external content on standard consoles. Cheat Mode is the official alternative for enhancing gameplay. For PC players interested in mods, check our Prepare Carefully mod guide.

My game keeps crashing when using Cheat Mode. How can I fix this?

Crashes when using Cheat Mode usually happen for these reasons:

  • Spawning too many items or pawns at once (overtaxing console memory)
  • Creating complex structures too quickly with God Mode
  • Triggering multiple events simultaneously

To prevent crashes, spawn items in smaller batches, work on one area at a time, and avoid triggering multiple events simultaneously. If your game becomes unstable, try saving before using intensive cheat features.

Can I transfer saves between PC and Console versions?

There is no official cross-save functionality between PC and console versions of RimWorld. The two versions have diverged in their development paths and are not directly compatible.

While some players have reported success with complex workarounds involving cloud saves and manual file editing, these methods are not officially supported and may break your save files. For the safest experience, treat the PC and console versions as separate games.

Last updated: June 8, 2025

Guide to RimWorld Console Edition's Developer Mode & Cheat Functions

Information based on v1.23+ of RimWorld Console Edition