Understanding Console Commands and File Modifications in Simulation Games

In the world of simulation and management video games, players often seek methods to enhance their gameplay experience. This can involve accessing hidden features, adjusting game balance, or simply experimenting with different mechanics. Two common methods for achieving this in certain PC simulation titles are through the use of in-game console commands and direct modification of save game files. These techniques allow for a high degree of customisation, from unlocking all regions to acquiring in-game currency instantly.

In-Game Console Commands

Many modern PC games include a built-in developer console, a tool originally used by developers for testing but often left accessible to players. Enabling this console provides a command line interface through which various game functions can be manipulated directly.

How to Enable the Console

The process for activating console commands is typically straightforward but must be performed within an active game session. For the titles referenced in the source material, the steps are as follows:

Start the game and load your desired save file.
Press the Escape (Esc) key to open the main pause menu.
Navigate to the 'Settings' or 'Game' menu.
Locate the 'Console' option, which is usually presented as a toggle switch or an empty circle.
Click the toggle to enable the console. It is important to note that this setting is often saved on a per-save basis, meaning it must be enabled for each new game you wish to use commands in.
Once enabled, exit the menu and press the tilde key (~) on your keyboard. This key is typically located below the Escape key and to the left of the '1' key. This action will open the command line interface at the top or bottom of your screen.

Using Commands

With the console open, you can type or paste specific commands to alter the game state. Commands generally follow a standard format: command [parameter]. For example, to unlock a specific region, you would type setregionunlocked westville and press Enter.

An in-game list of available commands is often included within the console menu itself, visible underneath the toggle bubble once the console is active. This list can be a helpful reference for players. Using these commands does not typically disable Steam achievements, allowing players to experiment without penalty to their achievement progress.

Common Command Categories and Examples

The available commands can be grouped into several functional categories, allowing players to control different aspects of the game world, their character, and their assets.

Player and Character Commands

These commands directly affect the player character's abilities and status.

God Mode: Makes the player invulnerable to damage.
Infinite Stamina: Prevents the stamina bar from depleting during physical activities.
Stealth Mode: Allows the player to move undetected by non-player characters (NPCs).
Movement Modifiers: Adjusts player speed, jump height, or other physical attributes.
Infinite Ammo/Watering Can: Prevents consumable items like ammunition or water from running out.
Super Punch: Increases the damage of melee attacks.

Property and Business Commands

These commands are used to manage assets, such as properties and businesses, and to manipulate in-game finances.

setowned [property]: Grants the player ownership of a specified property or business. For example, setowned carwash would give the player control of the car wash.
All Businesses Are Free / All Properties Are Free: These are toggles from the Cheat Engine table that remove the cost of purchasing assets.
Instant Money Laundering: Speeds up the process of cleaning illicit funds at businesses.
Grab Cash Balance: A method to acquire large sums of money, often used in conjunction with an ATM.
Reset Weekly Deposit Limit: Resets the cap on how much money can be deposited in a given week.

World and NPC Commands

These commands alter the behaviour and state of the game world and its inhabitants.

setregionunlocked [region]: Unlocks a specific geographical area, such as Northtown or Westville. Note that some areas, like sewers, may require a specific key item instead.
setlawintensity [#]: Adjusts the aggressiveness and presence of in-game law enforcement on a scale from 0 to 10.
destroynpcs: Removes all NPCs from the current scene.
NPC: Never Panic / Chill Cops: Modifies AI behaviour to prevent certain reactions.
setrelationship [NPC] [#]: Changes the relationship level between the player and a specific NPC, typically on a scale of 0 to 5.

File Modification for In-Game Currency

An alternative to using console commands or external tools for acquiring resources is to directly edit the game's save files. This method is particularly effective for manipulating in-game currency, such as cash or online balances.

Step-by-Step Guide to Modifying Save Files

This process requires editing a specific JSON file associated with your save game. It is crucial to close the game completely before beginning.

Press the Windows key, type Run, and open the Run command dialog.
In the Run dialog, type %appdata% and press OK. This will open the Roaming folder.
From the Roaming folder, navigate up one directory level to the main AppData folder.
From here, follow the path LocalLow > TVGS > Schedule 1 > Saves.
Inside the Saves folder, you will find subfolders for each save. Open the folder corresponding to the save you wish to edit (often a random number name).
Locate the file named Money.json.
Right-click the file and choose to open it with a text editor like Notepad.
Inside the file, find the lines for "OnlineBalance" and "Networth".
Change the numerical values to your desired amount.
Save the file and close the text editor.

When you launch the game and load the modified save, your in-game bank balance will reflect the changes. There are typically no in-game penalties for this modification.

External Tools: Cheat Engine

For even more granular control, players can use external software like Cheat Engine. This program scans a game's memory to find and modify values in real-time.

Installing and Using Cheat Engine

Download and install Cheat Engine. Be cautious during installation, as it may attempt to install bundled third-party software which should be declined.
Download a specific cheat table file (.CT) designed for the game.
Double-click the CT file to open it within Cheat Engine.
With the game running, click the PC icon with a magnifying glass in the top-left corner of Cheat Engine to open the process list.
Select the game's process from the list and open it.
In the Cheat Engine interface, check the box for "Enable (Auto-Attach Game Process)" and click "Initialize Mono".
You can now toggle various cheats on and off by checking the boxes next to them in the table.

Cheat Engine Features

Cheat Engine tables often contain a wide array of toggles that go beyond the standard console commands. These can include:

Player: Modifiers for God Mode, Infinite Stamina, and Super Punch.
Money: Tweaks like "All Businesses Are Free," "Instant Money Laundering," and "Slot Machine: Always Win."
Customers and NPCs: Options to edit customer data, max out relationships instantly, or prevent NPCs from panicking.
Cops: Toggles to disable police chases or searches.
Plants: Features like "Instant Plant Growth" and "Drying Rack: Insta-Complete."

Important Considerations and Risks

While these methods can greatly enhance a player's ability to experiment, there are important factors to consider.

PC Exclusivity: The use of console commands, file modifications, and tools like Cheat Engine is generally limited to the PC version of a game. These methods are not available on console platforms like Xbox or PlayStation.
Save Game Integrity: Modifying game files or using external trainers can sometimes lead to unexpected bugs, glitches, or corrupted save files. It is highly advisable to create a backup of your save files before attempting any modifications.
Online Play and Anti-Cheat: Using tools like Cheat Engine while connected to online services can be detected by anti-cheat software (such as Valve Anti-Cheat). This can result in temporary or permanent bans from online features and multiplayer modes. Therefore, it is safest to use such tools only when playing offline.
Unwanted Progress: Using commands or cheats can sometimes cause unintended progress on Steam achievements. While some sources state that achievements may not be disabled, the use of cheats can still affect the intended progression system.

Conclusion

The ability to use console commands, modify save files, or employ external tools like Cheat Engine provides players with significant control over their virtual environment. These methods allow for the bypassing of difficult challenges, the acceleration of progression, and the exploration of game mechanics without restriction. However, players should always proceed with caution, understanding the potential risks to their save files and online accounts. By following the correct procedures and being aware of the limitations, players can safely customise their gaming experience to their personal preferences.