Console commands in Crusader Kings III only work when the game is launched in debug mode. Once it's enabled you can open the console at any point during a game and type commands to grant gold, add traits, change culture, spawn armies, and much more. This guide covers enabling debug mode on every platform and the keys that open the console.
Step 1: Enable debug mode
Steam
- Open your Steam library and find Crusader Kings III.
- Right-click it and choose Properties.
- On the General tab, find the Launch Options field.
- Enter -debug_mode and close the window.
- Launch the game as normal.
Paradox launcher
If you start the game through the Paradox launcher, switch to Game Settings, find the Open game in Debug Mode option, and launch from there.
Microsoft Store / Xbox Game Pass
The Microsoft Store edition has no launch-options field, so debug mode is started from the command line. Open Command Prompt and run:
You can save that line as a .bat file to relaunch in debug mode with a double-click.
Other (non-Steam) Windows copies
Create a desktop shortcut to ck3.exe in the game's binaries folder, then add -debug_mode to the end of the Target field in the shortcut's properties.
Step 2: Open the console
While in a game, press the key below the Esc key to open the console. The exact key depends on your keyboard layout, so try one of these:
~`Shift + 2Shift + 3§Alt + 2 + 1
If none of those work, Shift + Alt + C is a reliable fallback. Type a command and press Enter to run it; press the console key again to close it.
A note on achievements
Launching in debug mode disables Steam achievements and Ironman mode for that session. To re-enable achievements, remove -debug_mode from your launch options (and disable any mods), then restart the game.
What's next
With the console open, browse the full list of CK3 console commands for syntax and working examples. Many commands target a specific character or title — see how to find a character's ID and how to find a title ID.