How do I open the console in Europa Universalis V?

The console is typically opened by pressing the tilde (~) or grave accent (`) key, usually located to the left of the '1' on most keyboards.

What is the command to get more money in Europa Universalis V?

The command for money is generally 'cash [amount]' or 'money [amount]', though the exact syntax may change between Paradox games.

Do console commands disable achievements?

Yes, using console commands that alter the game state (cheats) will typically disable achievements for that save file.

Europa Universalis V Console Commands & Cheat Codes Table

Original Guide by GamerBlurb.com | Published on 11/04/2025 at 8:02 PM CST

Europa Universalis V

Here’s a quick intro that hints at what you will learn about Europa Universalis V console commands and what they let you do in-game.

Getting the Console Ready

First things first, you’ll need to enable the console so you can use cheat commands.

Launch the game via Steam and open the properties for Europa Universalis V.
In the Launch Options field, add -debug_mode (without the quotes).
Start a game, then press the tilde key (`~) to open the console.

Debug mode also shows extra info like province IDs or country tags when you hover over things.

Core List of Console Commands in Alphabetical Order

Here’s a big sample list of console commands you can use in the game, sorted alphabetically so it’s easier to find what you want. Replace items in brackets with actual IDs or values.

add_core [amount] — Adds a core to the selected location.
add_casus_belli [country-tag] — Grants a casus belli against another country.
add_institution_progress [institution_tag] [location_tag] [amount] — Adds progress towards a given institution in a location.
add_random_trait [id] — Adds a random trait to a ruler or character.
add_research [amount] — Gives research progress.
age [age_tag] — Changes the current Age.
annex [country_tag] — Player annexes the specified country.
artist [artist_type] — Creates an artist of a specified type.
armytradition [amount] — Adds army tradition.
bankrupt [country_tag] — Forces a nation into bankruptcy.
building [building_type] [location] — Constructs a specified building in a location.
cash [amount] — Adds money (ducats).
change_culture [culture] — Changes the culture of the selected country or province.
change_date [year] — Sets the game date to the year you pick.
change_government [Government Type] — Changes your country’s government.
change_religion [religion] — Changes religion of the current country.
convert [location] — Converts all pops in a location to the state religion.
create_character [male/female] [lowborn/random/new] — Creates a new character.
culture [culture value] — Changes cultural tradition value.
doom [amount] — Adds “Doom” (game-specific resource) to the current country.
economy — Resets market/pop demands and processes.
event [eventid] [target] — Triggers an event via its ID.
finish_all_colonies — Finishes all unsettled colonial charters.
finish_constructions [location] — Completes all constructions in a location.
form_union [junior partner] — Forms a personal union with another country.
give_birth [id] — Forces a pregnant character to give birth.
kill_character [id] — Kills a specific character by ID.
kill_all_units [country_tag] — Destroys all units of a given country.
make_subject [subject_type] [country_tag] — Makes another country your subject.
manpower [amount] — Adds manpower to your country.
no_peace_deals — Toggles the cheat mode that disables peace deals.
pax_militaris [location] — (Example placeholder) Not all commands are verified.
pirate [area] — Spawns a pirate in the specified area.
population [location] — Changes population in a location.
prestige [amount] — Adds prestige.
religion [religion] — Changes state religion of your country.
research_all — Completes research in all trees.
resupply_all_units [CountryTag] — Maxes out food for all units in the target country.
sailors [amount] — Adds sailors to your country.
selfcontrol [amount] — Adds Self Control resource.
stability [amount] — Adds stability.
tag [country_tag] — Switches you to another country.
win_siege [location] — Forces a siege to succeed in the target location.
watchwindows — Toggles the cheat mode WatchWindows.

(Keep in mind some commands may not work or may behave differently depending on patches or DLCs.)

Extra Notes and Good Practices

Do not use these commands in Ironman mode because achievements will be disabled or you’ll corrupt your save.
Always remove the brackets when typing commands. For example type: cash 10000, not cash [10000].
Use debug mode to get province IDs, country tags, and other info you'll need.
Save the game before experimenting. If a command breaks things, you can go back.
Some commands are toggle modes (on/off) rather than adding resources.
Cheats can break game balance or fun. Use them for experimentation or sandbox runs rather than full campaign goals.

Final Blurb

You now have a strong base of console commands and cheats for Europa Universalis V. Use them responsibly (or irresponsibly, your call) and you can rewrite your campaign easier, test scenarios, or just mess around. Keep backup saves, stay curious, and have fun with grand strategy.

FAQ

How do I enable the console in Europa Universalis V?

Go to your Steam library, right-click the game, select Properties. In Launch Options add “-debug_mode” (without quotes). Then start the game and press `~ to open the console.