📖 Godmode Hacks: Stop Dying in Don't Starve Already!
Don't Starve Godmode Console – Complete Cheat Guide
Last updated: June 10, 2025
Unlocking God Mode in Don't Starve and Don't Starve Together can be a lifesaver – literally. This guide will show you how to enable the developer console, enter the Godmode command, and troubleshoot it on PC. (Console players, we'll discuss your options too.) If you're in a rush to simply turn on Godmode, skip straight to the Quick-Start section for step-by-step instructions. Otherwise, let's dive into the details of cheating death in the Constant.
Table of Contents:
- Quick-Start: Enabling Godmode in Seconds
- Getting the Console Working (PC Setup)
- Using Godmode in Don't Starve Together (Multiplayer)
- Godmode on PS4/Xbox – Is It Possible?
- Useful Mods for Godmode & Debugging
- Common Issues and How to Fix Them
- Action Steps Recap
- Further Resources
- Patch History (Collapsible)
Quick-Start: Enabling Godmode in Seconds
Yes, you can enable "God Mode" in Don't Starve – on PC, at least. Here's the ultra-quick cheat sheet:
-
${step-counter}Enable the Developer Console:
Close the game and open your settings.ini file. It's located in your documents under the Klei folder (e.g. Documents\Klei\DoNotStarve\settings.ini for single-player, or DoNotStarveTogether\ for DST). Find the line under [MISC] that says:
ENABLECONSOLE = falseChange it to true and save. This unlocks the in-game console on PC. (In DST, the console is enabled by default, but checking this file can help if ~ doesn't open it.)
-
${step-counter}Launch the Game and Open Console:
Start Don't Starve or DST. Once in-game (world loaded), press ~ (tilde, the key below Esc) to open the console. You'll see a dark overlay or text input at the top of the screen. On some keyboards it's ^ or ö (German), ù (AZERTY). If nothing happens, ensure the EnableConsole setting saved correctly (and you relaunched the game), and that no mods are blocking the key.
The in-game console opened in Don't Starve (PC). Press ~ to toggle this. You can then type commands.
-
${step-counter}Enter the Godmode Command:
Click into the text field (if not already focused) and type:
c_godmode()Then hit Enter. If done correctly, you should see a confirmation like "Console: True" or no error message. Congratulations – your character is now invincible! Your health won't drop, you won't take damage, and Hunger and Sanity won't drain anymore. Essentially, you've frozen those needs in their current state. You can still take actions, fight, etc., but you're safe from death by combat or starvation.
-
${step-counter}(DST) Make Sure You're the Host/Admin:
In Don't Starve Together, only the host or an admin can use console commands by default. If you're hosting a world, you're automatically admin. If you're a client on someone else's server, Godmode will not work unless the server has cheats enabled and you've been granted admin privileges. (See "Godmode in DST Multiplayer" below for details on giving friends Godmode.)
-
${step-counter}Toggling Off:
To turn off Godmode, just open the console again and re-enter c_godmode(). The same command toggles the effect off. Your character will resume normal hunger/health drain. It's wise to turn it off when you're done testing or if you want to play normally, because while Godmode is on you cannot manually change your stats with other commands (game locks your needs).
-
${step-counter}Extra Cheats:
For a full creative mode, you might also use c_freecrafting() which unlocks free crafting of all recipes (no materials needed). And c_supergodmode() not only makes you invincible but also fills all your stats to 100% (health, hunger, sanity) immediately. Use these as needed. They also toggle off with the same command again.
That's it! With the above, you can activate Godmode in under a minute after setup. Now, let's explore these steps in depth, cover platform differences, and troubleshoot any issues.
Getting the Console to Work on PC (Don't Starve & DST)
Before using any cheats, the developer console must be accessible. On PC, the console is the gateway to Godmode and other commands. Here's how to get it working:
Enable it in settings:
By default, single-player Don't Starve has the console disabled. As shown in the Quick-Start, set ENABLECONSOLE = true under [MISC] in the settings.ini file. In Don't Starve Together, the console is usually enabled by default in recent versions, but if pressing ~ does nothing, double-check the console_enabled setting in client.ini or server.ini for DST.
Pro Tip: After editing the .ini file, fully exit and restart the game. The game reads that file on launch, not on the fly. If the game was open while you edited, it may overwrite your change on exit.
Finding the right key:
On English keyboards, ~ (tilde) is the default toggle. If you use a non-English layout:
- French (AZERTY): the ² or ù key.
- German: ^ or ö.
- Spanish: Ñ.
- Scandinavian: Æ/Ø.
You can change the binding in Controls settings (look for "Open Console" keybind). Make sure it's set to a key you have.
Console open, now what?:
Once you see the console input, you can type commands. Try something harmless first, like c_print("Hello") and hit Enter – it should output "Hello" in the log/console if working. This verifies that cheats are enabled and the console is responsive.
Case sensitivity & syntax:
Console commands are Lua-based. They must be typed exactly – for example, c_godmode() all lowercase, with parentheses. c_GodMode or missing () will not work. The game may respond with an error if the syntax is wrong. If you get a red error text, check spelling and try again.
Autocomplete feature:
DST has an autocomplete in the console. Start typing c_ and it will show a list of commands. You can scroll or type further (e.g. c_godm…) and hit Tab to autocomplete. This is extremely handy to avoid typos. It also shows the command's description in many cases. Use this to your advantage – for instance, typing c_godmode and seeing the hint "God Mode – won't drain Sanity, Hunger, Health…" confirms you selected the right command.
Security note: In DST, if you're playing alone or LAN, enabling the console has no downside. But if you host a public server and enable cheats, other savvy players could use the console too. We'll touch on how to control that in the DST section. For now, know that in single-player DS, it's just you – cheat away! In DST, consider keeping your world closed or only with trusted friends if you plan to use cheats freely.
Using Godmode in Don't Starve Together (Multiplayer)
Enabling Godmode in DST is similar to single-player, but you must be an admin. In DST, the commands are executed on the server side. If you're the host of a hosted game or the administrator of a dedicated server, you have the power. If you're a client on someone else's server, entering c_godmode() will do nothing – or you'll see a message like "Remote access not enabled" or no effect at all.
Key DST differences and steps:
Host = Admin:
If you start a DST world via "Host Game", you are automatically the admin and can use console commands. Simply press ~ and type c_godmode() as described. It will apply to your character by default. You'll see your hunger meter stop decreasing, etc.
Remote vs Local mode:
DST's console has two modes:
- Local (Client) Mode: by default, your commands affect only your local instance. Some commands (like graphics or UI tweaks) run in local mode.
- Remote (Server) Mode: needed for most "gameplay" commands (spawning items, Godmode, etc.). To toggle remote mode, press Ctrl while the console is open – you'll see a label "Remote" appear. On remote, commands are sent to the server to execute.
Example: Open console, press Ctrl (it might show "Remote: true" subtly), then type the command. Many guides emphasize this step, as it's a common pitfall.
Godmode for everyone?
By default, c_godmode() in DST toggles invincibility for the player who runs it. If you're host and want all players invincible (e.g. a creative building session with friends), each admin can do it for themselves, or you as host can loop through players:
c_godmode(v)
end
This little snippet goes through the list of players on the server (AllPlayers) and applies Godmode to each. They would all need to be in range (online). Alternatively, use the Admin Panel mod mentioned below for a one-click solution.
Giving your friend Godmode:
What if you want only one friend invincible (say you're hosting and your newbie friend keeps dying)? There are a couple of ways:
Direct console targeting:
Click on your friend's character (so they're the "selected entity"), then use the command c_godmode(ThePlayer) – actually, that toggles you since ThePlayer refers to you in DST's context. Instead, use:
c_godmode()
Replace 2 with the number of that player in the AllPlayers list. Often, if you're host you're [1], the first client who joined is [2], etc.. As one Reddit user explains, "use c_select(AllPlayers[2]) then c_godmode(), assuming your friend is second in player list." This selects that player as the target and then toggles godmode on them. They'll get the effect even though they didn't type it.
A more robust approach is using their username:
DST has a function to resolve a username to the player object, avoiding the guesswork with index numbers. This only works if their username is unique on the server.
Make them an admin:
On dedicated servers, you can designate multiple admins via an adminlist.txt or equivalent (or through server config tools). Admin players can use remote console like a host. If you trust the person, giving them admin status means they can just ~ -> c_godmode() themselves. On a client-hosted game, there isn't a built-in way to promote someone to admin on-the-fly, unfortunately. You'd need a dedicated server setup for multiple admins.
Admin Server Mods:
Admin tools mods can simplify giving players Godmode or other powers via a GUI:
Admin Scoreboard+ mod:
Adds buttons in the player scoreboard for admins. For each player you can just click "Toggle Godmode" next to their name, rather than typing commands. It also has "Toggle Creative Mode (all recipes)". This mod requires you (the host) to have it, but clients don't need to unless you're running a dedicated server (then server and admin client need it). It's very useful if you frequently switch players' statuses.
Console++ mod:
Extends the console interface, auto-suggests players by name, and can auto-complete complex commands. Doesn't directly add Godmode, but makes using the console easier.
No Achievements to worry about: Unlike some games, Don't Starve and DST have no Steam achievements. Console editions have trophies, but since you can't use console commands there, it's moot. On PC, using cheats won't penalize you with any achievement blocks. So you don't have to worry about a "cheat flag" disabling anything long-term.
Summary:
In DST, be the host or admin, use remote mode, then c_godmode() works like a charm. For helping friends, either run the command on them via the console or mods. Always remember to toggle it off for them too if needed (they can become unkillable ghosts if they die with Godmode off but remain in creative mode states—rare edge cases, but generally re-toggling fixes it).
Godmode on PS4/Xbox – Is It Possible?
Bad news for console players:
If you're on PS4, PS5, Xbox One/Series, or Switch, you might have noticed there's no tilde key on your controller. 😅 In fact, the Console Edition of Don't Starve (including Together) does not include the developer console functionality that the PC version has. This means you can't just type in c_godmode() on a whim.
Let's break down the console situation:
No built-in console:
Klei did not provide a way for console players to access the debug console. This is common for many games – console manufacturers often discourage or disable command consoles in retail releases. A GameFAQs discussion from when Don't Starve: Console Edition released in 2014 highlights frustration: "Having no console command is BS", one player lamented, noting they couldn't reveal the map or spawn items to fix an unlucky world. The reality is, on console, you're intended to play without cheats.
Why they disabled it:
There are a few reasons:
- Achievements/Trophies: Sony/Microsoft might disable achievements if cheats are present. Instead of implementing a system to disable trophies when cheating, it seems Klei just removed the capability. This keeps the integrity of trophies – you can't earn them through cheating because you can't cheat at all in those versions.
- User Experience: No keyboard – even though you can attach a USB keyboard to consoles, the average player won't. Implementing a full on-screen keyboard for a console command line is clunky. They likely expected it wouldn't be widely used and could confuse players if left accessible.
- Support and Security: Allowing arbitrary console commands on consoles could lead to unintended bugs or exploits (for example, spawning thousands of items could crash memory). On PC that's the user's prerogative, but on console it might be seen as the game "misbehaving" or could even be used to mess with online play balance in DST if cross-play existed.
What about plugging a keyboard?
Interestingly, some games do allow using the console with a keyboard on console (e.g., Skyrim's console commands on Xbox with a keyboard, in some older versions). For Don't Starve, there's no evidence this works. Reddit users have asked if there's any way, and the answer from the community is a resounding "you cannot use console commands on console in any of the DST games." Even if you plug in a keyboard, pressing the key does nothing because the code for the console is likely stripped out or disabled in those builds.
No Godmode, but… You still have a few alternatives:
Creative Mode via World Settings
While not exactly Godmode, Don't Starve Together Console Edition has some custom sandbox settings when generating a world. For example, you can make resources "Lots", turn off wildfires, make winters shorter, etc. There's even a No Hunger preset in single-player Don't Starve if you have the Reign of Giants DLC.
Use Adventure Mode glitch (DS only)
In single-player Don't Starve (Console), there was a quirky workaround: if you enter Adventure Mode via Maxwell's Door, sometimes your settings carry over oddly or you could abuse certain mechanics. However, this is very limited and not a true Godmode.
Leverage "Endless" mode
Use the "Endless" mode in DST (you can revive at the portal without penalties) to remove the risk of permanent death, which is a kind of invincibility-lite – you still die, but can always come back.
While it's not the answer you may have hoped for, knowing this can save you a lot of time searching for a cheat that isn't there on console. If playing without cheats is getting frustrating, consider switching to PC for a more flexible experience. On PC, even if your hardware is modest, Don't Starve isn't very demanding.
Useful Mods for Godmode and Creative Mode
On PC, mods can do almost anything – including giving you Godmode or a sandbox menu with no coding required. If typing c_godmode() every time feels like too much or you want a GUI to spawn items and tweak the world, check out these popular mods:
Too Many Items (DST Edition)
A direct homage to the Minecraft mod of the same name, this mod gives you an on-screen inventory of all items. You can click to spawn any item at will. Many players use it as a "debug menu" to, say, prototype base layouts or test farms. Updated as of Sept 2023, it works with current DST. It also often includes options like creative mode crafting and sometimes a godmode toggle. It essentially puts all the console commands at your fingertips with buttons.
Usage:
- Subscribe to the mod on Steam Workshop
- Enable it in Mods before world launch
- Once in-game, typically press a key (check mod description, maybe something like \ or a button that appears on screen) to open the TMI menu
- There you'll see categories of items to spawn. Some versions also had a "G" key to toggle godmode or an option in mod config for it.
Because it directly edits your stats, be cautious – spawning a million carrots can still crash your game! In DST, using TMI in a server with others – everyone needs the mod, or only the host can effectively use it. It's best for single-player DST or small co-op with friends.
God Mode (Single-player DS mod)
There's an older mod simply called "Godmode" for the original Don't Starve (and RoG DLC). It allowed toggling god mode with a key press (P) instead of typing. It also made your character turn green when Godmode is on as an indicator. This mod hasn't been updated since 2015, but for DS it still works if you're playing that classic version. For DST, its functionality was basically replaced by the built-in c_godmode, so the mod was not ported (the console command is just as easy).
Creative Commands / Debug Menu mods
Apart from TMI, some mods focus on specific aspects:
Creative Mode mod
Automatically enables free crafting and godmode when you load in, so you don't have to type anything. Good for testing, but you wouldn't use this on a world you actually play normally; it's more for a sandbox save.
Debug Spawn mod
Adds a simple way to spawn any prefab by name, perhaps with a UI text field or a dropdown. If you find typing c_spawn("prefab", quantity) tedious, this mod could help.
Teleportation & Map Reveal mods
Not exactly godmode, but adjacent. E.g., mods to reveal the map (like a minimap HUD that can show the whole map) or to allow creative teleporting around (to avoid danger rather than tanking it).
Invincible Companions
A newer mod by "Bunny" (updated 2024) allows you to make followers invincible. So your pigmen, bunnymen, rock lobster buddies can't die.
Before using mods, always backup your save if it's a world you care about. Some cheat mods, if removed, could potentially mess with your save (for example, if you leave godmode on and remove the mod, does your character return to normal? Usually yes, but best to be safe).
Also, note that mods are PC-only. There is no mod support on consoles. So this section is purely for PC players.
In summary, mods can provide a more user-friendly Godmode experience:
- If you want one-button Godmode: get a mod that binds it to a key.
- If you want a creative mode menu: use Too Many Items or Creative Mode mods.
- If you want to tailor difficulty (like only invincible allies or infinite resources but still can die): there's a mod for that too.
Experiment in Local (Offline) mode first to ensure the mod does what you expect. Then have fun bending the Constant to your will!
Troubleshooting: Godmode Command Not Working?
So you followed the instructions but for some reason Godmode isn't kicking in. Don't panic! Here are common issues and how to solve them:
General troubleshooting approach:
- Create a fresh world, no mods, just you, test console and godmode.
- If it works there, the issue is world-specific or mod-specific.
- If it doesn't, the issue is with your game setup (then focus on .ini or key problems).
Action Steps Recap
-
1
Enable Console (PC):
Edit settings.ini → set ENABLECONSOLE = true. Launch game, press ~ to open console.
-
2
Activate Godmode:
In console, type c_godmode() and hit Enter. This toggles invincibility on. No health, hunger, sanity loss.
-
3
DST Host/Admin Only:
In Together, ensure you're the host or admin for cheats to work. Press Ctrl in console to enter Remote mode before c_godmode().
-
4
Toggle Off:
Type c_godmode() again to disable it when you're done testing or want to play normally.
-
5
Use Super Godmode if needed:
c_supergodmode() for full stats refill + invincibility (also toggled similarly).
-
6
Console Players:
Unfortunately, you're limited – use world settings to ease difficulty (no direct Godmode available).
-
7
Consider Mods:
Install quality mods like Too Many Items (creative menu) or Admin Tools for easier cheat toggling if on PC.
-
8
Troubleshoot Issues:
If it's not working, confirm you edited the correct file and are using the right context (Remote vs Local), and that no mods or typos are interfering.
-
9
Practice & Play:
Use Godmode to practice boss fights, explore freely, or build mega-bases without pesky hunger or death. But switch it off occasionally to keep things interesting!
With these steps, you should be confidently in command of Godmode and other console powers. Remember to have fun!
Further Resources
Don't Starve Wiki
Detailed lists of commands for DS and DST, including fun ones like spawning the "krampus" or changing seasons.
Visit WikiKlei Forums
Official forums with sections for General Discussion and Mods & Tools. Devs and experienced players often reply with help.
Visit ForumsSteam Community Guides
e.g. "Console commands – Don't Starve (updated 2025)" which provides a thorough command reference. Great for printout or quick lookup.
View GuidesYouTube Tutorials
Many creators show how to use commands or showcase creative builds done in Godmode. Seeing it done can reinforce the steps.
Watch TutorialsPatch History (Collapsible)
| Date | Change Note | Impact on Early-Game Priorities |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 2023 | Wilson's Rework – Introduced the Insight skill tree system (Wilson got perks like Torch tossing, etc.) and insight points progression. | Added a mild RPG element; new players now consider unlocking character skills as part of early survival. Some grind for insight (leading a few to use Godmode to quickly farm XP). Overall made Wilson more beginner-friendly (e.g. one skill helps manage sanity) – slightly reducing early-game difficulty for him. |
| Jun 2023 | Skill Spotlight: Wormwood, Wolfgang, Woodie – Gave these characters their own skill trees, and alongside, the "From Beyond" updates added new hostile content (e.g. shadow rifts). | Early game for Wolfgang became a bit easier due to skills that increase damage or remove his downside when low on hunger. Woodie got quality-of-life skills (e.g. longer transformation control), making his early-game transformations less punishing. New threats from rifts didn't appear in day 1, but encouraged players to prepare differently (craft new light sources, etc.). Some players temporarily used Godmode to explore new boss content introduced here without dying immediately. |
| Dec 19, 2023 | Skill Spotlight: Wigfrid & Willow + "Terrors Below" content – Wigfrid and Willow got skill trees. Added Wintry biomes (e.g. Ice Sheet area with new mobs like the Frostjaw shark) and reworked ocean fishing. | Wigfrid's early game became more robust – she can unlock a skill for a one-time full heal via song, which lessens dependence on healing items early. Willow got skills that help with sanity management when holding her lighter, etc. These changes made their early survival smoother. The new Ice Sheet biome introduced in winter encourages exploration for resources (requires preparing insulation early or creative strategies). Early-game priority shifted slightly: players might rush to the ocean in winter for new materials, whereas before winter was mostly base-bound – ironically, some used Godmode to safely boat on the ice ocean and scout these new areas without freezing or shark attacks. |
| Feb 27, 2025 | Walter, Wendy & Wortox Skill Update + QoL – Added skill trees for Walter (improving sling and sanity with friends), Wendy (buffing Abigail's abilities), Wortox (soul management improvements). Also Beefalo riding QoL (easier bucking mechanics, etc.) and ranged combat tweaks (less stun-lock issues). | Early-game taming of a Beefalo became more appealing since QoL changes made it less tedious – players might prioritize getting a Beefalo for safe travel by day 5-10 now. Wendy's early game became safer since Abigail can be upgraded to mitigate her own sister's aggro. Wortox became a bit easier early as he can unlock larger soul stack and healing perks. Overall, these updates slightly reduced the need for godmode/cheats for these characters – they're stronger out-of-the-box. Ranged combat changes made kite-able mobs a bit more approachable (you can't stun-lock bosses as easily, but you also don't get stun-locked by mobs as much), so early ranged weapons (like Walter's slingshot, Wigfrid's spear throw) became more viable, shifting some early-game strategy toward ranged prepping. |
| Apr 2025 | Quality of Life update – Notable for Recipe Cards and Scrapbook fixes, bug fixes (e.g. no more duplicating items exploit), slight tuning of world gen (more berry bushes in default). | More berry bushes and small food buffs mean early-game starvation is a bit less of a threat by default. This somewhat lowers the urgency of finding food in first autumn. Fewer exploits means players can't cheese some mechanics (those who used to duplicate items for "cheat" purposes had to rely back on console or mods). The Scrapbook (which logs creatures/items you've seen) got fixes – encourages players to actually go encounter things legitimately to fill it, rather than spawn everything with commands (though the fearless trainer provided a cheat to auto-complete scrapbook, which some used to avoid the collection grind). |
The patch history shows how the game's evolving design can affect difficulty. As the game gets more content and some buffs to characters, you might find less "need" for Godmode in casual play – but it remains a useful tool for experimentation and overcoming personal hurdles.
Perspective on Using Cheats
Imagine you're camping in the wilderness (the premise of Don't Starve). Activating Godmode is like suddenly being followed around by a protective bubble – fire can't burn you, rain can't wet you, monsters can't bite you. At first, it's empowering; you stomp through spider nests singing "I'm the king of the world!" But after a while, you might start to miss the challenge – the bubble removes the thrill of running from a Treeguard at 2 HP and 5 hunger as night falls.
In my experience, Godmode is best used as a tool for creativity or learning, not a permanent state. I once used Godmode after dying for the fifth time in winter by hounds – I was so frustrated that I toggled it, then spent the rest of winter training myself: I learned the hound wave patterns, experimented with tooth traps, and practiced kiting Deerclops without the fear of death. It was like a stress-free training montage. Then I turned off Godmode in the spring, and the next winter I survived on my own – the knowledge stuck, and the victory felt earned, even though I had "trained" with cheats.
So go ahead and use Godmode to explore, build, experiment. Just be mindful of when to rely on it and when to challenge yourself without it. Don't Starve is ultimately about the triumph of surviving against odds – and it's okay to lower those odds occasionally. 😉
Happy (invincible) surviving!