Does Using Console Commands in Skyrim Disable Achievements? The Definitive Guide

Yes, using console commands in the PC version of Skyrim will disable achievements for that specific play session. Once a command is entered and executed via the console, achievement earning is temporarily suspended. This includes even seemingly harmless commands.

Console commands are powerful tools that can alter the game world in significant ways, potentially trivializing challenges and undermining the intended progression path. To prevent players from easily unlocking achievements through exploits, Bethesda implemented this system. Let’s delve deeper into how this works and address common questions.

Understanding the Console Command Achievement Block

The crucial detail to remember is that the achievement block is session-based. This means the block only lasts until you exit and restart the game. Opening the console alone doesn’t disable achievements; it’s the execution of a command that triggers the block.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Opening the Console: Pressing the tilde key (~) to access the console will NOT disable achievements.
• Executing a Command: Entering any command, such as tgm (god mode), player.additem (adds an item), or even save will immediately disable achievements.
• Session-Based Block: Achievements remain disabled until you completely close and relaunch Skyrim. Loading a save file within the same session does NOT re-enable them.

FAQs: Console Commands and Achievements in Skyrim

Here are 15 frequently asked questions addressing various aspects of console commands and their impact on achievements in Skyrim:

1. Can I use the “CAQS” command to unlock all achievements?

The CAQS command, short for “Complete All Quest Stages,” does grant numerous quest-related achievements when starting a new game. However, it’s widely considered an exploit and defeats the purpose of organically earning achievements. While it works, it is also known to break a lot of quests making that save game useless.

2. Does using mods disable achievements in Skyrim?

Yes. Once a game has a mod enabled, you will not be able to unlock achievements or trophies. To begin earning achievements or trophies again, you must disable or remove all mods that have been installed and then load a save file from any point in time prior those mods being installed. However, there are mods like Achievements Mods Enabler or SSE Engine Fixes that can re-enable them.

3. Do Bethesda.net mods disable achievements?

Yes, Bethesda.net mods, like other mods, disable achievements. If you want to earn achievements, you need to disable these mods and revert to a save before they were enabled.

4. Does SKSE (Skyrim Script Extender) disable achievements?

No, SKSE itself does NOT disable achievements. It provides extended scripting capabilities for mods and doesn’t inherently alter the achievement system. The mods using SKSE may affect the achievement status, see FAQ 2.

5. Does difficulty level affect achievements in Skyrim?

No, there are no achievements specifically tied to the difficulty level in Skyrim. You can earn all achievements regardless of whether you play on Novice or Legendary.

6. Does installing the Unofficial Skyrim Patch disable achievements?

Yes, initially the Unofficial Skyrim Patch does disable achievements, as it is technically a mod. However, you can use mods like Achievements Mods Enabler or SSE Engine Fixes to re-enable achievements while using the patch.

7. What happens if I accidentally use a console command?

If you mistakenly use a console command, simply exit the game completely and relaunch it. Upon reloading a save, achievements will be re-enabled. Ensure you don’t enter any further commands in that new session if your goal is to unlock achievements.

8. Can I use console commands to advance a skill to level 100 for an achievement?

Yes, you can use console commands such as "AdvSkill [skill name] 100" to level up a skill, but as stated previously, running any console command will stop you from unlocking achievements until you restart the game.

9. Do trainers affect achievements in Skyrim?

Trainers do not affect the ability to earn achievements, because trainers do not actually touch the game in any way at all. They just inject code into your PC’s RAM.

10. Will using Creation Club content disable achievements?

No, using Creation Club content will NOT disable achievements. This content is officially vetted and tested by Bethesda to ensure it doesn’t interfere with the achievement system.

11. What are some of the hardest achievements to get in Skyrim?

Some of the more challenging achievements include:

• Oblivion Walker: Requires obtaining 15 Daedric artifacts.
• Master Criminal: Requires having a bounty of 1000 gold in all nine holds.
• Legend: Defeat a Legendary Dragon.
• Reader: Read 30 Skill Books.

12. Can I get all Skyrim achievements in one playthrough?

Yes, it’s entirely possible to obtain all Skyrim achievements in a single playthrough. However, it requires careful planning and attention to detail, as some achievements are mutually exclusive or missable.

13. How long does it take to 100% Skyrim achievements?

The estimated time to achieve 100% completion of Skyrim achievements ranges from 80 to 100 hours or more, depending on your playstyle and familiarity with the game.

14. Are Skyrim achievements easy to get?

While none of the achievements are exceptionally difficult in terms of skill, some require significant time investment and exploration. Successfully getting all achievements is more about dedication and completionism than inherent difficulty. The Games Learning Society explores how these achievement systems, when well-designed, can motivate player engagement and learning. See GamesLearningSociety.org for more.

15. If I reload a save from before I used console commands, will achievements be re-enabled?

No, simply reloading a save within the same session will not re-enable achievements. The achievement block is tied to the current game session. You must completely exit the game and relaunch it for achievements to become active again.

Conclusion

Using console commands in Skyrim can be tempting for various reasons, whether for experimentation, troubleshooting, or simply bypassing challenges. However, understanding the impact on achievements is crucial for those seeking to unlock them legitimately. Remember the session-based block: enter a command, and achievements are disabled until you restart the game. Plan your playthrough accordingly, and you can enjoy both the freedom of console commands and the satisfaction of earning all those hard-won achievements.