First Launch & Basic Settings

Unlock the Barotrauma console (F3) for debugging, spawning items, and server settings. Learn essential commands for a smoother Europa journey with AntMag's guide.

Alright, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of Barotrauma! You've probably heard about the console, and while it sounds super technical, it's actually a pretty handy tool, especially when you're just starting out or want to tweak things. Think of it as your backstage pass to the game. ### Accessing the Console First off, how do you even open this thing? Easy peasy: just hit the F3 key. Boom, console window pops up. If you want to close it, just hit F3 again. You can actually change this keybind in the game's settings if F3 isn't your jam. ### What's it For? Its main gig is debugging – spotting errors and stuff. But honestly, it's also your go-to for spawning creatures or items, and even for admin stuff if you're running a server. Pretty versatile! ### Multiplayer & Permissions If you're playing multiplayer, not everyone can just go wild with the console. You'll need specific permissions, usually granted by the server host. These are listed under the "Permitted console commands" section in the permissions menu. If you're the host, you can grant these permissions to other players. ### Using Commands At the bottom of the console window, there's a text box. This is where you type in your commands. If you ever forget what a command does, or just want to see a list, type `help` and hit Enter. It's like an in-game cheat sheet! ### Quick Look at Some Commands While we won't go through *every* single command here (there are a ton!), let's touch on a few categories: * Submarine Editor: If you're messing around with the Submarine Editor, commands like `load [submarine name]` and `save [submarine name]` are super useful for managing your creations. You can even adjust transparency with `alpha [0-255]` or colors with `color [R,G,B]`. * Campaign: In campaign mode, you can check your progress with `campaigninfo` or set your destination with `campaigndestination [index]`. If you're playing solo, `togglecampaignteleport` lets you double-click on the map to teleport, which can be a lifesaver. * Moderation (Multiplayer): For server hosts, commands like `ban [character name]`, `kick [character name]`, and `mute [character name]` are essential for managing your players. You can also check who's online with `clientlist`. * Server Settings: Need to change the game's difficulty? Use `difficulty [0-100]`. Want to set up automatic round restarts? Try `autorestart [true/false]` and `autorestartinterval [seconds]`. * Cheats: Feeling brave or just want to experiment? Commands like `enablecheats` (this disables achievements, by the way!), `explosion`, `fire`, `fixwalls`, and `fixitems` can dramatically change the game. Use `freecam` to detach your view, but be careful – it doesn't turn off in multiplayer! Remember, the console is a powerful tool. Use it wisely, and have fun exploring Europa!