Key points:
- Surviving Mars has no built-in console commands, so players must use mods for cheats.
- ChoGGi’s Expanded Cheat Menu offers unlimited resources, instant repairs, and disaster control.
- Console players cannot use cheat mods but can optimize gameplay with better strategies.
Introduction
Surviving Mars is a challenging game that requires strategic planning and resource management. Dust storms and decreasing resources are only two of the harsh Martian conditions your colony must survive. Due to accidents and disasters, colonists may have Earth sickness, refuse to work, or even pass away. Some gamers would rather have a safety net, even if the challenge is part of the fun. Cheats and mods are helpful in this situation.
Many gamers search for Surviving Mars cheats to make the game easier to play. Compared to other simulation games, Surviving Mars lacks standard console commands. Although there isn’t a built-in cheat system, third-party mods can still be used to change the game.
Are There Console Commands in Surviving Mars?
Many players wonder if Surviving Mars has a built-in cheat system. The answer is no—there is no in-game console for entering cheat codes. Unlike other Paradox games, Surviving Mars does not support direct command-line cheats.
However, this does not mean that players cannot modify the game. Instead of traditional console commands, mods provide the only reliable way to access cheats. The most popular and widely used mod for this purpose is ChoGGi’s Expanded Cheat Menu.
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Using ChoGGi’s Expanded Cheat Menu

Since Surviving Mars lacks an official cheat system, players rely on ChoGGi’s Expanded Cheat Menu to modify gameplay. This mod allows players to:
- Keep buildings clean and free from dust
- Remove sponsor restrictions
- Unlock all buildings instantly
- Repair all damaged structures at once
- Add unlimited resources
- Modify colonist traits and skills
- Enable instant research
- Control disasters (activate or turn off meteors, dust storms, cold waves, etc.)
- Adjust dome capacity and comfort levels
This mod provides extensive control over the game and removes many of its built-in restrictions.
How to Install the Expanded Cheat Menu
Installing mods in Surviving Mars is a simple process. Follow these steps to add ChoGGi’s Expanded Cheat Menu to your game:
For Steam Users
- Open Steam and go to the Surviving Mars Workshop.
- Search for “Expanded Cheat Menu” by ChoGGi.
- Click “Subscribe” to add the mod to your game.
- Launch the game and enable the mod in the Mod Manager.
For Non-Steam Users
- Visit Paradox Mods and search for “Expanded Cheat Menu.”
- Download the mod file.
- Place the downloaded file in the game’s mod directory.
- Open Surviving Mars and activate the mod through the Mod Manager.
Once installed, the cheat menu will appear in the game’s user interface, allowing access to various options.
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Best Cheat Features in Surviving Mars
Cheats can improve your Surviving Mars experience by making resource management easier, reducing disasters, and allowing complete control over colony growth. Below are some of the best cheat features to help you build a thriving Martian settlement with minimal effort.
- Adding Unlimited Resources
Running out of metals, concrete, or food can lead to colony failure. The cheat menu allows you to instantly add resources to ensure your colony always has what it needs. Select the resource you want and increase the supply.
- Repairing Buildings Instantly
Instead of waiting for drones to fix broken structures, you can repair all buildings with a single click. This prevents malfunctions from disrupting colony operations.
- Unlocking All Research
Researching new technologies can take a long time. The cheat menu lets you unlock all research instantly, giving you access to advanced buildings and upgrades without delay.
- Removing Colonist Negative Traits
Some colonists arrive with undesirable traits, making them inefficient workers. The cheat menu allows you to modify colonist traits, removing adverse effects and ensuring high productivity.
- Controlling Weather and Disasters
Martian weather can be unpredictable, with dust storms, cold waves, and meteors threatening your colony. The cheat menu lets you turn off these disasters or manually trigger them for added challenges.
- Expanding Dome Capacity
Domes have limited space, restricting the number of colonists who can live inside. This mod lets you expand dome capacity, allowing for larger populations without overcrowding issues.
- Enabling Instant Building Construction
Constructing buildings can take time and resources. This feature allows you to place buildings instantly, allowing for rapid colony expansion.
- Customizing Drone Behavior
Drones are essential for maintaining a colony. This cheat allows you to modify drones’ functions, making them faster and more efficient at gathering resources and repairing structures.
Can Console Players Use Cheats?
Players on PlayStation and Xbox have fewer options when it comes to cheats. The Expanded Cheat Menu is only available for PC users. However, Xbox players can sometimes use mods through the in-game mod manager.
Cheating is nearly impossible for PlayStation users without direct developer support. Some workarounds include modifying save files, which is a more complicated process.
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Alternative Ways to Make the Game Easier Without Cheats

If you are playing on a console and cannot use mods, here are some alternative ways to make the game easier:
- Choose the Right Sponsor
Some sponsors provide more funding and better research advantages. If you are struggling, choose an easier sponsor like the International Mars Mission, which has unlimited financing.
- Select a Good Landing Site
Some locations on Mars are much harsher than others. Avoid areas with extreme dust storms and cold waves. Look for regions rich in resources.
- Use the Right Breakthrough Technologies
Some breakthrough techs, like Autonomous Hubs (which makes drone hubs work without power), can significantly ease gameplay.
- Optimize Your Dome Layout
Design your domes efficiently to maximize comfort and productivity. Place essential buildings like hospitals and diners near housing to minimize travel time.
- Utilize Supply Pods
If your sponsor allows it, send multiple supply pods early in the game to get extra resources and drones.
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The Pros and Cons of Using Cheats
Advantages of Using Cheats
- Allows for experimentation – Test different colony designs without worrying about survival.
- Reduces frustration – Avoid resource shortages and unexpected failures.
- Speeds progress – Expand your colony quickly without waiting for research or construction.
- Gives creative freedom – Focus on designing a dream colony without restrictions.
Disadvantages of Using Cheats
- Removes challenge – The game is designed to be difficult, and cheats eliminate the struggle.
- Reduces replayability – The game may become less interesting once you have unlimited resources.
- Can cause bugs – Mods are not officially supported, which may lead to unexpected crashes or issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it safe to use mods in Surviving Mars?
Yes, but always download mods from trusted sources like the Steam Workshop or Paradox Mods to avoid malware or compatibility issues.
- Will using cheats disable achievements?
No, using mods does not disable achievements in Surviving Mars, so you can still earn them.
- Can I remove the mod after enabling it?
Yes, but doing so may cause issues with saved games that rely on the cheat features.
- Are there other cheat mods available?
Yes, but ChoGGi’s Expanded Cheat Menu is the most comprehensive and reliable option.
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Conclusion
The Expanded Cheat Menu is the most effective method of modifying gameplay in Surviving Mars because the game lacks built-in console commands. This mod allows you to personalize the Martian survival experience with features like limitless resources, fast research, and disaster control.
While console players must rely on in-game methods to make the game easier, PC gamers can easily install mods. Cheats can make Surviving Mars more entertaining and free up your time to concentrate on creativity rather than survival, whether you utilize them for convenience or enjoyment.
Happy colonizing!