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On PC, press the tilde key (~) to open Fallout 4’s console. If it does nothing, first check that you are pressing the key for your active keyboard layout: Bethesda says UK keyboard settings use the grave-accent key at the top-left instead. A documented Microsoft eHome device or driver conflict can also stop the game from recognizing the key.
Which key opens the Fallout 4 console?
Bethesda’s [support instructions] say to press the tilde key on the keyboard. With US keyboard settings, it is the key to the left of 1 on the top row. With a UK keyboard configuration, Bethesda says to use the grave-accent key at the top-left of the keyboard instead. The physical key can therefore differ by layout.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Fallout 4 Game of The Year Edition - Xbox One | $28.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Fallout 4 - Xbox One (Renewed) | $11.12 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Fallout 4 Game of The Year Edition - Xbox One | $33.83 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Fallout 4 | Anniversary Edition | XBOX and Windows Digital | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Fallout 4 GOTY (Xbox One) | $33.29 | Buy on Amazon |
These instructions describe keyboard input on PC. Bethesda documents plug-and-play support for Xbox One and Xbox 360 controllers on PC, but that does not establish a controller button for opening the command console.
What to check if the key does nothing
- Confirm you are using keyboard input on PC. The documented access method is a keyboard key, not a gamepad control.
- Check the active keyboard layout. Try the tilde key left of
1for US settings, or the top-left grave-accent key for UK settings, as Bethesda specifies. - Check for a Microsoft eHome conflict. Bethesda says Microsoft eHome devices or drivers can conflict with the game reading the tilde key’s scan code. Its support page specifically says disconnecting the Microsoft Infrared Remote Control from USB fixes the issue it describes. This is a documented possibility, not a universal fix for every keyboard problem.
Does the console work on PlayStation or Xbox?
The official instructions cited here describe the keyboard method on PC, and Bethesda says Fallout 4 does not natively support mouse and keyboard on PS4. That PS4 input statement does not establish a complete policy on command-console availability across PlayStation, nor do the sources establish the console’s availability on Xbox. Do not assume that a PC keyboard instruction or a supported PC gamepad implies a console-opening method on another platform.
#1 Best Overall
- Freedom and Liberty Do whatever you want in a massive open world with hundreds of locations, characters, and quests. Join multiple factions vying for power or go it alone, the choices are all yours
- Be Whoever You Want With the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Character System. From a Power Armored Soldier to the Charismatic Smooth Talker, You Can Choose From Hundreds of Perks and Develop Your Own Playstyle
- New Next Generation Graphics & Lighting Engine Brings to Life the World of Fallout. From the Blasted Forests of the Commonwealth to the Ruins of Boston, Every Location Is Packed With Dynamic Detail
- Intense first or third person combat can also be slowed down with the new dynamic Vault Tec Assisted Targeting System (V.A.T.S) that lets you choose your attacks and enjoy cinematic carnage
Can console commands damage a save?
Bethesda describes console commands as unsupported and warns that using them can cause gameplay problems, including broken quests, loss of fast travel, or broken AI. If a problem begins after you use a command, Bethesda recommends loading a save from before you used it. Keep an earlier save available before experimenting with commands.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- GOTY edition, includes original game on disc and all available DLC as download codes
- Do whatever you want in a massive open world with hundreds of locations, characters, and quests. Join multiple factions vying for power or go it alone, the choices are all yours
- Be whoever you want with the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. character system. From a Power Armored soldier to the charismatic smooth talker, you can choose from hundreds of Perks and develop your own playstyle.
- An all-new next generation graphics and lighting engine brings to life the world of Fallout like never before. From the blasted forests of the Commonwealth to the ruins of Boston, every location is packed with dynamic detail.
- Intense first or third person combat can also be slowed down with the new dynamic Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System (V.A.T.S) that lets you choose your attacks and enjoy cinematic carnage.
Rank #4
- ANNIVERSARY EDITION — Get Fallout 4, all six official expansions, and more than 150 Creation Club items in one package.
- EXPLORE THE COMMONWEALTH — Play as the Sole Survivor of Vault 111 and shape the Commonwealth through choices, factions, and exploration.
- SIX EXPANSIONS — Explore Automatron, Wasteland Workshop, Far Harbor, Contraptions Workshop, Vault-Tec Workshop, and Nuka-World.
- CREATION CLUB ITEMS — Enrich your adventure with more than 150 items, including unique weapons, power armor sets, building packs, paint jobs, homes, and Dogmeat appearance options.
- OPEN-WORLD RPG — Explore the post-nuclear world, craft weapons and armor, and build and manage settlements.
Rank #3
- GOTY edition includes original game on disc and all available DLC as download codes.
- Do whatever you want in a massive open world with hundreds of locations, characters, and quests. Join multiple factions vying for power or go it alone, the choices are all yours.
- Be whoever you want with the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. character system. From a Power Armored soldier to the charismatic smooth talker, you can choose from hundreds of Perks and develop your own playstyle.
- An all-new next generation graphics and lighting engine brings to life the world of Fallout like never before. From the blasted forests of the Commonwealth to the ruins of Boston, every location is packed with dynamic detail.
- Intense first or third person combat can also be slowed down with the new dynamic Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System (V.A.T.S) that lets you choose your attacks and enjoy cinematic carnage.
Rank #2
- Next generation of open-world gaming
- Developed by Bethesda Game Studios under the direction of Todd Howard
- Fallout 4 is the follow up to the 2008 'Game of the Year' Fallout 3
- First title from the world-renowned studio since the release of Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Violence
