In Fallout: New Vegas, the wasteland can be brutal and unforgiving. Whether it’s a beloved companion getting killed in the heat of battle or an important NPC meeting an untimely end, the game’s world can sometimes feel punishing. Fortunately, for PC players, console commands offer a way to reverse these situations. One of the most useful and frequently searched commands is the resurrect console command, which brings characters back to life. Understanding how to use it effectively can save your playthrough or simply make experimentation more enjoyable in the Mojave Desert.
Understanding Console Commands in Fallout: New Vegas
Before diving into the specifics of the resurrect command, it’s important to grasp how console commands work in Fallout: New Vegas. Console commands are powerful tools that allow players to manipulate the game world directly. These commands can spawn items, teleport the player, fix bugs, or even change a character’s essential status. However, they must be used carefully, as improper use can cause glitches or unintended behavior in the game.
How to Open the Console
To open the console in Fallout: New Vegas, press the tilde (~) key, typically located just below the Esc key on most keyboards. Once the console opens, you’ll see a prompt where you can type commands. Pressing the tilde again will close the console and return you to the game.
Using the Resurrect Console Command
Theresurrectcommand is used to bring a dead character or creature back to life. This can be especially useful if a quest-critical NPC has died, or if you accidentally lost a companion and want them restored. There are two main ways to use the resurrect command depending on whether the target is visible and selected or not.
Basic Syntax
The simplest form of the command is:
resurrect
This command will resurrect the NPC or creature currently selected in the console. However, it must be used correctly to avoid issues.
Resurrecting a Selected NPC
Here’s how to resurrect a visible character:
- Approach the dead body in-game.
- Open the console with the tilde key.
- Click directly on the body. You should see a string of numbers (the NPC’s reference ID) appear at the top of the console.
- Type
resurrectand press Enter. - Close the console. The NPC should rise from the dead, reset to their default state.
Resurrecting an NPC Using Reference ID
If the NPC is not nearby or their body has disappeared, you can still resurrect them using their reference ID:
prid [ReferenceID]
resurrect
Replace[ReferenceID]with the actual code for the NPC. For example, to resurrect Boone, a companion, you might use:
prid 00096bce
resurrect
Make sure you are entering the correct reference ID and not the base ID, as the base ID applies to all instances of a type of NPC, while the reference ID points to the specific instance.
Common Uses for the Resurrect Command
The resurrect command has a variety of practical applications for Fallout: New Vegas players. Here are some common scenarios where it proves helpful:
Restoring Companions
If a companion dies in Hardcore Mode, they stay dead. However, with the console, you can bring them back to life using the resurrect command. This is particularly useful if you’re emotionally attached to companions like Veronica, Raul, or Arcade Gannon.
Fixing Broken Quests
Sometimes, quest NPCs may die before they are supposed to, either due to bugs, stray bullets, or conflicts with hostile factions. Resurrecting them can allow you to complete the quest without having to reload an older save.
Testing or Experimentation
Players who enjoy experimenting with mods or the game’s AI systems may find the resurrect command useful for resetting a scene. You can kill and resurrect characters repeatedly to observe different behavior or outcomes.
Things to Keep in Mind When Using Resurrect
While the resurrect command is very useful, it comes with a few caveats. Improper use may result in glitches, broken scripts, or unintended consequences in your game.
Game State Reset
When you resurrect an NPC, they are usually reset to their default state. This means:
- They forget the player’s prior interactions.
- Their inventory may be reset.
- They may not resume their previous routines or behaviors.
This can interfere with quest progress, particularly if the resurrected NPC was involved in a complex storyline. Always save before using console commands.
Reference ID vs Base ID
Using the wrong ID type may lead to failure. Thebase IDrefers to the general template of a character (used with theplayer.placeatmecommand), while thereference IDidentifies the specific instance of that character in the game world. Only the reference ID works with thepridcommand and thenresurrect.
Companions Not Following
Sometimes resurrected companions may not rejoin the player or may act strangely. If this happens, use the following commands after resurrection:
moveto player
setplayerteammate 1
These commands teleport them to your location and flag them as an ally again.
Alternatives to Resurrect
If resurrecting an NPC doesn’t solve your problem, you might consider alternatives:
- ResetAI: This command resets an NPC’s AI behavior if they are acting unusually after resurrection.
- RecycleActor: This can reset the NPC entirely, useful if they’re bugged or not responding properly.
- player.placeatme [BaseID]: This creates a new instance of the NPC, although it is not the same as reviving the original.
Each of these commands can be useful in different situations and may be safer than using resurrect, depending on what you’re trying to fix.
Best Practices for Console Command Use
To avoid corrupting your save or causing permanent bugs, follow these best practices:
- Always make a hard save before entering console commands.
- Use commands only when necessary to fix game-breaking issues or enhance your gameplay experience responsibly.
- Keep a list of reference IDs for key NPCs or companions for quick access.
- Test the command in a safe environment before applying it during a mission or story arc.
The resurrect console command in Fallout: New Vegas is a valuable tool for reviving dead characters, restoring broken quests, or just exploring what-ifs in the Mojave Wasteland. By understanding how to use it properly whether targeting a corpse directly or using a reference ID you can make your playthrough smoother and more flexible. Just remember that with great power comes the need for caution. When used responsibly, console commands like resurrect can greatly enhance your Fallout: New Vegas experience without compromising its immersive storytelling and world design.