Quick answer
How do I open the cheat console in Paralives?
On Windows or Linux press Ctrl+F1 or Ctrl+Shift+C. On Mac press Cmd+F1 (or Cmd+Shift+C). A console overlay appears on the right — type a command such as help or JACKPOT and press Enter. No testingcheats or mods needed.
Shortcuts
Cheat console shortcuts by platform
Both shortcuts open the same console. Commands typed after that are identical across platforms.
| Platform | Shortcut | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Windows / Linux | Ctrl+F1 or Ctrl+Shift+C | Works in live mode; either shortcut is fine. |
| macOS (Apple Silicon) | Cmd+F1 or Cmd+Shift+C | Swap Ctrl for Command. Fn/Globe may be needed on some keyboards. |
| Steam Deck | Ctrl+F1 (+ Steam+X keyboard) | Open the on-screen keyboard with Steam+X, then press the shortcut or bind Ctrl+F1 to a back button. |
Step by step
How to open and use Paralives cheats
- 1
Enter live mode
Load a household and wait until you can click Paras and furniture. The console opens from live mode, not the main menu.
- 2
Press the shortcut
Windows/Linux: Ctrl+F1 or Ctrl+Shift+C. Mac: Cmd+F1 or Cmd+Shift+C. A right-side overlay appears.
- 3
Type a command
Start with help to list available inputs, or jump straight to JACKPOT, RELIEFALLNEEDS or PRINTMONEY 20000. Codes are case-insensitive.
- 4
Press Enter
The command runs immediately. Close the console with the same shortcut when you are done.
After it opens
First commands worth typing
Once the overlay is open, these four commands cover most first-session needs.
helpPrints the built-in command list so you can discover codes without leaving the game.
JACKPOTAdds 50,000 Paradimes in one word — the simplest money cheat for beginners.
RELIEFALLNEEDSMaxes every need for the selected Para so you can test builds without hunger interruptions.
PRINTMONEY <amount>Adds an exact Paradime amount when you need a precise budget.
Windows & Linux
Either Ctrl+F1 or Ctrl+Shift+C works. If nothing appears, click into the game window first so it has keyboard focus.
macOS
Use Cmd instead of Ctrl. Apple Silicon only (M2+). Full Mac pitfalls and money table live on the dedicated Mac guide.
Open Mac cheats guideSteam Deck
Hold Steam+X for the on-screen keyboard, then Ctrl+F1. Bind the shortcut to a back button if you cheat often.
Opening the console — FAQ
- How do I open a cheat console in Paralives?
- Press Ctrl+F1 or Ctrl+Shift+C on Windows/Linux, or Cmd+F1 on Mac. A console overlay opens on the right side of the screen where you can type commands.
- Does Paralives have a cheat console?
- Yes. Paralives ships with a built-in developer console in Early Access. There is no testingcheats toggle — the console is available by default.
- How do I use a cheat in Paralives?
- Open the console with the platform shortcut, type a command such as JACKPOT or RELIEFALLNEEDS, and press Enter. Codes are case-insensitive and achievement-safe.
- Why doesn't Ctrl+F1 work on my Mac?
- On macOS you must use the Command key: Cmd+F1 or Cmd+Shift+C. Ctrl+F1 does nothing on Mac. See the Mac cheats guide for fn-row and Steam Input pitfalls.
- Do Paralives cheats disable achievements?
- No — and not because the console is forgiving. The Early Access build has no Steam achievements at all, so there is nothing a command could disable. Open the console freely; just back up a save before running the destructive commands.
- Where can I find the full list of cheats?
- Type help in the console for the in-game list, or use the searchable index on this site covering 100+ commands across 13 categories.
Next steps
Related cheat guides
Full cheats index
100+ achievement-safe console commands across 13 categories.
Command search
Find a code by name or by what you want to do, with a one-line save note.
Money cheats
All eight Paradime codes with exact amounts and when to use each.
Cheats on Mac
Cmd+F1 sequence, Apple Silicon notes and Mac-only pitfalls.
Codes glossary
Same commands grouped by intent — money, skills, needs, build, debug.
Re-verified against the current Early Access patch.