Ascension perks are powerful empire-wide bonuses you normally earn by filling tradition trees. The activate_ascension_perk command grants any of them instantly, no traditions required. First, open the command console (~).
The activate_ascension_perk command
The syntax is activate_ascension_perk [perk id]. For example, to gain Enigmatic Engineering:
Or to unlock Galactic Wonders (which gates the best megastructures):
See the activate_ascension_perk command page for the full reference.
Finding perk IDs
Ascension perk IDs all start with ap_ and every one is on the Stellaris ascension perks list — copy the ID of the perk you want into the command.
Tips
- Some perks unlock features gated behind others (megastructures behind Galactic Wonders, for instance) — grant the prerequisite perk too if a feature doesn't appear.
- Pair this with instant build to immediately put a newly-unlocked megastructure into your queue.
- Cheats disable achievements for the session and don't work in Ironman.
Frequently asked questions
How do you unlock an ascension perk with cheats?
Use activate_ascension_perk followed by the perk ID, e.g. activate_ascension_perk ap_enigmatic_engineering. It grants the perk immediately, bypassing the normal tradition requirement.
Where do I find ascension perk IDs?
Perk IDs start with ap_ and are listed on the ascension perks list, for example ap_galactic_wonders_utopia.
Does this use up an ascension perk slot?
It grants the perk directly. Use it to hand yourself perks you haven't unlocked the slots or traditions for yet.