The add_ship command spawns a fleet containing a single ship of whatever type you name — from a basic corvette to a science ship, a titan, or one of the galaxy's leviathans. The new fleet belongs to your empire. First, open the command console (~).
The add_ship command
The syntax is add_ship [ship name], using the ship's internal design name. For example, to spawn an alien corvette:
And to spawn a science ship:
See the add_ship command page for the full reference.
Finding ship names
Ship design names all start with NAME_ and are listed on the Stellaris ship list — search it for the vessel you want and copy its name straight into the command.
Tips
add_shipcreates the fleet at your currently selected system or capital, so select where you want it first.- Some special ships (guardians, crisis ships) spawn without normal AI or controls — they're best used for testing.
- Want a balanced fleet sized to your empire instead? Use
create_navy— see the naval capacity guide. - Cheats disable achievements for the session and don't work in Ironman.
Frequently asked questions
How do you spawn a ship in Stellaris?
Use add_ship followed by the ship's design name, e.g. add_ship NAME_Seeker. It creates a fleet containing one ship of that type, owned by your empire.
Where do I find ship names for add_ship?
Ship design-name IDs (they start with NAME_) are listed on the ship list. Copy the one you want into the command.
Can you spawn leviathans and other special ships?
Yes — many guardians, enclave ships and event vessels have NAME_ entries you can spawn with add_ship, though some are unbalanced or have no controllable AI.