Where Are XCOM 2 INI Files Located? A Complete Guide

Where Are XCOM 2 INI Files Located? A Complete Guide

Andres
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Have you ever found yourself asking, "Where are XCOM 2 INI files at?" You're not alone. This is one of the first and most crucial questions for any player looking to tweak, mod, or troubleshoot their XCOM 2 experience. Whether you want to unlock the developer console, adjust the field of view, or fine-tune performance, the journey almost always starts with these powerful configuration files. But finding them isn't always intuitive, especially across different operating systems and installation methods. This comprehensive guide will demystify everything about XCOM 2's INI files, from their exact locations on your PC to safe editing practices and game-changing modifications.

Understanding the Power of XCOM 2's INI Files

Before we hunt for them, it's essential to understand what these files are and why they matter. INI files (short for "initialization" files) are plain text configuration files that the game reads at startup to determine a vast array of settings. Think of them as the game's hidden control panel. While the in-game options menu covers basics like graphics presets and audio volume, the INI files control the deep, underlying systems—things like UI scaling, AI behavior, engine limits, and debug commands. For the modder, the tweaker, and the troubleshooter, mastering these files is a rite of passage. They are the bridge between the player and the game's core code, allowing for customization that the official menus simply don't expose.

The Two Critical INI Files: Default and User

XCOM 2 primarily uses two key INI files for user-modifiable settings:

  1. DefaultGameData.ini: This file contains the game's default, "vanilla" settings. You should almost never edit this file directly. It is often overwritten by game updates or verification, and changes here can be unpredictable. Its primary use is as a reference to see what the original values are.
  2. XComGame.ini: This is your main workspace. This is the user-configurable file where you place your overrides. The game reads this file and applies your custom settings on top of the defaults. Any safe, permanent change you want to make should go here. This separation is a common pattern in Unreal Engine games and is designed to protect your changes from updates.

Other important INI files exist for specific systems (like XComEngine.ini for engine-level graphics/audio settings or XComUI.ini for the interface), but XComGame.ini is the most frequently targeted for gameplay tweaks.

Step-by-Step: Finding Your XCOM 2 INI Files

The path to these files varies significantly based on your operating system and how you purchased/installed the game (Steam, Epic Games Store, physical disc). Let's break it down.

For Windows Users (Steam Installation)

This is the most common scenario. The path follows a predictable structure:

  1. Navigate to your Steam installation folder. By default, this is C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam.
  2. From there, go to steamapps\common\XCOM 2\.
  3. Inside the XCOM 2 folder, you will find a directory named XComGame\Config.
  4. Your destination is the XComGame\Config folder. Here you will find all the primary INI files, including XComGame.ini and DefaultGameData.ini.

Pro Tip: If you use a non-standard Steam library location, you can find it quickly within the Steam client. Right-click XCOM 2 in your library, select Properties, then Local Files, and click Browse. This will open the root game folder, from which you navigate to XComGame\Config.

For Windows Users (Epic Games Store Installation)

The Epic Games Store uses a different default directory structure.

  1. Your Epic Games library is typically at C:\Program Files\Epic Games\.
  2. Inside, find the XCOM 2 folder.
  3. Again, proceed to XComGame\Config. The file structure is identical to the Steam version because the game files themselves are the same.

For macOS Users

The macOS version stores configuration files within the application bundle, which can be tricky to access.

  1. Open the Finder.
  2. Navigate to your Applications folder.
  3. Find XCOM 2.app.
  4. Right-click (or Control-click) on the application icon and select "Show Package Contents".
  5. A new window will open. Navigate to Contents\MacOS\XComGame\Config.
  6. You will find your INI files here. Important: On macOS, you may need to use a text editor that can handle Unix line endings (like VS Code, Sublime Text, or TextEdit in Plain Text mode).

For Linux Users (Proton/Steam Play)

For Linux users running XCOM 2 via Proton, the path is a bit more complex due to the compatibility layer's virtual file system.

  1. The game's prefix (a Windows-like environment) is stored in your Steam library's steamapps folder under a compatdata directory.
  2. You need to find the specific AppID for XCOM 2, which is 268500.
  3. The full path will look something like: ~/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/268500/pfx/drive_c/Program Files (x86)/Steam/steamapps/common/XCOM 2/XComGame/Config/.
  4. You can navigate here via your file manager or terminal. Tools like protontricks can simplify accessing these files.

How to Safely Edit XCOM 2 INI Files

Finding the file is only half the battle. Editing it correctly is critical to avoid crashes or corrupted saves.

1. ALWAYS Make a Backup First!

Before you change a single character, copy the original XComGame.ini file and save it somewhere safe (like your Desktop). Name it XComGame.ini.BACKUP. If your edits cause the game to crash on startup, you can simply delete the modified file and replace it with your backup. This is non-negotiable.

2. Use a Proper Text Editor

Do not use Microsoft Word or basic text editors that add formatting. Use a plain text editor.

  • Excellent (Free): Visual Studio Code, Notepad++, Sublime Text (evaluation).
  • Good: The built-in Windows Notepad (but be mindful of encoding—UTF-8 without BOM is safest).
  • macOS/Linux: TextEdit (in Plain Text mode), VS Code, nano (terminal).

3. Understand the Syntax

INI files are structured in sections. You'll see lines like:

[Engine.GameSession] bPersistentGamepadCursor=True
  • Sections are in [Square Brackets].
  • Settings are Key=Value pairs.
  • To change a setting, find the relevant section and key, and modify the value after the =.
  • To add a new setting that doesn't exist, you must add it under the correct section. For example, to enable the developer console, you add a new line under the [Engine.Console] section: ConsoleFontName=UI/Console_Font.UPF.

4. Save with Correct Encoding

When saving, ensure the file is saved as ANSI (for Windows) or UTF-8 without BOM. Saving with strange encodings can make the game fail to read the file. Most modern editors default correctly, but it's a common point of failure.

5. Set File Attributes (Windows)

Sometimes, Windows or your antivirus may set the XComGame.ini file to "read-only" after a game update or verification. Right-click the file > Properties. If the "Read-only" attribute is checked, uncheck it and Apply. Otherwise, your game will overwrite your changes on launch, or you won't be able to save them.

Common and Useful XCOM 2 INI Tweaks

Now for the fun part. Here are some of the most popular, safe, and impactful modifications you can make to XComGame.ini.

Unlocking the Developer Console

This is the #1 reason people seek out INI files. It allows you to use cheat commands during gameplay.

  1. Open XComGame.ini.
  2. Find the section [Engine.Console]. If it doesn't exist, you can add it at the end of the file.
  3. Add the line: ConsoleFontName=UI/Console_Font.UPF
  4. Save and close.
  5. Launch XCOM 2. In-game, press the tilde key (~) or ** apostrophe (')** to open the console. You can now type commands like:
    • god - God mode.
    • tai - Toggle AI (stops all alien movement).
    • giveitem [ItemName] - Spawn an item (e.g., giveitem Light Plasma Rifle).

Fixing UI Scaling for High-DPI Displays

Many players on 4K or high-resolution monitors find the UI tiny. The fix is in XComEngine.ini (a sister file in the same Config folder).

  1. Open XComEngine.ini.
  2. Find or add the section [SystemSettings].
  3. Add or modify these lines: 
    [SystemSettings] r.DynamicScreenPercentage=0 UI_Scale=1.5 ; Adjust this number (1.0 is default, 1.5 is 50% larger)
    Experiment with UI_Scale values (1.2, 1.3, etc.) until the UI is comfortable.

Removing the Intro Videos

Sick of the unskippable publisher logos? This tweak saves seconds every launch.

  1. In XComGame.ini, find the section [Engine.GameSession].
  2. Add or change these lines: 
    [Engine.GameSession] bStartupMoviesEnabled=False bSquadRosterVisibleInSkirmish=True
    The bSquadRosterVisibleInSkirmish is a bonus that lets you use your campaign soldiers in skirmish mode.

Adjusting Field of View (FOV)

The default FOV can feel restrictive. You can change it.

  1. In XComEngine.ini, under [SystemSettings], add: 
    [SystemSettings] DefaultFOV=90
    Replace 90 with your desired value. Caution: Setting this too high (above 110-120) can cause visual glitches with UI elements and weapon models.

Increasing the Tactical UI Time Limit

Feel rushed in tactical missions? You can extend the turn timer.

  1. In XComGame.ini, find the section [XComGame.XComTacticalGameRuleset].
  2. Add or modify: 
    [XComGame.XComTacticalGameRuleset] iTurnLength=120 ; This is in seconds. Default is 60.

Troubleshooting: Why Your INI Changes Aren't Working

You followed the steps, saved the file, but the game launches with no change. Here’s the diagnostic checklist:

  1. Did you edit the correct file? Double-check you edited XComGame.ini and not DefaultGameData.ini for most gameplay tweaks. For graphics/engine settings, it's XComEngine.ini.
  2. Is the file "read-only"? (See Step 4 in the editing section). This is the most common culprit.
  3. Did you put the setting in the correct section? Syntax matters. A setting in the wrong section is ignored.
  4. Is there a typo?bMySetting=True is not the same as bMySetting= true (space) or bMySetting=TrUe. Case usually doesn't matter for keys/values in Unreal, but extra spaces do.
  5. Did the game overwrite your file? Sometimes, Steam's "Verify Integrity of Game Files" will reset config files to default. You'll need to re-apply your changes.
  6. Are you looking in the right Config folder? There is also a Saved/Config folder in your user documents (Documents\My Games\XCOM 2\XComGame\Config). This folder contains user-specific settings that can override the main game's INI files. If you have a conflict, the file in Saved/Config often takes precedence. You can edit the files there as well, using the same syntax.

Advanced: Modding and the Config Folder Hierarchy

For modders, understanding the config file hierarchy is key. XCOM 2 loads INI files in a specific order, with later files overriding earlier ones. The typical load order is:

  1. DefaultGameData.ini (Base game defaults)
  2. XComGame.ini (Your manual edits)
  3. Files in \XComGame\Config\ (from official DLC/updates)
  4. Files in \Documents\My Games\XCOM 2\XComGame\Config\ (Your user-specific overrides)
  5. Mod-specific INI files (loaded by the mod manager, like XComGame_ModName.ini)

This means the safest place for permanent, manual tweaks is often the Saved/Config folder in your Documents, as it's less likely to be touched by game updates or Steam verification. However, many tutorials point to the main game folder because it's universal. Just be aware that if you use a mod manager like XCOM 2 Mod Manager or ** Vortex**, the mod's own INI files will load last and have the highest priority.

Conclusion: Your Game, Your Rules

So, the next time you wonder "where are XCOM 2 ini files at?", you now have the complete map. They reside in the XComGame\Config directory of your game installation, with XComGame.ini being your primary canvas for customization. The power these files grant is immense, from unlocking the developer console to tailoring the UI and gameplay to your exact preferences. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Always back up your files, edit with care, and understand that a single misplaced character can break your campaign. Start with small, documented tweaks—like disabling intros or scaling the UI—before venturing into more complex gameplay overrides. The vibrant XCOM 2 modding community is a fantastic resource; many popular mods began as simple INI edits. By mastering these configuration files, you move from being just a player to an architect of your own XCOM experience, ensuring every mission unfolds exactly the way you want it to. Now, go forth, commander, and fine-tune your war.

INI files for XCOM 2 are fun to read. : Xcom
INI files for XCOM 2 are fun to read. : Xcom
How to tweak XCOM 2 .ini files for fun and danger | PC Gamer

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