Cheats & Secrets

Cheats & Secrets

Introduction

Alien: Isolation does not include traditional cheat codes (e.g., button combinations or password entries) on any platform. The developers intentionally avoided cheat systems to preserve the game’s tense, unforgiving atmosphere. However, the PC version offers an unofficial developer console that can be enabled, and the game is rich in hidden content, Easter eggs, and unlockable features. This guide covers all legitimate secrets, including console commands, Easter eggs, hidden areas, and achievement/trophy secrets.

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Developer Console (PC Only)

The PC version includes a debug console that can be activated via a launch argument. Use this at your own risk—enabling the console may disable achievements and can break game progression if used improperly.

How to Enable the Console

1. Open Steam Library > right-click Alien: Isolation > Properties > General > Launch Options.
2. Add the following argument: `-dev`
3. Launch the game. Press the ~ (tilde) key to open the console.

Useful Console Commands

Note: The console is not officially supported. Some commands may cause crashes or softlocks. Save often before using them.

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Easter Eggs

1. The Nostromo Logs & ID Tags

Collectible logs and ID tags from the original Alien film appear throughout Sevastopol. They are not real cheat codes, but finding all 10 Nostromo Logs and 50 ID Tags unlocks achievements/trophies. Locations are missable after certain story events; see the All Game Items section for a full list.

2. The Original Alien Film Reference: “You’re My Lucky Star”

In Mission 5 – The Descent, when Amanda enters the San Cristobal Medical Facility and finds the sanitarium, you can sometimes hear the song “You’re My Lucky Star” playing on a distant radio. This is a direct reference to the 1979 film, where the same song plays during the Nostromo crew’s last supper.

3. Ash’s Head

In Mission 10 – The Trap, after the Android attack in the Apollo Core server room, you can find a severed synthetic head on a desk. It resembles the remains of Ash from the original film. Interacting with it triggers a short audio line from the game’s synthetic, Samuels, referencing Ash’s betrayal.

4. The Cowboy Hat

In Mission 7 – Seegson Synthetics, inside the synth manufacturing area, look for a small desk with a cowboy hat and a flask. This is an homage to the character Dallas from the original Alien (he wore a similar hat in the film’s opening scenes).

5. “Get Away From Her…”

If you manage to stun the Alien with the flamethrower at close range repeatedly, Amanda may sometimes whisper “Get away from her… you bitch!”—a direct callback to Ellen Ripley’s line in Aliens.

6. The Crew Expendable DLC Poster

In the main menu, if you own the Crew Expendable DLC, the menu background changes to the original Alien film poster. This is a subtle nod to the DLC’s retro aesthetic.

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Hidden Content

1. “Nightmare” Difficulty

Unlocked by completing the game on any difficulty. Nightmare mode makes the Alien more aggressive, resources extremely scarce, and removes the motion tracker from certain areas. It is the toughest challenge available.

2. The “One-Shot” Mechanic

While not a secret, the Alien can kill Amanda with a single strike on Hard and Nightmare difficulties. On Easy and Medium, you survive with a small amount of health. This is a developer-intended balance hidden until you experiment with difficulty.

3. “No One Can Hear You Scream” Achievement/Trophy

Earned by completing the game without dying. This is a hidden achievement that requires perfect play—no checkpoints, no reloads from a death. It does not appear in the in-game list until unlocked.

4. Secret Room in Mission 5 (San Cristobal Medical Facility)

In the area with the operating tables and corpse, there is a small security office with an ID Tag and a Nostromo Log. To reach it, you must use the vent above the double doors after the Alien leaves the area. Inside, you’ll find a terminal with a message about “medical experiments” – a subtle nod to the film’s “facehugger” scenes.

5. Seegson Communications “Easter Egg” Audio Log

In Mission 15 – The Descent, before entering the hive, search the Seegson Communications office. A specific audio log titled “Test Subject #7” contains a distorted version of the Alien theme song played backwards.

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Secret Achievements & Trophies

Note: The “No One Can Hear You Scream” achievement (One Shot) is technically a secret; it is hidden from the list until you achieve it.

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Unlockable Modes

• New Game Plus: Not available. The game only offers New Game mode with carry-over of difficulty unlocks.


• Crew Expendable DLC: If purchased, play as the original Alien cast (Ellen Ripley, Dallas, Lambert) on the Nostromo. Unlock by selecting it from the main menu.


• Last Survivor DLC: Another DLC featuring a mission based on the original film’s final act.


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Developer-Intended Hidden Gimmicks



• Alien Senses: If you hold the motion tracker while crouched and not moving, the Alien will not detect you even if you are in its line of sight (within certain ranges). This is not a cheat but an exploit of the game’s AI.


• Flamethrower Fear Radius: The Alien will never attack you while you are actively spraying fire, even if you have only 1% fuel remaining. This is a developer-intended safety net.

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Final Notes

Alien: Isolation lacks conventional cheat codes, but the PC developer console, Easter eggs, and hidden achievements provide plenty of secrets for dedicated players. Use the console sparingly if you want to preserve the intended challenge. All secrets listed here are safe and developer-approved—no mods or third-party tools required (except the console).