Cheats & Secrets
Cheats & Secrets Guide for SOMA
SOMA is a narrative-driven sci-fi horror game with no official in-game cheat codes or unlockable cheats. However, the PC version includes a developer console and debug menu that can be accessed with a configuration change. This guide covers all known commands, Easter eggs, and hidden content across all platforms.
Developer Console (PC Only)
The developer console is not enabled by default. To activate it:
1. Steam version: Right-click SOMA in your Library > Properties > General > Launch Options. Add `-developer 1` (or `-debug 1` on older versions).
2. GOG/Other: Edit the shortcut target line to include the argument: `"path\to\SOMA.exe" -developer 1`.
3. Launch the game. Press ~ (tilde) or F1 (depending on keyboard layout) to open the console.
Important: Using the console may disable Steam achievements on some save files. Always back up your saves before experimenting.
Console Commands
| Command | Effect | Example |
|---|---|---|
| `god` | Toggles invincibility. You cannot die from monsters or falls. | `god` |
| `noclip` | Toggles fly/wallhack mode. Move through walls and terrain. | `noclip` |
| `giveitem [item_name]` | Spawns a specific item in front of you. Common items: `battery`, `fireextinguisher`, `scanner`, `fuse`, `lamp`, `grenade` (non-functional), `oil`, `wrench` (non-interactive). | `giveitem battery` |
| `giveall` | Gives all items in the game to your inventory. May cause clutter. | `giveall` |
| `infiniteloop` | Toggles infinite loop (no punishment for staying too long in certain areas). | `infiniteloop` |
| `map [mapname]` | Warps to a specific map. Map names include: `omni`, `theta`, `delta`, `lambda`, `kappa`, `omicron`, `research`, `submarine`, `space`, `abyss`, `abyss_control`, `endgame`. | `map theta` |
| `setskill [skillname] [value]` | Adjusts player skills (stealth speed, monster detection range, etc.). Skill names: `stealth`, `speed`, `monster_hearing`, `monster_awareness` (value 0-1). | `setskill monster_awareness 0` |
| `skill` | Lists all available skill names for `setskill`. | `skill` |
| `playmusic [trackname]` | Forces background music. Track names: `ambient`, `tension`, `chase`, `ending`. | `playmusic ending` |
| `fov [degrees]` | Changes field of view (default 90). | `fov 120` |
| `screenshot` | Takes a high-res screenshot. | `screenshot` |
Debug Menu
If you use `-debug 1` instead of `-developer 1`, a small debug overlay appears in the bottom-right corner showing: FPS, player coordinates, current map, and entity count. This menu cannot be toggled off without restarting the game.
Easter Eggs & Hidden Content
#### 1. Jin Yoshida’s Name (Omnicron)
In the Omnicron facility, early in the game, look for a wall in the crew quarters with the name "Jin Yoshida" scratched into the plaster. This is a reference to the SOMA community manager.
#### 2. The Omega Gun
In the Theta area, in a locked room (accessible via keycard), you can find a giant, non-functional particle weapon called the "Omega Cannon". It serves no gameplay purpose—just an environmental prop with a sign explaining it was meant to destroy debris.
#### 3. Secret Developer Room (Abyss)
In the Abyss section (deep underwater), when you reach the large open area with glowing jellyfish, search for an unmarked airlock on the left wall. Enter it to find a small room with a terminal displaying a message from Frictional Games thanking players for exploring. No item rewards, just an acknowledgment.
#### 4. Amnesia Reference (Theta)
In the Theta rec room, a poster shows a character from Amnesia: The Dark Descent (Daniel) alongside the slogan "It’s not just a dream." This is a callback to Frictional’s earlier game.
#### 5. The Musical Ending (Joke)
During the final sequence in Tau, if you wait on the launch pad with the ARK for about 10 minutes without making a decision, a comedy skip option appears: "SOMA: The Musical – Press Q to start.” This is a developer joke; pressing Q triggers a brief musical note of a dot matrix printer, then resumes the normal game. No hidden ending.
#### 6. Black Box Easter Egg
In Delta, inside the server room, there is a black box that, when examined closely, plays a faint, reversed message. The message is a distorted version of "Hello, Simon"—a random developer voice line.
#### 7. Unused Area: Abyss Lab
Using console command `map abyss_lab` loads an incomplete test level with developer notes on the walls. This area is not normally accessibile and contains a single terminal with debug text.
Secrets on Console
The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of SOMA have no developer console or debug menu. However, all the Easter eggs listed above exist on console versions as well. To find them:
- Jin Yoshida’s name: Same location as PC.
- Omega Gun: Same location.
- Developer room: Accessible on all platforms; requires careful exploration in the Abyss.
- Amnesia poster: Present in Theta.
- Musical joke: Works identically on console (wait 10 minutes on the launch pad).
- Black box: Same spot.
- Save often when using console commands—some areas (like the Abyss developer room) are one-way only from the normal path.
- The developer room is not required for any achievement; it’s purely a curiosity.
- The musical joke does not affect story choices—you can still choose to either launch the ARK or stay.
Exploit-Safe Secrets
The console commands `god` and `noclip` are safe to use for exploration without crashing the game, but turning off `god` while inside a monster’s grab zone may cause an instant death loop. Always return to a safe room before disabling god mode.
Using `map` to warp to late-game areas (like `endgame`) will trigger story triggers out of order, potentially breaking the save. Do not use map commands on a file you intend to keep.
Tips for Discovery
Summary
SOMA has no traditional cheat codes, but the PC version’s developer console offers god mode, noclip, item spawning, and map warping. Hidden content includes the Omega Gun, a secret developer room, references to Frictional’s other games, and a humorous musical skip option. All Easter eggs are accessible on console. Use cheats responsibly to avoid breaking your save file.