killessential Console Command
Documentation and examples for the killessential command in Skyrim.
killessential
Kill a selected actor even if essential.
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
Base Form IDIDrequired | The base form ID of the object to place. |
Command builder
Fill in the parameters to build a ready-to-paste killessential command.
Examples
Here is an example of how to use killessential.
Clears the essential flag so the NPC can then be killed with kill.
Overview
To kill a character flagged essential you normally must first clear that flag with setessential <baseid> 0 and then use kill, since plain kill only makes essential NPCs collapse temporarily. This entry documents that two-step process players search for. Removing essential status and killing a quest-critical NPC can permanently break related quests, so save first.
Frequently asked questions
How do you use the killessential command in Skyrim?
Open the console with the tilde (~) key while in-game, type killessential followed by its parameters, then press Enter. For example: setessential 0001A696 0. The console is only available in the PC version of Skyrim.
What does the killessential command do?
Kill a selected actor even if essential.
What are the parameters for the killessential command?
The syntax is killessential [base form id]. It takes one argument: base form id.
Does the killessential command require any DLC?
No. killessential is part of the base game and works without any DLC.
Does using killessential disable Steam achievements?
Opening the console and entering any command, including killessential, disables Steam achievements for the rest of that play session on PC. Reload an earlier save or use an achievement-enabler mod if you still want achievements.