EU4 timer_start Console Command

Documentation and detailed help with working examples.
timer_start Command
DeveloperDLC: None

This command starts debug timing.

timer_start
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Quick Overview

The timer_start command in Europa Universalis IV is used to initiate a debugging timer. This feature is primarily used for testing and optimization purposes: it helps to measure how long specific processes or portions of the game code take to perform.

This way, developers can identify areas of the game that are running slower than expected, so they can rework the code and improve performance.

In-Depth Description

The command timer_start in Europa Universalis IV is a debug command, hence it is not generally available to players in normal gameplay. Debug commands are typically used by game developers and testers during game development.

What this command does is it starts a timer that acts as a stopwatch. It keeps track of time since this command was executed. This could be useful in debugging by determining how much 'time' a certain process or action within the game is taking to execute.

For example, if the game developers fear that a specific function or process is taking longer than expected and possibly slowing down the performance of the game, they can decide to use the timer_start command right before the process and later use timer_stop to stop the timer.

By examining the duration, developers can figure out how long the process is taking and whether it's necessary to optimize code to improve game performance.

How to Open the Command Console

In EU4, cheats are executed from the command console, a text box that you type commands into.

To open the command console press the ~(tilde) key, which is typically located under ESC (escape).

If your keyboard does not have that key, or pressing ~ does not work, try the following keys:

  • ~
  • SHIFT + 2
  • SHIFT + 3
  • ALT + 2 + 1

Type your command into the console, and then press ENTER .