Most Infamous Cheat Codes In Games

Key Takeaways

Cheat codes in video games provide benefits like extra lives, new abilities, and shortcuts to enhance gameplay experiences.
Popular cheat codes like Motherlode in The Sims and Moon Physics in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater offer advantages for players.
The Konami Code, originating in Contra, is one of the most famous cheat codes used across various games for extra lives and hidden features.

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that these cheat codes have played a significant role in shaping my gaming journey over the years. They were like secret keys to hidden worlds, unlocking levels and characters that would have otherwise remained inaccessible.

As a gamer reminiscing about the past, I can’t forget those magical cheat codes that made their debut back in 1983 with the ZX Spectrum games. At first, they were like secret allies, helping us out when we were stuck or needed an extra edge. They would bestow us with bonus lives, invincibility, or even transport us straight to other levels, making our gaming adventures even more exciting!

As gaming became bigger and better, cheat codes also evolved with new codes giving players secret abilities, messing with the established physics of the game or just revealing fun easter eggs for gaming fans to indulge in. Some of these codes became more famous, whether through word of mouth or repeated use. These are some of the most infamous cheat codes, along with the game they come from and how to perform the cheat.

9 Motherlode

The Sims 2 (2004) – Receive 50,000 Simoleans

Press Ctrl + Shift + C to open the Console where cheats can be input
Type “motherlode”

As a devoted fan of The Sims 2, I’m sure you’ve heard about this nifty trick! When starting out in the game, especially if you’re aiming to construct lavish abodes for your virtual characters, the initial costs can be quite steep and amassing enough money to set off in style might seem like a challenge. That’s where the motherlode cheat comes into play! Simply input this magic code into the console, and voila! Your account will be instantly credited with 50,000 Simoleans, allowing you to splurge on your heart’s content without worrying about the budget.

This shortcut can be used repeatedly, giving players a significant advantage by enabling them to focus on developing or managing their Sims rather than spending excessive time on other aspects of the game. Notably, this trick is effective in both “The Sims 3” and “The Sims 4,” which may be due to its widespread popularity in the second installment.

8 Zelda

The Legend Of Zelda (1986) – Access The Second Quest Immediately

Start a new save file
Enter name as “Zelda”

In the remarkable “Legend of Zelda” franchise, the initial game, titled for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), invites players on a journey across an expansive world, where they engage in battles within dungeons, gather the eight segments of the Triforce, and ultimately confront Ganon to rescue Princess Zelda.

Following their successful conquest of the initially formidable obstacle, players will find themselves transitioning into a more difficult iteration of the game. This updated version offers fresh maps, rearranged item locations, and daunting new dungeons. For those eager to dive straight into this “Second Quest” and experience the challenging gameplay, simply enter their character’s name as “Zelda” when starting a new save file.

7 Moon Physics

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 (2000) – Low Gravity And Super Jumps

Enter Pause Menu
Hold L1 and enter “X, SQUARE, LEFT, UP, DOWN, UP, SQUARE, TRIANGLE”

Achieving the necessary speed in the Tony Hawk series of games to perform complex, jaw-dropping stunts can be quite challenging, particularly when the game reaches astonishingly fast speeds. To assist players who desire a taste of reduced gravity for longer tricks and greater hang time, Pro Skater 2 offers a hidden feature called “Moon Physics.

As a dedicated fan, I’ve discovered an exciting trick that could skyrocket your scores! If, after entering the code, the pause menu starts to quiver, you can experience a thrilling float effect following jumps in the game. This cheat has been a staple in many iterations of the Tony Hawk series, appearing in various forms throughout the games.

6 Invincibility Mode

Doom (1993) – Become Entirely Invincible

Type the code “idbeholdv” while playing

One of the seminal video games ever created, the initial version of “Doom” immerses players in a journey through research facilities that gradually transform into the depths of hell. In this adventure, players battle against demons and corrupt humans. Despite being relatively basic compared to modern standards, this pioneering first-person shooter game remains enjoyable, offering thrilling and tense moments along with challenging fights.

Using popular shortcuts that gamers of this title will likely recognize, one of the most famous is “idbeholdv.” Inputting this code during gameplay grants players invincibility and allows them to dash through levels recklessly. At the time of its release, it was widely shared, turning Doom into a less gloomy experience and more of an enjoyable adventure amidst the devastation.

5 ROCKETMAN

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004) – Unlock A Jetpack

Quickly enter “L1, L2, R1, R2, UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT, L1, L2, R1, R2, UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT”

In Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, the storyline missions transform into mind-blowing, exhilarating journeys. Some of these missions equip players with a jetpack, allowing them to fly effortlessly across the world without worrying about falling damage. However, the jetpack’s limited capabilities in terms of height can sometimes make it challenging to clear buildings.

For those seeking unlimited jetpack action across the city, simply input this cheat code at any moment while playing. With it, you’ll be able to soar freely at your leisure. This handy trick quickly gained notoriety and was shared widely online, enabling players worldwide to enjoy its benefits.

4 Blood Code

Mortal Kombat (Sega Genesis, 1993) – Enable Gore & Blood Effects

On the Code of Honor screen, press A, B, A, C, A, B, B

Among many notorious cheat codes, the one for the initial Mortal Kombat game on the Sega Genesis stands out as particularly memorable due to its incorporation of graphic violence effects, which were absent in other versions.

Despite numerous Nintendo enthusiasts endeavoring to activate the “Blood Code” on their gaming systems, it turned out to be exclusively available for Sega Genesis. A straightforward code, memorized by many fans, could trigger an abundance of blood effects, making the battlefield appear drenched in a humorous and exaggerated depiction of gore.

3 DK Mode

GoldenEye 007 (1997) – Big Heads And Long Arms

Go to the Cheat menu
Input the code “L+R+UP, C-RIGHT, R+LEFT, R+UP, UP, R+RIGHT, UP, L+R+C-DOWN, L+R+DOWN, L+R+C-LEFT”

It’s possible that the code for GoldenEye on the N64, which could be among the most intricate ones on the list, offers various special abilities such as rendering players invisible, invincible, providing maximum ammunition, or granting access to all levels. However, the code that had the greatest impact is known as “DK Mode.

Since Rare, the team behind the beloved game Donkey Kong Country, developed it, the creators intentionally included a secret feature – a code that enlarges all characters’ heads and extends their arms abnormally long, mimicking the distinct features of Donkey Kong. Known as the “big head” mode, this feature has been incorporated in numerous games following its creation.

2 Justin Bailey

Metroid (1986) – Play As Leotard Samus

Enter the password “JUSTIN BAILEY —— ——” in the password screen

Frequently hailed as a significant surprise in gaming, the concluding screen of Metroid unveils that Samus Aran was actually a woman wearing a power suit throughout the entire game. This revelation is often overlooked by new players, but the initial installment of the series did not provide any hints about Samus beneath her suit.

Some players, especially those who followed the Nintendo Power magazine, discovered a secret code that granted them early access to numerous weapons, defeated bosses, and Samus in her pink leotard upon starting the game. This seemingly unintentional discovery has left its mark on various other games, such as Shadow Complex, Axiom Verge, and multiple Metroid titles.

1 The Konami Code

Contra (1987) – 30 Extra Lives

On the title screen, enter “UP, UP, DOWN, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT, RIGHT, B, A, START”

Without a doubt, the widely recognized Konami code gained its popularity from the game Contra, although it was initially introduced in Gradius. This secret sequence has been preserved across numerous Konami games, many of which had such challenging levels that players frequently resorted to using these cheats multiple times just to conquer them.

Originally, the code in Contra granted players additional lives, but it has since evolved into a common feature across many games. This code now unlocks secret outfits, hidden levels, or unique animations. Here are some games that utilize this code: Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty, Dead By Daylight, BioShock Infinite, and Fortnite.

2024-11-24 19:06