Top 15 Famous Cheats In Video Games

As a gamer, I’ve been using cheat codes for as long as I can remember! They’ve always been a huge part of gaming, going all the way back to those crazy button combos you had to memorize, or even just typing in secret words during a game. Sometimes, developers would put them in to help them test things out. Other times, it felt like they were giving us a little nudge, letting us break the rules and really see what a game was capable of. Honestly, some of these codes are so iconic, they’re basically a quick way to remember a whole era of gaming!

Here are fifteen of the most well-known cheat codes in video game history. For each code, we’ll explain what it does, how to enter it, and important information-such as which game versions it works on and any potential consequences-to help you understand where and when to use it.

The Konami Code (Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start)

The Konami Code, first created by Kazuhisa Hashimoto when he was bringing Gradius to the NES, unlocks power-ups or extra lives in many Konami games and even beyond. For example, in Contra on the NES, entering the code on the title screen gives you 30 lives, while in Gradius it fully equips your ship. Later, many different game developers hid secret features, known as Easter eggs, using the same code sequence. In certain SNES games, the code changes slightly to “A, B,” and pressing “Select” before “Start” allows two players to use it in Contra.

The code wasn’t limited to just one game; it showed up in releases of Gradius, Contra, and Castlevania, as well as rhythm games, and even as a fun hidden feature in some non-game software. Since it’s simply a series of inputs entered at menus or pause screens, it functions on both the original consoles and most emulators without requiring a debugging tool.

IDDQD (DOOM)

Entering “IDDQD” in DOOM activates god mode, which makes the player unable to be harmed – though things like falling into pits or being crushed by ceilings can still cause damage in certain versions of the game. When activated, the game displays a message saying “Degreelessness Mode,” a reference to the code name the developers used during testing.

The code works in the original DOOM and DOOM II versions for DOS, as well as in many source ports that keep the original cheat functions. Some newer ports treat it as a toggle – turning the cheat on and off – instead of permanently enabling it. Also, the effect is usually limited to the current game session or saved game, which is helpful for testing custom WAD files or playing through very difficult user-created levels.

IDKFA (DOOM)

Okay, so in DOOM and DOOM II, if I ever type “IDKFA,” it’s basically a cheat code that gives me everything. Seriously, all the weapons, all the keys, and full ammo! People usually remember it as “ID Keys, Full ammo, All weapons” because that’s exactly what it does. The cool thing is, it instantly gives me the BFG9000 and all the keycards or skull keys I need to get through the level. It’s a lifesaver, honestly!

Similar to other DOOM cheats, this one is entered while you’re playing the game and works immediately – you don’t need to open a menu. Most updated versions of the game and many console releases still support this cheat code. However, some newer remasters include separate settings to control how classic cheats function.

ABACABB (Mortal Kombat on Sega Genesis/Mega Drive)

Typing in “A, B, A, C, A, B, B” on the title screen of the Genesis/Mega Drive version of Mortal Kombat unlocks blood and the original finishing moves. These features were turned off by default when the game first came out on that platform. You’ll hear a sound to let you know the code was entered correctly, and a little symbol will appear to confirm that the extra content is now active.

This code gained popularity because various gaming systems displayed content in unique ways when the game first launched; entering this specific code made the Genesis version visually similar to the arcade game. You need to input it before beginning a game, and it will continue to function throughout your gameplay session unless you restart the game.

HESOYAM (Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas)

Entering the code “HESOYAM” in the PC version of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas quickly refills your health and armor, fixes any damage to your current vehicle, and gives you $250,000 in the game. This happens immediately after you finish typing the code, even if you’re driving or fighting. The effect triggers instantly.

Activating cheats in this game is done by typing them on your keyboard as you play-you don’t need to open a console. You can also use multiple cheats at the same time. Be aware that using cheats on a saved game will mark that file, potentially changing some in-game numbers and causing unexpected things to happen if you have too many active at once.

motherlode (The Sims series)

Typing “motherlode” into the game’s cheat console instantly gives the current family §50,000 in many The Sims games. To access the console, press Ctrl+Shift+C on a PC (or the corresponding buttons on other platforms), type the code, and press Enter. You can use this cheat as many times as you like.

Previous versions of the game used the term “rosebud” to represent small sums of money, and later updates added “motherlode” along with other ways to manage funds using cheats. When playing challenge modes or trying to earn achievements, using these cheats might prevent the game from recording your progress for that playthrough, depending on the specific game version.

FUND (SimCity 2000)

Entering “FUND” in SimCity 2000 instantly issues a $10,000 municipal bond, adding the funds to the city’s treasury. This bond has a high interest rate and creates ongoing expenses for the city’s budget, which will be visible in the finance panel starting with the next financial period.

This method let players quickly create buildings and systems, but it risked financial instability in the long run. Several FUND entries combine to create individual bonds, increasing yearly costs until they are paid off-this is shown clearly on each line of the budget screen.

Justin Bailey (Metroid)

Typing the password “JUSTIN BAILEY — –” (that’s six dashes, then a space, then six more dashes) into the NES game Metroid begins the game with Samus not wearing her Power Suit. This also changes the starting equipment and map layout compared to starting a new game normally. You’ll usually begin with important upgrades and missiles, which can significantly change how you play the early parts of the game.

The password system stores information about your inventory, how much of the game map you’ve finished, and how your character looks. This specific password sequence became well-known because it consistently created a unique starting point. Other discovered passwords can change where you begin the game and what equipment you have, effectively turning the system into both a way to cheat and a way to save your progress. More information is available here.

19, 65, 09, 17 Level Select (Sonic the Hedgehog 2)

In Sonic the Hedgehog 2 for the Genesis/Mega Drive, you can unlock a level select feature by entering a specific code in the sound test. Go to the Sound Test from the Options menu and play the following tracks in order: 19, 65, 09, and 17. You’ll hear a chime if you do it correctly. Then, go back to the title screen and hold the A button while pressing Start to access the level select menu.

This technique allows players to load any game area, re-open the Sound Test through the hidden menu, and, when used with other commands, activate debug mode or unlock special character options in specific game versions. While slight differences might exist between game releases for different regions, the basic method stays the same.

Secret Characters & Big Head Mode (NBA Jam)

The original NBA Jam arcade and home versions feature secret, playable characters-like the game’s developers and famous people-that you can unlock. To do this, you need to enter specific initials and birthdates when creating a player. If you enter the correct code, the hidden duo will be added to the team selection screen, and they’ll have unique stats fitting their character.

You can activate “Big Head Mode” in several versions of the game by pressing specific buttons at the “Tonight’s Match-Up” screen, or by typing in special codes when entering a player’s name. However, the button combinations and which characters this works on differ depending on the game version – whether it’s an arcade board revision or a home console port – so you’ll need to find the correct inputs for the version you are playing.

how do you turn this on (Age of Empires II)

In Age of Empires II, typing the phrase “how do you turn this on” into the in-game chat (opened with Return/Enter) will instantly create a Cobra car-a fast, modern vehicle equipped with powerful, rapid-fire weapons-for you to command. The car will appear either at your Town Center or near wherever you’ve selected on the map.

As a player, I’ve found this game has a bunch of cheat codes – things like getting extra resources or instantly revealing the whole map. But heads up! In the newer HD and Definitive Editions, if you use *any* cheat during a playthrough, it locks you out of getting achievements. Plus, it can mess with your score being submitted, which is good because it keeps the leaderboards fair for those of us playing legit.

power overwhelming (StarCraft)

Typing “power overwhelming” while playing the single-player mode in StarCraft makes your units and buildings invincible. This happens instantly and lasts for the rest of the game, unless you restart the game or, in versions where it’s possible, turn the effect off by typing the phrase again.

This cheat is often used alongside features like map-reveal (sometimes called the “black sheep wall”) or resource codes when developers are testing scenarios. It’s important to note that cheats only work in single-player mode. Also, the Remastered version identifies game sessions where cheats are used, ensuring that achievement and statistics accurately reflect legitimate, non-cheat gameplay.

show me the money (StarCraft)

Entering “show me the money” in StarCraft instantly gives the player 10,000 minerals and 10,000 vespene gas. This cheat code works the same way as other StarCraft cheats and can be used multiple times to keep building units and structures without needing to gather resources.

This code is mainly for practicing, testing maps, or trying out different unit combinations because managing resources is key to keeping the game balanced. Like other StarCraft cheats, it only works in single-player mode and flags the game session as cheated in versions that support it.

whosyourdaddy (Warcraft III)

In Warcraft III, typing “whosyourdaddy” during a single-player game activates a special test mode created by the developers. This mode makes your units incredibly powerful, dealing massive damage, and also makes them unable to be defeated. The game will confirm that the code has been entered with a message on the screen, and this effect will last until you turn it off.

The code works in campaign maps, custom games, and when testing with the World Editor. There are also commands to quickly construct buildings, gain extra gold and lumber, and reveal the entire map. When cheats are used, your progress isn’t counted towards achievements or tracked in statistics – this applies to supported game versions.

tgm (The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim on PC)

In The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim on PC, you can activate god mode by opening the developer console (using the tilde/backquote key) and typing “tgm”. This makes your character invulnerable to damage, stops stamina and magicka from decreasing, and removes weight restrictions, all while keeping the game’s story and world functioning normally. The console also lets you spawn items, use the noclip command (“tcl” – allowing you to fly through walls), and change your character’s abilities.

Console commands are only accessible on systems that show the debug console – like Windows, and certain other computer versions if you have the right input methods. They’re often used by those creating modifications, setting up screenshots, and finding/fixing issues with quest progress because they directly change how the game is running.

Tell us about your all-time favorite – or most famously troublesome – game cheat in the comments below! We want to know how you first stumbled upon it!

2025-10-03 00:47