14 Video Game Cheat Codes Everyone Shared

There was a time when knowing the right cheat code made you a legend among your friends. These little button combos and passwords turned regular gameplay into something unforgettable.

  • Tricia Quitales
  • 5 min read
14 Video Game Cheat Codes Everyone Shared
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Cheat codes once felt like digital treasure maps, passed between friends and scribbled in notebooks. They opened up secret worlds, infinite resources, and hilarious gameplay moments that transformed how we played. Long before DLC and microtransactions, cheat codes gave players ultimate control and endless replay value. Some were discovered by accident, others became urban legends, but nearly all were shared like priceless secrets.

1. The Konami Code – Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start

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Probably the most famous cheat code in gaming history, the Konami Code unlocked power-ups or secret menus in dozens of classic games. It first gained popularity with Contra, where it granted 30 extra lives. Players passed it around like playground currency. Over time, it appeared in everything from action games to website easter eggs. Its legacy remains strong even in modern pop culture.

2. IDDQD – Doom’s God Mode

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Typing this in Doom turned players invincible, allowing them to walk through hell unscathed. It gave fans a way to explore the game without constant fear of death. The cheat made it easier to discover secrets or enjoy pure chaos. Everyone who played Doom knew about it or learned quickly from someone else. It became one of the earliest examples of cheat code fame.

3. Rosebud – The Sims’ Money Hack

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Typing “rosebud” in The Sims gave you a quick cash boost, solving every in-game problem instantly. Players often repeated it with exclamation marks to multiply the effect. It allowed for luxurious homes, endless furniture, and zero financial stress. Most players discovered it from a friend or early internet forums. It changed the way people played the game entirely.

4. Left, Left, Right, Right, Up, Down, Up, Down, Square, Circle – GTA: Vice City Weapons Cheat

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In Vice City, this code instantly armed your character with an impressive weapons set. It turned every street into a battleground within seconds. Friends would swap cheat sheets filled with dozens of GTA codes. This particular one was a fan favorite due to its raw power. It gave players control over the city in a way missions never could.

5. Power Overwhelming – StarCraft Invincibility

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Blizzard’s real-time strategy hit included cheat codes for testing and fun. “Power overwhelming” made your units invincible, allowing for stress-free campaigns. It was widely shared among players who wanted to learn the game or dominate for fun. The code took on a life of its own in fan communities. It represented the thrill of bending the rules in a strategy-heavy game.

6. AllYourBaseAreBelongToUs – Zero Wing Easter Egg

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This cheat didn’t change gameplay much but referenced one of gaming’s most famous mistranslations. Typing it in Zero Wing or other games revealed secret text or jokes. It spread widely due to its viral phrase and humorous impact. The phrase became a meme long before memes were common. It was shared more for laughs than for function.

7. Justin Bailey – Metroid Armorless Samus

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Entering this code in the original Metroid started players with power-ups and revealed Samus without her armor. It shocked many players who didn’t know the protagonist was a woman. The code circulated in gaming magazines and by word of mouth. It added mystery and a bit of scandal to a classic title. Players used it to explore the game in a whole new way.

8. Up, Down, Left, Right, A + Start – Sonic Level Select

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With this simple cheat, players could jump to any level in Sonic the Hedgehog. It was often discovered by accident or traded between kids in school. The code helped players skip tricky stages or replay their favorites. It extended the game’s life and gave control back to the player. It felt like accessing a secret developers-only menu.

9. NUDIST – SimCopter Hidden Easter Egg

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Typing this cheat in SimCopter unlocked a bizarre easter egg that replaced civilians with shirtless characters. It was one of the earliest controversial hidden cheats in gaming. The code became a playground rumor until confirmed by players. It sparked debates about hidden content and developer pranks. Everyone shared it, mostly for shock value.

10. Black Sheep Wall – StarCraft Map Reveal

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Another beloved StarCraft cheat, this one revealed the entire game map instantly. It allowed players to see enemy movements and terrain from the start. The code was great for casual play or scouting practice. Many used it while learning or testing strategies. It was essential knowledge in early LAN parties.

11. ABACABB – Mortal Kombat Blood Mode

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This cheat unlocked blood and gore in the Sega Genesis version of Mortal Kombat. It was crucial because the default setting was censored. Knowing this code made you the go-to expert among friends. The combination referenced a song by Genesis, adding a layer of trivia. It gave players the full, uncensored experience.

12. Down, R, Up, L, Y, B – Super Smash Bros. Melee Debug Menu

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Unlocking the debug menu gave players access to a developer sandbox in Melee. You could tweak gravity, spawn characters, and test matchups. The code was complex but widely circulated among competitive and casual fans. It revealed just how much was under the game’s hood. Sharing it became a badge of insider status.

13. The Tank – Age of Empires II

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Typing “how do you turn this on” summoned a Cobra car with guns in Age of Empires II. It was hilariously out of place in a medieval strategy game. Players used it to break the game and laugh with friends. The cheat was shared for pure fun, not strategy. It remains one of the most beloved easter eggs in real-time strategy history.

14. Motherlode – The Sims Unlimited Money

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After “rosebud,” players soon discovered “motherlode” for an even bigger cash injection. It quickly became the go-to code for building dream homes and eliminating financial limits. Most players used it religiously, even before furnishing their first room. It was shared so widely that some players never knew how to play without it. The code became as iconic as the game itself.

Written by: Tricia Quitales

Tricia is a recent college graduate whose true passion lies in writing—a hobby she’s cherished for years. Now a Content Writer at Illumeably, Tricia combines her love for storytelling with her fascination for personal growth. She’s all about continuous learning, taking risks, and using her words to connect with and inspire others.

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