Top 10 Video Game Cheat Codes

22   7.5  

Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start

There shouldn't be any question about the Konami Code being number one on this list. No other code has been influential or popular enough to appear on bumper stickers and t-shirts. It's also the most utilized code in history. From giving extra power-ups in Gradius to granting extra lives in Contra, the full list of games that support Konami's code runs a hundred deep, and has even expanded into non-Konami titles.

108   7.4  

Enter Justin Bailey at the Password menu

Few codes were as eye-opening as this one. Even though Metroid has several different codes - some of which are actually more useful than this one - back in the late '80s there was only one that people actually knew about. This code let Samus start the game ouside of her suit and with a handful of upgrades.

101   8.3  

IDDQD

Id wasn't the first developer to use god mode, but it was the company that popularized the invincible state with its iconic first-person shooter. Rumor holds that the DQD stands for one of its programmer's college fraternities (Delta-Q-Delta), a group where each member would quit a class before receiving an F.

350125g0's rating:

63   7.4  

At the story line screen, press: A, B, A, C, A, B, B

Mortal Kombat created such a fuss over violence in video games during the '90s that when it hit home consoles the blood had to be hidden behind a code. Nintendo wouldn't allow blood on its console at all, which only helped boost the Genesis sales of the title. In a way this code helped turn the console tide - if only for a time - in Sega's favour.

636   7.9  

Circle, Circle, Circle, Circle, Circle, Circle, R1, L2, L1, Triangle, Circle, Triangle

Grand Theft Auto III influenced gaming in many meaningful ways, but it also helped carry the tradition of cheat codes into a new console generation. One of the favoured pastimes in GTA has always been racking up a high wanted level then running from the feds as they tear apart the city coming after you. The best way to even the score - and add to the chaos - is to hop behind the wheel of the game's heaviest armored vehicle.

178   8.3  

Enter 1, 9, 9, 2, 1, 1, 2, 4 in sound test mode

Debug mode was one of the wildest codes seen in the early age of the Sega Genesis. Not only did it allow you to place any object inside one of Sonic's levels, but you could then play the level to take advantage of your generous redesign. The code also happens to coincide with the game's release date.

340   8.1  

There is No Cow Level

This code was unique in the fact that it was created in response to an internet rumour about a secret cow level in the first Diablo. As the rumour snowballed, Blizzard decided to add an actual cow level to Diablo II. Before that, they poked fun at the message boards with this instant victory code for the original StarCraft.

350125g0's rating:

189   8.3  

Jump repeatedly on a Koopa's back

Super Mario Bros. was famous for all the hidden secrets it packed into a level, but there is one special cheat that rises above the others. Ironically it isn't one the developers intentionally added. At the end of World 3-1, continually jump on top of a koopa's back as he comes down the stairs and watch the 1-Ups start racking up.

4   8.3  

Enter ARK as your name

This arcade phenomenon had a bunch of great codes, such as big head mode and being able to play with your ballers always on fire, but none were more bizarre or amusing as playing as our 42nd president. By entering certain letters at the name select, gamers got to play as Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton and Al Gore.

59   7.8  

Hold right on controller number two before jumping to your death

Mega Man was already super, but this code turned him into a superman. While holding right on controller number two, if Mega Man jumped into a pit he essentially became invincible. This cheat also gifts Mega Man with a super high jump and the ability to walk over spikes, making the rest of the game a cakewalk.