As of September 18, 2023, cheat codes in video games, once a beloved tradition, have become somewhat of a rarity in the modern gaming landscape. In the age of online multiplayer, achievements, and trophies, the use of cheat codes can often be seen as unfair or disruptive to the gaming experience of others. However, there are still a handful of games that keep the flame of cheat codes alive, offering players a chance to enhance their gaming experience or simply have some fun.

Sonic Mania Plus:
For fans of the iconic blue hedgehog, Sonic Mania Plus was a breath of fresh air. Developed by dedicated fans hired by Sega, the game captures the essence of classic Sonic titles. In addition to its superb platforming and level design, Sonic Mania Plus includes cheat codes that unlock various effects, adding a nostalgic touch to the gaming experience.
To activate these cheats, players need to unlock the Level Select menu, navigate to the Sound Test, and input specific button combinations, granting access to all Sonic’s moves and even infinite continues.
Doom Eternal:
Doom Eternal stands as one of the finest modern FPS games. With its intense demon-slaying action and intricate level design, it offers a challenging experience. However, hidden throughout the game’s expansive levels are cheat codes that can alter the gameplay in exciting ways. Instead of entering codes, players must explore levels to find these hidden cheats, which can provide benefits such as infinite ammo and all runes simultaneously.
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Rage 2:
Rage 2 may not have achieved great success upon its release, but it still offers enjoyable core gameplay. The game takes an innovative approach to cheats, allowing players to purchase them from Mangoo the Unborn, a character within the game. With enough in-game currency, players can enhance their abilities, experience unique changes, and add a dose of fun to their gameplay.
Risk Of Rain 2:
Risk of Rain 2 delivers a thrilling sequel that expands on its predecessor’s success. This cooperative, procedurally-generated third-person shooter has players battling hordes of enemies and collecting valuable loot. For those seeking an extra challenge, the game offers cheats, though activating them requires editing the game files. These cheats enable players to tweak various aspects of the game, making it easier or more challenging as they see fit.

Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag:
Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag is celebrated for its engaging naval combat and open-world exploration. To unlock cheats in this game, players must complete Abstergo Challenges. These cheats provide benefits such as unlimited health and ammunition, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
Fallout: New Vegas:
Fallout: New Vegas allows players to manipulate the game extensively through console commands. While it doesn’t have traditional cheat codes, the console provides access to numerous cheats, including item spawning and god mode, offering players ample freedom to customize their experience.
Age Of Empires 4:
Age of Empires 4 revived a beloved franchise, and it retained the tradition of imaginative cheats. To activate these cheats, players must enable cheats in the Game Mode tab and enter commands in the game’s chat, providing various advantages such as spawning troops and acquiring resources.
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The Sims 4:
The Sims 4 offers classic cheats that boost a household’s funds and fulfill their needs instantly. While these cheats reduce the game’s challenge, they provide convenience. To access these cheats, players can open the cheat console by pressing Ctrl+Shift+C on PC or a specific combination on consoles.
Shovel Knight:
Shovel Knight, known for its retro charm and enjoyable platforming, features cheats that can be unlocked by changing the character’s name to specific titles. These cheats grant unique powers, adding a fresh twist to repeat playthroughs.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim:
Skyrim, an iconic open-world RPG, features a console that allows players to experiment with various cheats, altering the gameplay experience. These cheats can provide items, abilities, and more, refreshing the adventure for long-time players.
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Grand Theft Auto 5:
Grand Theft Auto 5 maintains the series’ tradition of cheat codes. While entering cheat codes can disable trophies and achievements, they offer a chaotic and enjoyable experience. From lowering wanted levels to spawning vehicles, these cheats provide players with a sandbox of destruction.
Mega Man Legacy Collection 2:
This collection includes Mega Man 7 through Mega Man 10, known for their challenging gameplay. To unlock content typically earned by completing the games, players can simply input a button combination at the title screen, granting access to additional content.
Spyro: Reignited Trilogy:
The Spyro: Reignited Trilogy remasters classic PS1-era games and retains the cheat codes from the original releases. These cheats offer various modifiers, including extra lives, without disabling trophies.
Red Dead Redemption 2:
While Red Dead Redemption 2 aims for a more grounded experience, it still incorporates cheat codes accessible through the pause menu. These cheats provide advantages such as infinite money and advanced weaponry.
Call Of Duty: Black Ops:
Call of Duty: Black Ops hides cheat codes within its interactive title menu. Players can unlock all intel files and access any campaign or zombie level without completing the story by inputting specific codes on the terminal.
StarCraft 2:
In StarCraft 2, cheat codes are accessible through the keyboard, enabling various effects like god mode and resource boosts. These cheats ease the challenge of missions and offer a different way to enjoy the game.
Lego Games:
The Lego series of games features cheat codes that unlock characters and provide stud multipliers for faster progress. While collecting items and characters is part of the fun, cheats offer instant gratification for those who prefer it.
Saints Row 4:
Saints Row 4’s character progression already feels like using cheat codes, but the game includes additional modifiers for those seeking even more advantages. Cheat codes can be accessed through a dedicated menu, granting benefits such as invincibility and infinite money.
The Orange Box:
This collection includes several games, and most of them feature cheat codes that can be activated with button combinations or passwords. These cheats provide benefits such as refilling ammo and unlocking chapters.
XCOM 2:
The XCOM series is renowned for its challenging gameplay. Cheat codes in XCOM 2 can give players an edge in battles, making encounters less punishing. These codes must be activated before starting the game and can provide benefits like invincibility.
In conclusion, cheat codes may be less common in modern gaming, but they still offer a fun and customizable way to experience games. Whether players seek to enhance their abilities, unlock content, or simply enjoy some playful chaos, cheat codes continue to add an extra layer of enjoyment to the gaming world.