cheat codes
Secret player advantages
Cheat codes are secret commands entered into video games to unlock advantages—infinite lives, invincibility, hidden levels, or other shortcuts that bypass normal gameplay.
The term extends metaphorically to any trick or hack that makes something dramatically easier: Exercise is the cheat code for mental health.
The singular cheat code works the same way.
Cheat-enabled player invulnerability
- infinite livesInexhaustible player attempts
- invincibilityImmunity to defeat
- infinite ammoInexhaustible ammunition supply
- wallhackGame exploit bypassing barriers
aimbot · super speed · debug mode · trainer · action replay · modding · glitching · one-hit kill
Immunity to defeat
- super strengthExtraordinary physical power
- infinite ammoInexhaustible ammunition supply
- extra livesAdditional player attempts
- flightAerial journey by aircraft
speed boost · invisibility · shielding · instant kill · rapid fire
Minor system fault
- bugCrawling creature or defect
- exploitNotable act or abuse
- loopholeExploitable gap in rules
- bypassRoute that skirts obstacles
manipulation · overflow · clipping · out of bounds · unintended · speedrun
Kept out of sight
- unlockableCapable of being opened
- discoveryAct of finding something
- bonusReward beyond expectation
- cameoBrief guest appearance
reference · inside joke · nod · homage · obscure · cryptic · teaser · sneak peek
Quicker alternative path
- hackShortcut or breach
- lifehackClever everyday efficiency strategy
- workaroundMakeshift bypass of difficulty
- unfair advantageUnearned competitive benefit
gaming the system · loophole · trick · secret formula · easy way out · corner cutting
god mode
Cheat-enabled player invulnerability
- infinite livesInexhaustible player attempts
- invincibilityImmunity to defeat
- infinite ammoInexhaustible ammunition supply
wallhack · aimbot · super speed · debug mode · trainer · action replay · modding · glitching · one-hit kill · unlock all
invincibility
Immunity to defeat
- super strengthExtraordinary physical power
- infinite ammoInexhaustible ammunition supply
- extra livesAdditional player attempts
speed boost · flight · invisibility · shielding · instant kill · rapid fire
glitch
Minor system fault
bypass · manipulation · overflow · clipping · out of bounds · unintended · speedrun
hidden
Kept out of sight
- unlockableCapable of being opened
- discoveryAct of finding something
- bonusReward beyond expectation
cameo · reference · inside joke · nod · homage · obscure · cryptic · teaser · sneak peek · secret level
shortcut
Quicker alternative path
- hackShortcut or breach
- lifehackClever everyday efficiency strategy
- workaroundMakeshift bypass of difficulty
unfair advantage · gaming the system · loophole · trick · secret formula · easy way out · corner cutting
contra
In opposition to
- game cheatsinvincibility, infinite lives, infinite health, unlimited ammo, god mode
- game secretsunlockables, hidden items, secret rooms, hidden areas, unlock codes
- GTAGTA V, GTA Online, GTA San Andreas, Vice City, San Andreas
- Retro ArcadePac-Man, Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, Asteroids, Galaga
- Wrestling GamesWWE, WWF, WWE Raw, wrestling ring, wrestlers
- Device Hackingcustom firmware, exploit, exploits, root access, untethered
cheat codeshard mode
Elevated difficulty option
challenge run · hardcore mode · the hard way · speedrun · permadeath