Top 10 Most Popular Game Cheats and Hacks of All Time

Cheating in video games has been around as long as games themselves. Whether it's for fun, to break the rules, or to gain an edge, players have always found ways to tweak the system. Some cheats become legendary, shaping how we remember the games. Some hacks go even deeper, offering a whole new level of control that developers never intended.

Here’s a look at the top 10 most popular game cheats and hacks of all time—cheats that became infamous, hacks that shook the community, and tools that left their mark.

1. Konami Code (↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A)

Arguably the most iconic cheat of all time, the Konami Code became a staple across dozens of games. First made famous in Contra for giving players 30 lives, this sequence found its way into everything from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to Gradius. Over time, it became more than just a cheat—it became a cultural symbol.

2. Grand Theft Auto Series - Weapon, Health, and Money Cheats

GTA games have always come loaded with cheat codes. Whether you wanted to max out your weapons, spawn a tank, or drop your wanted level, GTA made it easy. What made these cheats so popular was how they transformed the game from a mission-driven crime drama into an open-world sandbox of chaos. People didn’t just use them—they built entire play sessions around them.

3. The Sims - “rosebud” / “motherlode”

Before The Sims had expansion packs, it had money cheats. Typing in "rosebud" (and later "motherlode") gave players an easy cash boost, opening up the game’s full creative potential. The cheat wasn’t about beating the game—it was about unlocking it. Players used it to build dream homes and create storylines without restrictions.

4. Call of Duty Series - Aimbots and Wallhacks

In online multiplayer, hacks are a whole different beast. Call of Duty became a battlefield not just in the game but in the cat-and-mouse war between hackers and developers. Aimbots (automatically locking onto enemies) and wallhacks (seeing enemies through walls) exploded in popularity, especially in competitive play. Some players used services like StealthCore to get undetectable hacks and stay ahead of the curve.

5. Age of Empires - “cheese steak jimmy’s” and “how do you turn this on”

Real-time strategy games aren’t immune to cheats either. In Age of Empires II, resource cheats like "cheese steak jimmy’s" (for food) and "rock on" (for stone) made building empires faster. But the most memorable was “how do you turn this on,” which spawned a car with rocket launchers in the medieval setting. It was absurd—and unforgettable.

6. GameShark and Action Replay

These weren’t just cheats—they were cheat devices. GameShark and Action Replay opened up console games to all kinds of manipulations. Players could unlock characters, max out stats, or even walk through walls. For millions of kids growing up with a PS1, PS2, or Nintendo DS, these devices were the gateway to game-breaking fun.

7. Minecraft - Creative Mode and Console Commands

While not technically cheats, Minecraft’s creative mode and command console function like them. Switching to creative mode gives players infinite blocks, flight, and invulnerability. The command console lets players teleport, change the time of day, or even summon mobs. These tools became essential for both casual fun and massive custom projects.

8. Pokemon - MissingNo. Glitch and Rare Candy Hacks

In the original Pokemon Red/Blue, a glitchy, pixelated creature called MissingNo. gave players infinite Rare Candies or items. It wasn’t an intentional cheat, but it spread like wildfire. Players learned how to trigger it and used it to max out their teams. Later on, hacking tools allowed players to generate perfect Pokémon, making competitive play a whole different game.

9. Counter-Strike - Bunny Hopping, Wallhacks, and Aim Assistance

Counter-Strike built the foundation of modern FPS esports, but it was also one of the earliest online games plagued by hacks. Wallhacks and aimbots weren’t just tools—they were competitive weapons. Players looking for an upper hand would often use external software, and stealth tools like StealthCore became increasingly popular among those wanting to stay under the radar in ranked lobbies.

10. Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Console Commands

Bethesda games are famous for their freedom, and Skyrim took that to another level with its built-in console command system. Players could spawn items, unlock shouts, become invincible, and even fly. Whether you were stuck on a quest or just wanted to have some fun, the command console turned the game into your personal sandbox.

Why Cheats and Hacks Stay Popular

Some cheats are just for fun. Others give players power, creativity, or a way around frustrating mechanics. Hacks, especially in competitive games, offer a darker appeal—the lure of dominance. Whether it’s a kid unlocking infinite cash in The Sims, or a serious player buying undetectable aimbots, the motivation is the same: control.

Companies like StealthCore have capitalized on this demand by offering low-risk, high-impact hacks tailored to modern games. While controversial, there’s no denying the popularity of these tools. In a world where digital competition is fierce, some players will always seek an edge—legal or not.

The Evolution of Cheating

Cheats used to be built into the game—Easter eggs left by developers. Now, in the online era, they’ve become external tools that run deep in a game's code. Anti-cheat systems have evolved, but so have the hacks. It's a constant arms race.

What’s interesting is how the culture has shifted. Where cheats were once casual and part of the experience, now they're often underground, competitive, and sometimes even monetized. The line between casual fun and serious exploitation keeps getting blurrier.

Final Thoughts

Game cheats and hacks have always been part of the gaming world. From innocent fun in single-player games to hardcore hacks in competitive matches, they’ve shaped how people play. Some bring back nostalgia. Others spark controversy. But all of them show one thing: players love bending the rules.