How we verify codes

A cheat page is only useful if the codes work. These are the rules every guide on CheatArcade follows.

1. Built-in cheats only

We list cheat codes, console commands, debug menus and official unlock codes that the game supports itself. For classic handheld games we also list cheat-device codes (GameShark, Action Replay, CodeBreaker) for a named game version. We never list hacks, trainers, mods, save editors or multiplayer exploits.

2. Two independent sources, or one official source

Every code has to appear in at least two independent sources, or come from the game's developer or publisher, such as EA's Sims 4 cheat FAQ or the Age of Empires support site. Community wikis, established gaming publications and long-running code databases count as sources. Sites that copy the same list don't count twice.

3. Copied character for character

Codes are copied exactly, including case, spaces and punctuation. Multi-line cheat-device codes are matched line by line against each source, and button sequences are checked button by button.

4. Conflicts are settled or left out

When sources disagree, we look for a third source or a check we can run ourselves. Every GTA V phone cheat, for example, spells its PC code word on a phone keypad, which exposes numbers that were copied wrong from site to site. If a conflict can't be settled, the code isn't published.

5. Dated, sourced pages

Guides show when their codes were last checked and list their sources at the bottom of the page. "Last checked" means checked against those sources. We only say a code was tested in the game if it actually was.

6. Corrections

If a code doesn't work for you, email contact@cheatarcade.com with the game, platform and version. We recheck reported codes and update the page and its date.