Summary
- Cheats can turn open-world games into chaotic playgrounds of mayhem and amusement.
- Some of the best open-world games offer cheat options that enhance the gameplay experience.
- Games like Rage 2 and Saints Row 4 feature unique and entertaining cheat codes.
When it comes to open-world games, few things are as satisfying as throwing logic out the window and bending the rules for pure, unfiltered chaos. Whether it’s spawning sports cars in the middle of a desert, becoming a god among NPCs, or unlocking a secret wardrobe full of pirate coats, cheats can turn even the most grounded experience into a playground of mayhem.
10 Best Games That Redefined What It Means to Be Open-World
These games revolutionized the very concept of open-world games for the better.
Some titles hide their tricks behind console commands, and others sell them through shady in-game dealers, but one thing’s for sure: players will find a way to break the system. Here are the best open-world games where cheating isn’t just an option — it’s the main attraction.
10 The Sims 3
Grant Sims Wealth, Free Real Estate, And Happiness Points
The Sims 3
- Released
- June 2, 2009
WHERE TO PLAY
Whether customizing houses, managing relationships, or advancing careers, the open-world nature of The Sims 3 creates a highly enjoyable and immersive environment. On top of that, the game also features plenty of cheat codes to manipulate the simulation in amusing or strategic ways.
How To cheat In The Sims 3
Press CTRL+SHIFT+C on the PC to open the cheat console, then drop in these codes to take the fun to the next level:
- motherlode: Adds $50,000 to the household funds
- unlockOutfits [on/off]:Unlocks outfits in Create-a-Sim (must be enabled before entering CAS)
- shazaam: Grants +2,500 lifetime happiness points to the active Sim
- freerealestate: Makes all lots free to purchase
- set career [x/y]: Assigns a selected Sim a specific career (x) at the chosen level (y)
9 Rage 2
Unlock Super Phoenix, Son Of Thor, And More Abilities
Rage 2
- Released
- May 19, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Avalanche Studios, id Software
- Publisher(s)
- Bethesda
- Genre(s)
- FPS
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
Despite mixed reception at launch, Rage 2 offers a pretty enticing open-world shooter experience filled with mutant brawls, explosive vehicular combat, and over-the-top gunplay. And of course, one of its most underrated features is its quirky approach to cheat codes, which adds a layer of ridiculousness and customization that’s rarely seen in modern titles.
How To cheat In Rage 2
Interestingly, cheats in Rage 2 have to be purchased from Mangoo the Unborn, a mysterious wasteland wizard who appears randomly across the map. Look for a hut with three large green balloons — his signature marker. Once a cheat is unlocked, it can be activated through the Settings > Cheats menu. Some of the standout options include:
- Super Overdrive: Supercharges the Overdrive ability for enhanced combat
- Super Phoenix: Grants invincible vehicle upgrades and infinite boost
- Super Wingstick: Deploys a self-guided, enemy-slicing blade
- Son of Thor: Strikes with lightning that chains to enemies
- He’s On Fire Voice Pack: Adds a funny NBA Jam-style commentary for kills
8 Saints Row 4
Unlock Weapons, Alien Tanks, Or Super Speed
Saints Row 4
- Released
- August 20, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Volition
- Publisher(s)
- Deep Silver
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Open-World
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Saints Row 4 intensifies the absurdity with its over-the-top simulation setting, where players control the leader of the Saints as they battle alien invaders and explore a teeming virtual city. As if the game’s outlandish nature wasn't enough, cheat codes take the madness to another level, allowing players to unleash all kinds of mayhem.
How To Cheat In Saints Row 4
Cheat codes can be entered via the in-game cellphone, which doubles as the pause menu. To access the cheat menu, select the Cheat tab, then input the corresponding code. Players can instantly unlock weapons, vehicles, or even abilities that are normally unlocked later in the game, using these cheats:
- letsrock: Unlock every weapon
- cheese: Adds $100,000
- givehovertank: Spawns an alien hover tank
- vroom: Make all cars indestructible
- superblast: Unlocks the Super Blast ability
- runfast: Super sprint without stamina depletion
7 Batman: Arkham City
Unlock Batman Skins And Activate Big Head Mode
Batman: Arkham City
- Released
- October 18, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Rocksteady Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Warner Bros. Games
- Platform(s)
- PS3, PC, Xbox One, PS4, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo Switch
Batman: Arkham City expanded the foundations laid by Arkham Asylum, transforming the experience into a full-blown open-world adventure across a sprawling, crime-infested section of Gotham. Though traditional cheat codes are limited, Arkham City hides a couple of lighthearted cheats that add a fun twist to an otherwise gritty Gotham adventure.
How To Cheat In Batman: Arkham City
To unlock all Batman skins for use in the main story (without finishing the game), enter the following sequence on the Main Menu screen after selecting a save slot: Left, Left, Down, Down, Left, Left, Right, Up, Up, Down. A confirmation sound will play, after which the skin selection menu becomes accessible.
Next, to enable the ever-popular Big Head Mode, equip the Cryptographic Sequencer, then hold all shoulder buttons. While holding, rotate the left stick counter-clockwise and the right stick clockwise simultaneously. After a few seconds, characters will appear with comically oversized heads.
6 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
Become Practically Immortal, Fly Through Walls, Or Max Skills
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- Released
- November 11, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Bethesda Game Studios
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
How To Cheat In The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
To access cheats in Skyrim, press ~ (tilde) to bring up the console command menu. Once opened, enter some of these awesome commands to unlock special abilities or tweak the experience:
- TGM: Enables God Mode, granting infinite health, stamina, and magicka
- TCL: Activates No Clip mode, allowing players to move through walls and objects
- TDetect: Disables AI detection, making it easier to sneak around
- ModAV carryweight [#]: Adjusts the player's carry weight limit
- Player.AddItem [item ID] [#]: Adds items or currency to the inventory (e.g., “player.additem f 100” gives 100 gold)
- AdvSkill [Skill ID] [#]: Boosts a particular skill’s experience points, speeding up progression
5 Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag
Activate God Mode, Unlimited Ammo, And Max Wanted Level
Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag
- Released
- October 29, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft Montreal
- Publisher(s)
- Ubisoft
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure, Open-World
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag’s open-world exploration is a major highlight, with players taking control of the Jackdaw to sail the seas, hunt wildlife, uncover hidden treasures, and experience the golden age of piracy. From sea shanties to ship battles, the game had players hooked, and cheats just crank the fun up a notch (or ten).
How To Cheat In Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag
Cheats are unlocked after completing specific Abstergo Challenges. These cheats can be activated from the pause menu, but be aware that they will disable in-game progress and achievements. Some notable cheats include:
- Scourge of the Seven Seas: Complete 40 Abstergo Challenges to make Edward's wanted level always at maximum.
- Dead Men Tell No Tales: Finish 70 Abstergo Challenges for God Mode, rendering Edward and the Jackdaw invincible to damage.
- Armed to the Teeth: Complete 90 Abstergo Challenges to grant unlimited ammunition for both Edward and the Jackdaw.
4 Fallout 4
Summon Weapons, Fly Through Walls, Or Become Invincible
Fallout 4
- Released
- November 10, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Bethesda
- Publisher(s)
- Bethesda
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Bethesda’s Fallout 4 is a gritty, post-apocalyptic open-world experience set in a ravaged Boston where the players can freely roam the Wasteland, take on faction quests, build settlements, craft gear, and engage in intense shootouts with all kinds of creatures. While there are no traditional cheat codes, PC players can exploit an extensive suite of console commands that essentially function as cheats, giving them full control over almost every aspect of the game.
How To Cheat In Fallout 4
To enable cheats on PC, press the tilde key (~) to open the developer console. If it doesn't work, try the apostrophe (') key, depending on keyboard settings. Type in the desired command, press Enter, then close the console. Some of the most useful cheats include:
- tgm: Toggle god mode (infinite health and ammo)
- tcl: No-clip mode to walk through walls
- player.resethealth: Fully restore health
- tdetect: Become invisible to NPC detection
- player.modav strength 10: Boost Strength by 10 points
- showlooksmenu player 1: Reopen character customization
- coc [cell id]: Teleport to any in-game location instantly
3 Grand Theft Auto 5
Spawn Parachutes, Change Weather, Or Activate Invincibility
Grand Theft Auto 5
- Released
- September 17, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Rockstar North
- Publisher(s)
- Rockstar Games
- Franchise
- Grand Theft Auto
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action
- Platform(s)
- Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Grand Theft Auto V takes the chaotic open-world formula to new heights, immersing players in Los Santos. And then throw in a variety of cheats, and GTA 5 will let players do practically anything, from spawning cars, ditching the cops, or messing with the weather, which proves invaluable for those hunting for specific Easter eggs.
How To Cheat In GTA 5
Cheats in GTA 5 can be accessed via button combinations on consoles or by dialing phone numbers in-game. However, activating cheats disables achievements and trophies, so they should be used strategically. On PC, press the tilde key (~) to open the console and input the following commands for amazing effects such as:
- Explosive Melee Attack: HOTHANDS
- Explosive Bullets: HIGHEX
- Spawn Parachute: SKYDIVE
- Invincibility: PAINKILLER
- Lower Wanted Level: Dial 1-999-3844-8483 on the phone
- Change Weather: Use RT/R2, A/Cross, LB/L1 twice, LT/L2 thrice, X/Square
2 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Level Up Instantly, Max Wealth, And Heal Quickly
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Released
- May 19, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Publisher(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is often hailed as the pinnacle of open-world RPG design, with its vast, war-torn landscapes, rich storytelling, and deep character progression. And, while it’s a game that’s best known for its realism, that doesn't mean it can’t be bent with a few well-placed cheats.
How To Cheat In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Cheats in The Witcher 3 are exclusive to PC and require enabling the developer's hidden Command Console. To do this, install the Debug Console Enabler mod (available on Nexus Mods). Once installed, press the tilde (~) key to open the console and type in immensely useful cheats for power-leveling and instant riches, such as:
- god: Enables invincibility
- healme: Fully restores Geralt’s health
- addmoney(100000): Grants 100,000 Crowns
- addexp(25000): Adds 25,000 experience points
- learnskill(sword_s3): Unlocks a sword-related combat skill
1 Red Dead Redemption 2
Unlock Infinite Ammo, Outfits, And Race Horses
Red Dead Redemption 2
- Released
- October 26, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Rockstar Games
- Publisher(s)
- Rockstar Games
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Red Dead Redemption 2, Rockstar's masterclass in open-world design, combines immersive storytelling with a vast, dynamic world. While most actions come with significant consequences in RDR2, cheats allow players to have some fun without the worry of repercussions.
How To Cheat In Red Dead Redemption 2
To activate cheats, pause the game, navigate to the Settings menu, and select Cheats. Enter the desired cheat code, and it will be unlocked. After saving, the cheat remains available for toggling on or off in the Cheats menu. But remember, activating cheats will disable trophies and achievements. Here are some notable cheats to try:
- Greed is now a virtue: Add $500
- Vanity. All is vanity: Unlock all outfits
- A simple life, a beautiful death: Unlock basic weapons Run! Run! Run!: Spawn a race horse
- Seek all the bounty of this place: Increase health, stamina, and Dead Eye levels
- I still seek more: Set Dead Eye Level 4 (marks fatal areas)
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