Initially released in 2004, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas quickly became a staple in Rockstar’s highly regarded and somewhat controversial Grand Theft Auto franchise. The fifth mainline entry was met with extensive critical acclaim, often being cited as one of the greatest video games ever made. Aside from its engaging narrative, well-defined gameplay aspects and innovation in the graphics department, the existence of cheats contributed to a generally positive reception and overall replayability, gradually drawing in more players as years pressed on.
While the original GTA: San Andreas had over a hundred cheats readily available, technical limitations were the culprit behind missing codes in last year’s remaster. Even so, players still have the opportunity to explore a modified take on Los Santos and wreak virtual havoc to their heart's content in The Definitive Edition. From altering weather conditions to spawning vehicles and arming unassuming pedestrians to the teeth, sky and invisible walls are the only limit.
How To Use Cheats & What To Keep In Mind
Unlike its titular successors, GTA: San Andreas does not require players to bring up a command console or the protagonist's phone to activate cheats. Instead, entering the suggested button combination in quick succession or typing a phrase without pausing the game will suffice. This arguably makes the execution of cheat codes inconvenient, as accidentally pressing the wrong button or being slow to react will ultimately result in a failed attempt.
Players should keep in mind that enabling cheats within the game automatically disables achievements and trophies. While there is no harm in experimenting with various codes, creating a separate save file for gameplay-altering mischief is highly recommended because any future progress could be potentially impaired or rendered impossible after their activation.
Take on Los Santos as a Buffed High Roller
- PlayStation: R1, R2, L1, X, Left, Down, Right, Up, Left, Down, Right, Up
- Xbox: RB, RT, LB, A, Left, Down, Right, Up, Left, Down, Right, Up
- Nintendo Switch: R, ZR, L, B, Left, Down, Right, Up, Left, Down, Right, Up
- PC: INEEDSOMEHELP
Thanks to the cheat's unique three-in-one deal, players can effectively address several areas of CJ's character growth almost instantly. With the help of maximum health and armor, gathering additional information on certain objectives is made possible via alternate routes without recurring trial and error sequences. Further, having $250,000 at immediate disposal allows room for experimental purchases of in-game assets without budgeting, offering a glimpse into what the future might hold for CJ if the players decide to pursue a particular property, vehicle or weapon.
Disappear From the Crime Scene in an Instant
- PlayStation: Up, Up, Triangle, Triangle, Up, Up, Left, Right, Square, R2, R2
- Xbox: Up, Up, Y, Y, Up, Up, Left, Right, X, RT, RT
- Nintendo Switch: Up, Up, X, X, Up, Up, Left, Right, Y, ZR, ZR
- PC: KANGAROO
As CJ is prone to butting heads with the law and his enemies, there is no one way to make the great escape. Leaving authorities or gang members in the dust is often a prerequisite for mission completion, but how players go about it is a matter of personal preference. Mega Jump ensures that CJ can scale just about any environmental obstacle he comes across, simultaneously making a quick exit and reaching greater heights. While the cheat presents a fun alternative to evading repercussions and foraging the streets of Los Santos for valuables, the caveat is that the protagonist's health bar suffers upon landing.
Learn How To Go Big or Go Home
- PlayStation: Circle, Right, Circle, Right, Left, Square, X, Down
- Xbox: B, Right, B, Right, Left, X, A, Down
- Nintendo Switch: A, Right, A, Right, Left, Y, B, Down
- PC: BRINGITON
For those looking to take on a more serious challenge and raise the stakes, triggering a six-star wanted level is a viable option. Instead of spending precious time committing heinous crimes in hopes of crossing the upper five-star threshold, CJ can fight some of his greatest battles with Los Santos’ homicidal authoritarians in mere seconds. The cheat can also serve as an excellent training ground for some of the game’s toughest missions, in which escaping unscathed is easier said than done.
Master the Art of Steering for Smoother Escapes
- PlayStation: Triangle, R1, R1, Left, R1, L1, R2, L1
- Xbox: Y, RB, RB, Left, RB, LB, RT, LB
- Nintendo Switch: X, R, R, Left, R, L, ZR, L
- PC: STICKLIKEGLUE
Quite a few titles suffer from poor vehicle physics and imprecise steering controls. Though GTA: San Andreas is hardly among the worst, there are times when players might find themselves at odds with their vehicular performance. Enabling improved handling is bound to help them get acquainted with the game’s steering mechanics, which can prove exceptionally cumbersome when navigating the ins and outs of flying vehicles and pedal-driven companions. With time, the benefits of a timely mastery will present themselves in smoother escapes, faster mission completion and CJ’s expertise in BMX challenges.
Lighten the Experience With a Hilarious Easter Egg
- PlayStation: Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, Circle, X
- Xbox: Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A
- Nintendo Switch: Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, A, B
Despite excluding a good portion of the original cheat codes, Rockstar managed to sneak in a hilarious Easter egg in The Definitive Edition. If players feel the urge to add a touch of cartoonish lightheartedness to their experience of Los Santos, they should consider entering the Konami code. As the city's inhabitants transform into bobbleheads, they will hilariously clip through their surroundings, making CJ's ordeal much easier to deal with from a visual perspective.
