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What Is a "Running Cheat Code"? Definition, Types & Ethics

"Running a cheat code" means entering a hidden command (button combo, text string, console command, or external tool input) that alters a game's behavior to give the player an advantage or access hidden content.

Types of Cheat Codes

Type	Input Method	Era / Platform	Example
Button Combination	Controller sequence (often on title screen/pause)	8-bit – PS2 era	Konami Code: `↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A`
Text / Console Command	Type in dev console or chat box	PC (Quake, Half-Life, Sims, SC2)	`sv_cheats 1; god`, `motherlode`
Password / Name Entry	Enter at name select / password screen	NES/SNES/Genesis (no battery save)	`JUSTIN BAILEY` (Metroid)
External Device	Game Genie, Action Replay, GameShark, CodeBreaker	Cartridge/disc era	Hex codes patching RAM
Memory Editing (Runtime)	Cheat Engine, trainers, trainers	PC (modern)	Freeze health address, edit money value
Save File Editing	Hex editor / dedicated tool	All platforms (via transfer)	Edit inventory, flags, stats

Common Effects

Resources: Infinite health, ammo, money, mana.
Physics: Moon gravity, super speed, noclip, flight.
Unlocks: All levels, characters, costumes, weapons.
Visual: Big head mode, wireframe, color filters.
Meta: Skip level, instant win, debug menus.

Ethics & Consequences

Single-Player: Your game, your rules. Can enhance accessibility or fun. Disables achievements usually.
Multiplayer / Online: Strictly forbidden. Anti-cheat (BattlEye, EAC, Vanguard, Warden) detects memory edits, injected code, impossible stats → permanent ban, hardware ID ban, legal action (vs. cheat sellers).
Speedrunning: Categories strictly define allowed glitches vs. cheats. "Cheat%" is a separate category.

Famous Historical Codes

Konami Code (1986): ↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A – 30 lives in Contra; reused in 100+ games.
IDDQD / IDKFA (1993): Doom – God mode / All keys weapons ammo.
Rosebud / Motherlode (2000/2004): The Sims – §1,000 / §50,000.
Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A Start (1997): GoldenEye 007 – All bonds/levels.

Summary

A "running cheat code" is any intentional exploit activation. Use wisely offline; never online.

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