Do You Need Cheat Codes to Cheat, or Are They Just Codes?

Taxonomy of Cheating

• Cheat Codes: Developer-embedded sequences (Konami Code, motherlode) entered via controller/keyboard.
• Trainers / Memory Editors: External programs (Cheat Engine, WeMod) that rewrite RAM values (health, ammo, money).
• Mods / Patches: Modified game files (DLLs, scripts, assets) altering rules.
• Save Editors: Tools that rewrite save files (e.g., Horizon, Save Wizard).
• Exploits / Glitches: Using engine bugs (item dupe, wall breach) without external tools.
• Hardware Cheats: Cronus Zen, XIM, modded controllers (rapid fire, anti-recoil).
• Account Sharing / Boosting: Paying others to rank up.

Key Distinction

• Cheat codes are **intentional** (dev testing leftovers or Easter eggs).
• Other cheats are **unauthorized** modifications.

So: All cheat codes are cheats. Not all cheats are cheat codes.