If you want to bend the rules and explore new possibilities in Rockstar’s sprawling Western, diving into Red Dead Redemption 2 cheats is the way to go. These secret codes unlock infinite ammo, invulnerability, powerful weapons, and even control over weather patterns—all without needing to grind for resources or complete missions.
Before diving into the full cheat list, make sure your PC is optimized for RDR2 with the help of this performance guide for Red Dead Redemption on PC, which helps reduce lag and stabilize your gameplay experience.
Whether you’re a casual explorer or a completionist looking to break the game wide open, cheats in Red Dead Redemption 2 can completely transform your experience. And with different codes for each platform—including PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X—knowing which ones to use and how to activate them is essential.
What are Red Dead Redemption 2 cheats?
Red Dead Redemption 2 cheats are hidden phrases or commands that players can enter into the game to activate powerful perks and abilities. These range from infinite health and stamina to weapon unlocks and weather manipulation. Instead of earning advantages through gameplay, these codes let you jump straight to the fun.
Most cheats are sentence-style phrases, not alphanumeric strings. Many are accessible from the start, while others require in-game newspapers tied to story progress. Once a cheat is activated, it will usually disable achievements and saving for the rest of the session.
How to activate Red Dead Redemption 2 cheats
Before you jump into chaos with unlimited ammo or invincible health, you need to know how to activate these powerful tools correctly. Rockstar built an intuitive system for cheat management right into the game’s menu, but not all players know where to find it.
Accessing the cheat console
- Pause the game
From anywhere in single-player mode, open the pause menu by pressing Options (PS4/PS5) or Menu (Xbox). - Navigate to settings
In the main menu, scroll to Settings. - Open the cheat menu
Look for a button prompt at the bottom right—usually Triangle (PlayStation) or Y (Xbox). On PC, click the same prompt. - Enter your cheat code
Press the corresponding button to add a new cheat. Type the code exactly as it appears (capitalization doesn’t matter). - Activate the cheat
Once entered, the cheat will unlock (if you meet any prerequisites like newspaper ownership). Activate it from the list.
Table: Cheat Activation Summary
| Step | Action | Notes |
| 1 | Pause the game | Use Options/Menu |
| 2 | Open Settings | Located on main pause screen |
| 3 | Access Cheats Menu | Use on-screen button prompt |
| 4 | Type Cheat Phrase | Must match required sentence |
| 5 | Activate Cheat | Can toggle off/on anytime (achievements disabled) |
Why cheats disable saving and trophies
Red Dead Redemption 2 cheats disable saving and trophies to maintain balance and discourage exploitative playthroughs. When any cheat is activated, a notification will inform you that your ability to save is disabled for that session. Exit the game and reload a previous save to resume progress without cheats.
This system encourages players to use cheats for fun or exploration rather than to bypass missions or farming challenges. Before enabling anything, make sure to save your current progress manually.
Full list of Red Dead Redemption 2 cheat codes
These cheat codes for Red Dead Redemption 2 are divided into categories for easier navigation. Use them on any platform unless stated otherwise.
Health and stamina cheats
- Infinite stamina (horse and player)
Code: “The lucky be strong evermore”
No newspaper required - Restore health, stamina, and Dead Eye
Code: “You flourish before you die”
No newspaper required - Infinite ammo
Code: “Abundance is the dullest desire”
Unlock: New Hanover Gazette No. 27 - God mode (fortify all bars)
Code: “You seek more than the world offers”
Unlock: Saint Denis Times No. 52 - Max Dead Eye level
Code: “I shall be better”
No newspaper required
Weapons and combat cheats
- Unlock all weapons
Code: “Greed is now a virtue”
Unlock: Saint Denis Times No. 46 - Increase wanted level
Code: “You want punishment”
No newspaper required - Decrease wanted level
Code: “You want freedom”
No newspaper required - Get $500 instantly
Code: “Greed is American virtue”
Unlock: Saint Denis Times No.
Horse and mount cheats
- Spawn race horse
Code: “Run! Run! Run!”
No newspaper required - Spawn war horse
Code: “You are a beast built for war”
Unlock: Blackwater Ledger No. 72 - Max horse bonding
Code: “My kingdom is a horse”
Unlock: New Hanover Gazette No. 31
Bullet list: Cheats with no newspaper requirement
These codes can be used immediately:
- “The lucky be strong evermore” – Infinite stamina
- “You flourish before you die” – Restore stats
- “You want freedom” – Lower wanted level
- “Run! Run! Run!” – Spawn race horse
- “No dull moment” – Clear weather
Bullet list: Cheats requiring newspapers
Codes needing story progress:
- “Abundance is the dullest desire” – Infinite ammo
- “Greed is now a virtue” – All weapons
- “My kingdom is a horse” – Max horse bonding
- “You seek more than the world offers” – God mode
- “Greed is American virtue” – Free money
Numbered list: How to use Red Dead Redemption 2 cheats efficiently
- Save your game manually before using cheats.
- Confirm which platform you’re using (PC, PS4, etc.).
- Activate only one or two cheats at a time to avoid conflicts.
- Use them for exploration—not missions.
- Disable and reload a clean save to re-enable achievements.
Which Red Dead Redemption 2 cheats work by platform?
While most Red Dead Redemption 2 cheats function across all platforms, including PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X, a few may behave differently or require specific controller inputs.
Understanding your platform is key to activating cheats properly. Here’s a breakdown of compatibility and input methods:
PC-specific cheats and tips
- Accessing the cheat menu is done via the Settings screen and clicking the prompt at the bottom right.
- Compatible with keyboard and controller inputs.
- Some users report success using Red Dead Redemption 2 Cheat Engine tools, though this is unofficial and may risk corruption.
PC-only tip: Use cheats alongside mods for extended fun, but always back up your save.
PS4 and PS5 cheat activation
- Press Options, go to Settings, then Triangle to enter the Cheats screen.
- Use the same code phrases—capitalization is not important.
- Cheat codes for Red Dead Redemption 2 on PS5 and PS4 are identical.
- For players seeking fast cash, Red Dead Redemption 2 cheats PS4 money like “Greed is American virtue” are a quick boost.
For console lag reduction and smoother exploration, ExitLag offers platform-specific routing enhancements. Check if it supports your setup in this detailed platform guide.
Xbox One and Series X
- Access through Menu > Settings > Y for cheat menu.
- Codes are the same as other platforms.
- Fully compatible with all cheat phrases listed in this guide.
Note: Whether you’re on Xbox One or Xbox Series X, you’ll experience the same effects and restrictions—no achievements, no saving during use.
Cheats for story mode vs. online
If you’re playing Red Dead Redemption 2 story mode, cheats can be freely used. But in Red Dead Online, cheats are disabled entirely.
There is no way to activate Red Dead Redemption 2 cheats in multiplayer. Any attempt to use trainers or third-party tools may result in bans or permanent suspensions from Rockstar’s servers.
Offline, however, everything from Red Dead Redemption 2 cheats god mode to money hacks is fair game—as long as it’s for personal use.
Looking to uncover secret map zones and areas ideal for cheat testing? Our map guide with hidden locations and secrets is a perfect companion.
Red Dead Redemption 2 cheats and story impact
Using all Red Dead Redemption 2 cheats in campaign mode will not change the story path but will:
- Disable achievements and auto-saves.
- Prevent you from progressing challenges or quest milestones.
- Affect immersion by removing gameplay tension.
That’s why many players reserve cheats in Red Dead Redemption 2 story mode for second playthroughs or sandbox exploration.
Want to revisit how the series evolved to support such features? Check out this retrospective on the Red Dead Redemption franchise .
FAQ
How to enter Red Dead Redemption 2 cheats?
Pause the game, go to Settings, then press Triangle (PlayStation) or Y (Xbox). On PC, use the on-screen prompt. Enter the phrase as written.
What are the cheat codes for Red Dead Redemption 2?
Codes include phrases like “Abundance is the dullest desire” for infinite ammo or “Greed is now a virtue” to unlock all weapons. Many require newspapers.
How to use Red Dead Redemption 2 cheats?
Access the cheat menu, input the code, and activate it. Cheats will disable saving and achievements during the session.
Does Cheat Engine work on Red Dead Redemption 2?
Cheat Engine can work in offline mode but is not supported by Rockstar. Use with caution and only with offline backups.
What is Red Dead Redemption 2 cheats god mode?
The god mode effect is triggered by the phrase “You seek more than the world offers.” It fortifies your health, stamina, and Dead Eye bars.
Conclusion: Use Red Dead Redemption 2 cheats responsibly
Using Red Dead Redemption 2 cheat codes is one of the most fun ways to experiment with Rockstar’s open-world masterpiece. Whether you’re unlocking all weapons, creating foggy chaos, or summoning a war horse, these cheats can add a new layer of enjoyment—especially for casual sessions.
But with great power comes responsibility. Cheats disable saving and achievements, and they’re not meant to replace the game’s original challenge. Use them to explore, test mechanics, or simply enjoy a stress-free ride across the frontier.To ensure the best performance while playing with cheats—especially if you’re streaming, recording, or testing mod integrations—optimize your connection with ExitLag. It’s the performance tool trusted by gamers worldwide to reduce lag, packet loss, and jitter.
