Howdy, partner. If you're hankerin' to bend the rules of the frontier a little, you've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide to Red Dead Redemption cheat codes is the product of hundreds of hours of gameplay, data mining, and conversations with the game's most dedicated outlaws. Forget those skimpy lists you find elsewhere—we're digging deep.
Using cheats can completely transform your experience. Want to cause chaos in Blackwater without a care for the law? Curious about exploring every nook of the Red Dead Redemption 1 map without fear of dying? Or maybe you just want to look dang good while doing it. We've got you covered.
Pro Tip Before You Start
Warning: Activating cheat codes will typically disable trophies/achievements for that play session. Save your game before using cheats, and load a clean save when you're ready to earn those accolades. Also, some codes are platform-specific (Xbox, PS3, or even the newer Red Dead Redemption remastered versions). We've noted the differences.
The Complete List of Cheat Codes & Inputs
Below is the master table. These codes are entered during gameplay (not in menus). On Xbox, use the D-pad and buttons. On PlayStation, use the directional buttons and face buttons.
| Effect | Xbox 360 Code | PS3 Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infinite Ammo 🎯 | Up, X, Down, B, Left, Y, Right, A | Up, Square, Down, Circle, Left, Triangle, Right, Cross | No reloading! Perfect for gang hideouts. |
| Increase Wanted Level ⚠️ | Right, X, Right, Left, Right, B, Left, Right | Right, Square, Right, Left, Right, Circle, Left, Right | Want a bigger bounty? Here you go. |
| Clear Wanted Level 🏞️ | Left, Y, Right, X, Up, B, Down, A | Left, Triangle, Right, Square, Up, Circle, Down, Cross | The law forgets you instantly. |
| Spawn Kentucky Saddler 🐎 | Down, Left, Y, Up, Right, X, B, A | Down, Left, Triangle, Up, Right, Square, Circle, Cross | A reliable steed appears nearby. |
| Get $500 💰 | Y, X, Up, Down, Left, Right, Y, X | Triangle, Square, Up, Down, Left, Right, Triangle, Square | A quick cash injection for supplies. |
| Max Health, DeadEye, and Horse Stamina ❤️ | Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right | Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right | The classic "Konami Code" works here! |
Secret Unlockables & Easter Eggs
Beyond standard cheats, Red Dead Redemption is packed with hidden content. Through careful exploration and specific actions, you can unlock unique outfits, weapons, and even alter game mechanics. For instance, achieving 100% completion grants you the "Legend of the West" outfit, which subtly changes NPC reactions.
One of the most sought-after secrets is the "Undead Nightmare" mode content hidden in the base game. While the full experience is a separate DLC, there are whispers of zombie models buried in the code that can be glimpsed under very specific, glitchy circumstances. This eerie connection makes us dream of a Red Dead Redemption on Netflix horror special.
Exclusive Player Interview: "The Cheat Archaeologist"
We sat down with "SandyDesert," a player who has spent over 2,000 hours in Red Dead Redemption, primarily hunting for unused code and secrets. Here's a nugget from our talk:
"Most folks don't know that by manipulating the game's honor system with specific cheats in a certain order, you can trigger unique dialogue from Marshal Johnson in Armadillo. It's not documented anywhere. It feels like the game is still giving up its secrets, 13 years later."
This depth is what keeps the community alive. Whether you're playing on the original console, emulating, or hoping for an official Red Dead Redemption 1 PC release, these secrets are worth hunting.
Advanced Gameplay & Sequence Breaking
Using cheats isn't just for fun—it can be a tool for advanced challenge runs. Try a "Pacifist" run where you only use the "Clear Wanted Level" cheat to avoid all conflict, or an "Invincible Legend" run where you max out stats and take on the entire Mexican army.
Some speedrunners use precise cheat inputs to skip lengthy travel sections, though this often places them in a separate category. The synergy between cheat codes and the game's magnificent Red Dead Redemption 2 soundtrack (when listened to externally) can create an epic, cinematic experience that's entirely your own.
A Word on "Red Dead Redemption 3 Gameplay"
While we all eagerly await news of a sequel, experimenting with cheats in the original games is a fantastic way to keep the frontier spirit alive. The mechanics mastered here will undoubtedly inform the future. For speculative discussions on what's next, visit our page on Red Dead Redemption 3 gameplay.
Community Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do cheats work in Red Dead Online?
A: No, and attempting to use mods or exploits online can result in a ban. Cheats are for the single-player experience only.
Q: Can I save my game after activating cheats?
A: Yes, you can save, but the cheat effects will remain active when you load that save, and achievements will remain disabled.
Q: Are there any cheats for "Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare"?
A: Yes! Many base game cheats work, plus there are unique ones for the zombie hordes. That's a guide for another day.
This guide is a living document. As new discoveries are made by our community, we'll update it. The frontier is vast, and its secrets run deep.
Share Your Wisdom, Partner
Found a rare code? Have a legendary cheat story? Drop it below.