Unlocking San Andreas: PS2 Cheat Codes

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas remains a beloved classic, offering an expansive world filled with endless possibilities and, crucially, a plethora of cheat codes that elevate the mayhem to legendary status. For those still exploring the sun-drenched streets, sprawling deserts, and vibrant cities on their PlayStation 2, these codes are your key to unlocking truly wild and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re looking to dominate gang wars, experiment with bizarre physics, or simply cause unadulterated chaos, this comprehensive guide will equip you with every cheat you need to turn San Andreas into your personal playground.

Unlike the more recent Grand Theft Auto titles that integrate cheats through in-game phones or menus, San Andreas on PS2 requires you to input specific button sequences directly during gameplay. There's no pause menu entry or special screen; simply press the buttons in quick succession while CJ is free to move. If entered correctly, a small confirmation message will pop up in the top left-hand corner of your screen, often accompanied by a distinct audio cue, letting you know your cheat has been activated. A word of caution from Rockstar themselves: saving your game after using cheats is generally not recommended, as it can sometimes lead to unforeseen glitches or hinder your progress in missions. For the purest experience, it's often best to cause your chaos, then reload a previous save. Now, let's dive into the codes!

Essential Cheats for Survival & Power

These are the fundamental codes that will immediately change your experience, granting you an edge in any situation, from intense shootouts to daring escapes.

Health, Armour, and Cash

Never worry about running out of health, armour, or money again. This cheat is your go-to for instant resilience and a hefty cash injection.

• Code: R1, R2, L1, X, LEFT, DOWN, RIGHT, UP, LEFT, DOWN, RIGHT, UP
• Effect: Provides CJ with full Health, full Armour, and £250,000.

Infinite Ammunition

Tired of scavenging for bullets? This code ensures you'll always have enough firepower to take down any threat, no matter how large.

• Code: L1, R1, SQUARE, R1, LEFT, R2, R1, LEFT, SQUARE, DOWN, L1, L1
• Effect: CJ receives unlimited ammunition for all weapons.

(Almost) Infinite Health

While not truly invincible, this cheat makes CJ incredibly resilient to most forms of damage, allowing you to walk through bullet storms with relative ease. Be mindful, however, as explosions, drowning, falling from extreme heights, and being run over can still be fatal.

• Code: DOWN, X, RIGHT, LEFT, RIGHT, R1, RIGHT, DOWN, UP, TRIANGLE
• Effect: CJ becomes invulnerable to most damage.

Weapon Sets

Arm yourself instantly with a variety of destructive tools. There are three distinct weapon sets to choose from, each offering a different flavour of destruction.

Vehicle Spawning & Manipulation Cheats

Why walk when you can fly a Hydra or cruise in a Monster Truck? These codes allow you to summon an array of vehicles directly to your location, or alter how existing vehicles behave.

Summoning Powerful Vehicles

From tanks to jetpacks, these cheats instantly deliver some of San Andreas' most coveted rides.

• Spawn Rhino Tank: CIRCLE, CIRCLE, L1, CIRCLE, CIRCLE, CIRCLE, L1, L2, R1, TRIANGLE, CIRCLE, TRIANGLE
• Spawn Jetpack: L1, L2, R1, R2, UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT, L1, L2, R1, R2, UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT
• Spawn Hydra Jet: TRIANGLE, TRIANGLE, SQUARE, CIRCLE, X, L1, L1, DOWN, UP
• Spawn Hunter Helicopter: CIRCLE, X, L1, CIRCLE, CIRCLE, L1, CIRCLE, R1, R2, L2, L1, L1
• Spawn Stunt Plane: CIRCLE, UP, L1, L2, DOWN, R1, L1, L1, LEFT, LEFT, X, TRIANGLE
• Spawn Monster Truck: RIGHT, UP, R1, R1, R1, DOWN, TRIANGLE, TRIANGLE, X, CIRCLE, L1, L1

Other Vehicle Spawns

Beyond the heavy hitters, you can summon various other vehicles for specific needs or just for fun.

• Spawn Bloodring Banger: DOWN, R1, CIRCLE, L2, L2, X, R1, L1, LEFT, LEFT
• Spawn Vortex Hovercraft: TRIANGLE, TRIANGLE, SQUARE, CIRCLE, X, L1, L2, DOWN, DOWN
• Spawn Parachute: LEFT, RIGHT, L1, L2, R1, R2, R2, UP, DOWN, RIGHT, L1
• Spawn Hotring Racer #1: R1, CIRCLE, R2, RIGHT, L1, L2, X, X, SQUARE, R1
• Spawn Hotring Racer #2: R2, L1, CIRCLE, RIGHT, L1, R1, RIGHT, UP, CIRCLE, R2
• Spawn Romero (Hearse): DOWN, R2, DOWN, R1, L2, LEFT, R1, L1, LEFT, RIGHT
• Spawn Stretch (Limousine): R2, UP, L2, LEFT, LEFT, R1, L1, CIRCLE, RIGHT
• Spawn Trashmaster (Bin Lorry): CIRCLE, R1, CIRCLE, R1, LEFT, LEFT, R1, L1, CIRCLE, RIGHT
• Spawn Caddy (Golf Cart): CIRCLE, L1, UP, R1, L2, X, R1, L1, CIRCLE, X
• Spawn Quad Bike: LEFT, LEFT, DOWN, DOWN, UP, UP, SQUARE, CIRCLE, TRIANGLE, R1, R2
• Spawn Tanker Truck: R1, UP, LEFT, RIGHT, R2, UP, RIGHT, SQUARE, RIGHT, L2, L1, L1
• Spawn Dozer: R2, L1, L1, RIGHT, RIGHT, UP, UP, X, L1, LEFT
• Spawn Rancher: UP, RIGHT, RIGHT, L1, RIGHT, UP, SQUARE, L2

Vehicle Behaviour & Traffic Control

Alter the rules of the road and the physics of your vehicles for truly chaotic or convenient results.

• Blow Up All Cars: R2, L2, R1, L1, L2, R2, SQUARE, TRIANGLE, CIRCLE, TRIANGLE, L2, L1
• Traffic Lights Stay Green: RIGHT, R1, UP, L2, L2, LEFT, R1, L1, R1, R1
• Aggressive Traffic: R2, CIRCLE, R1, L2, LEFT, R1, L1, R2, L2
• Increase Car Speed: RIGHT, R1, UP, L2, L2, LEFT, R1, L1, R1, R1
• All Cars Have Nitrous: LEFT, TRIANGLE, R1, L1, UP, SQUARE, TRIANGLE, DOWN, CIRCLE, L2, L1, L1
• Flying Cars: SQUARE, DOWN, L2, UP, L1, CIRCLE, UP, X, LEFT
• Flying Boats: R2, CIRCLE, UP, L1, RIGHT, R1, RIGHT, UP, SQUARE, TRIANGLE
• Drive on Water: RIGHT, R2, CIRCLE, R1, L2, SQUARE, R1, R2
• Perfect Vehicle Handling: TRIANGLE, R1, R1, LEFT, R1, L1, R2, L1
• Super Bunny Hop (Bicycle): TRIANGLE, SQUARE, CIRCLE, CIRCLE, SQUARE, CIRCLE, CIRCLE, L1, L2, L2, R1, R2
• Invisible Cars: TRIANGLE, L1, TRIANGLE, R2, SQUARE, L1, L1 (Motorcycles remain visible)
• Moon Car Gravity: SQUARE, R2, DOWN, DOWN, LEFT, DOWN, LEFT, LEFT, L2, X (Cars will fly away when hit)
• Reduced Traffic: X, DOWN, UP, R2, DOWN, TRIANGLE, L1, TRIANGLE, LEFT
• Pink Cars: CIRCLE, L1, DOWN, L2, LEFT, X, R1, L1, RIGHT, CIRCLE
• Black Cars: CIRCLE, L2, UP, R1, LEFT, X, R1, L1, LEFT, CIRCLE
• Sports Cars: UP, L1, R1, UP, RIGHT, UP, X, L2, X, L1 (All traffic turns into sports cars)
• Junk Cars: L2, RIGHT, L1, UP, X, L1, L2, R2, R1, L1, L1, L1 (All traffic turns into junk cars)

Gameplay Modifiers & Character Cheats

These cheats alter the core gameplay, from how you interact with pedestrians to CJ's physical abilities and even the world's aesthetic.

Wanted Level Manipulation

Control your notoriety with the law, from instant freedom to maximum heat.

• Wanted Level Down: R1, R1, CIRCLE, R2, UP, DOWN, UP, DOWN, UP, DOWN
• Wanted Level Up: R1, R1, CIRCLE, R2, LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT, RIGHT
• Lock Wanted Level: CIRCLE, RIGHT, CIRCLE, RIGHT, LEFT, SQUARE, TRIANGLE, UP
• Maximum Wanted Level (6 Stars): CIRCLE, RIGHT, CIRCLE, RIGHT, LEFT, SQUARE, X, DOWN

Pedestrian & World Chaos

Turn the streets into a warzone, a party, or something truly bizarre.

• Pedestrian Riot: DOWN, LEFT, UP, LEFT, X, R2, R1, L2, L1
• Chaos Mode: L2, RIGHT, L1, TRIANGLE, RIGHT, RIGHT, R1, L1, RIGHT, L1, L1, L1 (Similar to Riot Mode, pedestrians fight each other)
• Bounty on Your Head: DOWN, UP, UP, UP, X, R2, R1, L2, L2 (Pedestrians will attack you)
• Pedestrians Attack (With Guns): X, L1, UP, SQUARE, DOWN, X, L2, TRIANGLE, DOWN, R1, L1, L1
• Pedestrians Have Weapons: R2, R1, X, TRIANGLE, X, TRIANGLE, UP, DOWN
• All Pedestrians Are Elvis: L1, CIRCLE, TRIANGLE, L1, L1, SQUARE, L2, UP, DOWN, LEFT
• Beach Party Mode: UP, UP, DOWN, DOWN, SQUARE, CIRCLE, L1, R1, TRIANGLE, DOWN (CJ and pedestrians change into beach attire)
• Triad Theme: X, X, DOWN, R2, L2, CIRCLE, R1, CIRCLE, SQUARE (CJ gets a samurai sword; civilians replaced by Triad members)
• Funhouse Theme: TRIANGLE, TRIANGLE, L1, SQUARE, SQUARE, CIRCLE, SQUARE, DOWN, CIRCLE (CJ wears a red wig; pedestrians become clowns and fast-food mascots)
• Rural Theme: TRIANGLE, LEFT, SQUARE, R2, UP, L2, DOWN, L1, X, L1, L1, L1 (CJ in rural outfit; country-themed pedestrians and cars)
• Kinky Theme: SQUARE, RIGHT, SQUARE, SQUARE, L2, X, TRIANGLE, X, TRIANGLE (CJ in gimp suit; pedestrians transform into prostitutes and pimps)

CJ's Abilities & Stats

Enhance CJ's physical prowess and social standing with these cheats.

• Mega Jump: UP, UP, TRIANGLE, TRIANGLE, UP, UP, LEFT, RIGHT, SQUARE, R2, R2 (CJ jumps much higher)
• Super Punch: UP, LEFT, X, TRIANGLE, R1, SQUARE, SQUARE, SQUARE, L2 (CJ's punches do much more damage and launch foes; pedestrians also gain this power)
• Max Muscle: TRIANGLE, UP, UP, LEFT, RIGHT, SQUARE, CIRCLE, LEFT
• Max Fat: TRIANGLE, UP, UP, LEFT, RIGHT, SQUARE, CIRCLE, DOWN
• Minimum Muscle and Fat: TRIANGLE, UP, UP, LEFT, RIGHT, SQUARE, CIRCLE, RIGHT
• Infinite Lung Capacity: DOWN, LEFT, L1, DOWN, DOWN, R2, DOWN, L2, DOWN (CJ can sprint indefinitely and has infinite oxygen underwater)
• Never Get Hungry: SQUARE, L2, R1, TRIANGLE, UP, SQUARE, L2, UP, X
• Maximum Respect: L1, R1, TRIANGLE, DOWN, R2, X, L1, UP, L2, L2, L1, L1
• Maximum Sex Appeal: CIRCLE, TRIANGLE, TRIANGLE, UP, CIRCLE, R1, L2, UP, TRIANGLE, L1, L1, L1
• Hitman Level For All Weapons: DOWN, SQUARE, X, LEFT, R1, R2, LEFT, DOWN, DOWN, L1, L1, L1 (Bumps all weapon stats to Hitman Level)

Gang & Recruitment Cheats

Control the gang dynamics of San Andreas with these unique codes.

• Gang Members Mode: LEFT, RIGHT, RIGHT, RIGHT, LEFT, X, DOWN, UP, SQUARE, RIGHT, DOWN (All pedestrians are replaced by gang members)
• Gang Control: L2, UP, R1, R1, LEFT, R1, R1, R2, RIGHT, DOWN (Pedestrians clear out, leaving only gangs)
• Recruit Anyone (Pistol): DOWN, SQUARE, UP, R2, R2, UP, RIGHT, RIGHT, UP (Recruit anyone to be a follower, equipped with a 9MM pistol)
• Recruit Anyone (Rocket Launcher): R2, R2, R2, X, L2, L1, R1, L2, DOWN, X (Recruit anyone, equipped with a rocket launcher)

Weather and Time Manipulation

Play God with the environment, setting the mood for your adventures or simply speeding up the in-game clock.

• Always Midnight: SQUARE, L1, R1, RIGHT, X, UP, L1, LEFT, LEFT (Time is locked to midnight)
• Always 21:00: LEFT, LEFT, L2, R1, RIGHT, SQUARE, SQUARE, L1, L2, X (Time is locked to 21:00)
• Slow Motion: TRIANGLE, UP, RIGHT, DOWN, SQUARE, R2, R1 (Everything moves in slow motion)
• Fast Motion: TRIANGLE, UP, RIGHT, DOWN, L2, L1, SQUARE (Everything moves faster)
• Faster Clock: CIRCLE, CIRCLE, L1, SQUARE, L1, SQUARE, SQUARE, SQUARE, L1, TRIANGLE, CIRCLE, TRIANGLE (In-game time moves faster)
• Cloudy Weather: L2, DOWN, DOWN, LEFT, SQUARE, LEFT, R2, SQUARE, X, R1, L1, L1
• Foggy Weather: R2, X, L1, L1, L2, L2, L2, X
• Stormy Weather: R2, X, L1, L1, L2, L2, L2, CIRCLE
• Sunny Weather: R2, X, L1, L1, L2, L2, L2, SQUARE
• Very Sunny Weather: R2, X, L1, L1, L2, L2, L2, DOWN
• Sandstorm: UP, DOWN, L1, L1, L2, L2, L1, L2, R1, R2

Secrets, Glitches & Unlockables

Beyond direct cheat codes, San Andreas is packed with hidden gems, exploitable glitches, and unlockable rewards for dedicated players. While not entered via button codes, these offer additional ways to enhance your gameplay.

Hidden Locations & Easter Eggs

• Underworld of San Andreas: Access this secret area by entering the Los Santos gym, using the jetpack cheat, and flying upwards into the dark corners. You can then fly off the edge into a large white desert, sometimes finding weapons, armour, and even invisible water with fish!
• Area 51 Access: In the desert's restricted area, you can glitch into what many call 'Area 51'. Use the jetpack in Los Santos (south-east, near a player-owned house with a pool), fly through the wall into 'Blue Hell' (under the map), set a marker for Area 51, and fly under the map until you find a hallway with an open sewer grate. Locate a purple-looking room to its right, and carefully lower into it to enter.
• Sex Toy Weapon: Visit any police station in Los Santos and head to the shower room. You'll find a purple sex toy that serves as a surprisingly powerful melee weapon.
• No Easter Eggs Sign: Fly or drive to the top of the southern support beam of the Gant Bridge (connecting San Fierro and Bayside Marina) to find a humorous sign that reads, "There are no easter eggs up here. Go Away!"
• Bodybags: In the desert, northwest of Area 69, there's a hole containing six body bags and a Bobcat vehicle nearby. A grim discovery for the curious.
• Eminem Easter Egg: In southeast San Fierro, look for a building with "Shady Industries" written on it, a clear reference to Eminem's alter ego, Slim Shady.

Useful Exploits & Tips

• Bulletproof Savanna: After completing the 'High Stakes, Low-Rider' mission, Cesar's car remains locked at the finish line. Push it to a nearby garage, and its doors will unlock, allowing you to keep this bulletproof vehicle early in the game.
• Infinite Nitrous: If you activate nitrous in a car and then blow it up inside your garage, it will resurrect with permanent nitrous when you retrieve it.
• Pilot Licence Without School: Hop the fence at Los Santos airport, get into a SHAMAL plane, and keep flying it for about 25-35 minutes. The game will eventually grant you a pilot's licence, giving you access to all airports.
• Cop Escape in Water: When chased by cops in Los Santos, jump into the water next to the highway on the eastern side and stay close to the wall. As long as there are no helicopters, the cops will eventually give up.
• Stop Rival Gang Wars: If your territory is under attack, go to a safe house and save your game immediately. This will cancel the attack, allowing you to keep your area without a fight.
• CJ Melts: Get on a mountain bike and hold down SQUARE. While holding it, quickly tap X. CJ will bend in unusual, almost melted ways.
• Drive the Train: Instead of riding the train, you can hijack it from the front end at any train station. Be warned, though, excessive speed will cause it to derail!
• Change Moon Size: Shoot the moon with a sniper rifle. It will grow to a certain size and then shrink when shot again.
• How to Throw Up: Eat a lot of food at a restaurant until you're extremely full; CJ will then throw up.
• Hunger Pains: Remember, CJ needs to eat! Neglecting his hunger will cause his health to drop. Eating too much makes him fat, too little makes him skinny. Aim for a balanced diet.
• See Body Parts from Combine Harvester: Find a combine harvester, run over pedestrians, and then look out the pipe where hay comes out. You'll see body parts and guts. Gruesome but unique!

Unlockable Rewards

Complete specific challenges or missions to unlock permanent bonuses and items.

• Weapons in Johnson House: Complete all 100 tags in Los Santos to have an AK-47, Tec-9, Sawn-Off Shotgun, and Molotov Cocktails spawn at the Johnson Family Home.
• Extra 50% Health: Complete Level 12 of the Paramedic mission.
• Extra 50% Armour: Complete Level 12 of the Vigilante mission (or 'Brown Thunder' in the Hunter attack helicopter).
• Fireproof: Complete Level 12 of the Firefighter missions.
• Nitro Taxi & Hop: Drop off 50 people in the Taxi mission. All taxis will then have nitrous, and you can make them hop by pressing L3.
• Pimping Mission: Enter a Broadway (low-rider vehicle) and press R3. Drive prostitutes to their destinations. After the tenth 'trick', prostitutes will start paying you.
• Dating Rewards: Dating various girlfriends offers unique bonuses:
  • Katie Zhan (100%): Medic Outfit, keep weapons after being wasted.
  • Denise Robinson (100%): Pimp Outfit, Green Hustler car.
  • Michelle (100%): Racing Outfit, Monster Truck.
  • Barbara (100%): Police Outfit, keep weapons after being busted, Ranger car.
  • Helena (50%): Bandito car.
  • Millie (50%): Club car.
• Driving School Unlockables:
  • BF Injection: Get 1st place at the Dirt Ring race in Las Venturas Stadium.
  • Super GT: Achieve all Bronze medals in Driving School.
  • Hotknife: Achieve all Gold medals in Driving School.
  • Bullet: Achieve all Silver awards in Driving School.
• Bike School Unlockables:
  • NRG 500: Achieve all Gold medals in Bike School.
  • Freeway: Achieve all Bronze awards in Bike School.
• Pilot School Unlockables:
  • Rustler: Achieve all Bronze medals in Pilot School.
  • Stunt Plane: Achieve all Silver medals at the Pilot School.
  • Jet Pack: Complete the Airstrip asset near Las Venturas.
• Boat School Unlockables:
  • Squallo: Achieve all Silver awards in Boat School.
  • Marquis: Achieve all Bronze awards in Boat School.
• Monster Truck: Win it by beating the 8-Track Tournament.
• Hotring Racer: Get 1st place in the 8-Track race.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there cheat codes for GTA San Andreas on PS2?

Absolutely! Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas on PS2 has a vast collection of cheat codes that can be entered directly during gameplay using button combinations. These cheats allow for everything from spawning vehicles and weapons to altering game physics and CJ's abilities.

How much money can you get with a cheat in GTA San Andreas?

The primary money cheat in GTA San Andreas provides CJ with £250,000 each time it's entered. While there isn't a separate cheat that provides £25,000 for car repair, the comprehensive health, armour, and money cheat is usually sufficient for all your financial needs.

What is Grand Theft Auto San Andreas?

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is an action-adventure game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. Released in 2004 for the PlayStation 2, it is the fifth main entry in the Grand Theft Auto series. The game follows Carl "CJ" Johnson as he returns to his hometown of Los Santos, San Andreas, after his mother's murder, only to find his family and old gang, the Grove Street Families, in disarray. It combines open-world exploration, driving, shooting, and role-playing elements within a fictionalised California and Nevada.

Can I save my game after using cheats on PS2?

While the game allows you to save after using cheats, Rockstar generally advises against it. Using cheats can sometimes lead to unforeseen glitches, corruptions, or issues that might hinder your progress in missions or unlockables. It's often recommended to use cheats for casual fun and then reload a previous save file if you intend to continue with the main story or earn 100% completion.

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