25/08/2015
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Definitive Edition, part of the acclaimed GTA Trilogy, offers an expansive open world brimming with opportunities for both structured missions and unadulterated mayhem. While the engaging storyline of Carl 'CJ' Johnson navigating the treacherous streets of San Andreas is compelling, many players find the true joy in simply messing around, pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Fortunately, Rockstar Games provides the perfect licence for this kind of playful chaos through a vast array of cheat codes. These codes allow you to instantly alter gameplay, summon powerful vehicles, change the weather, or even modify CJ's attributes. Whether you're looking to bypass a tricky mission, create cinematic stunts, or just cause absolute pandemonium, cheats are your go-to.
This comprehensive guide delves into all the cheat codes available for GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition, with a particular focus on the exciting vehicle cheats that let you dominate the roads – and skies – of San Andreas. We'll also cover general character enhancements, weapon arsenals, pedestrian antics, and environmental changes. Be warned, however, that using these codes comes with a caveat: they can disable Trophy progress and potentially alter your game state. Therefore, it's always wise to back up your progress or experiment on a separate save file.
- How to Activate Cheats in GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition
- Vehicle Cheats: Dominate the Roads and Skies
- General Cheats: Empowering CJ and Gameplay
- Weapon Cheats: Arming for Anarchy
- Pedestrian Cheats: Altering the World's Inhabitants
- Weather Cheats: Controlling the Elements
- Unlocks and Perks: Beyond Cheats
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I enter cheats in GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition?
- Do cheats disable Trophies in GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition?
- Are all the original GTA San Andreas PS2 cheats still available in the Definitive Edition?
- What are the most fun vehicle cheats to try first?
- Can cheats break my game or corrupt my save file?
How to Activate Cheats in GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition
Activating cheats in GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition is remarkably straightforward. Unlike some games that require menu access or console commands, GTA San Andreas cheats can be entered directly during gameplay. Simply input the button sequence while playing, and a small on-screen notification will confirm if the code was entered correctly. There's no need to pause the game, making for seamless, on-the-fly activation of your desired effects. Given the potential impact on your game save and Trophy progress, we strongly advise creating a dedicated 'cheat save' file. This allows you to indulge in all the anarchic fun without jeopardising your legitimate playthroughs and hard-earned achievements.
Vehicle Cheats: Dominate the Roads and Skies
Vehicle cheats are arguably among the most popular and entertaining codes in GTA San Andreas. They offer unparalleled control over the game's diverse fleet of automobiles, aircraft, and watercraft. From instantly summoning a battle-ready Rhino tank to making your everyday saloon car soar through the sky, these cheats transform the way you interact with the game world. They're perfect for high-speed chases, epic stunts, or simply exploring the vast landscape of San Andreas in style. Below, we've categorised the vehicle cheats into those that spawn specific vehicles and those that alter vehicle behaviour.
Spawnable Vehicle Cheats
Ever wished you could just summon a fighter jet or a monster truck out of thin air? With these cheats, you can. These codes instantly place the specified vehicle right next to CJ, ready for you to jump in and wreak havoc or embark on an impromptu adventure. Whether you need a quick escape, a heavy-duty battering ram, or just a ride to impress, this list has you covered.
| Cheat | Cheat Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spawn Bloodring Banger | Down, R1, Circle, L2, L2, X, R1, L1, Left, Left | A durable vehicle ideal for demolition derbies. |
| Spawn Caddy | Circle, L1, Up, R1, L2, X, R1, L1, Circle, X | A speedy golf kart for quick trips across the course. |
| Spawn Dozer | R2, L1, L1, Right, Right, Up, Up, X, L1, Left | A powerful bulldozer, great for clearing obstacles. |
| Spawn Hotring Racer 1 | R1, Circle, R2, Right, L1, L2, X, X, Square, R1 | A high-performance racing car. |
| Spawn Hotring Racer 2 | R2, L1, Circle, Right, L1, R1, Right, Up, Circle, R2 | An alternative high-performance racing car. |
| Spawn Hunter | Circle, X, L1, Circle, Circle, L1, Circle, R1 R2, L2, L1, L1 | A formidable attack helicopter, heavily armed. |
| Spawn Hydra | Triangle, Triangle, Square, Circle, X, L1, L1, Down, Up | A vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fighter jet. |
| Spawn Monster Truck | Right, Up, R1, R1, R1, Down, Triangle, Triangle, X, Circle, L1, L1 | A massive truck capable of crushing other vehicles. |
| Spawn Quadbike | Left, Left, Down, Down, Up, Up, Square, Circle, Triangle, R1, R2 | A versatile off-road vehicle. |
| Spawn Rancher | Up, Right, Right, L1, Right, Up, X, L2 | A robust 4x4 pickup truck. |
| Spawn Rhino Tank | Circle, Circle, L1, Circle, Circle, Circle, L1, L2, R1, Triangle, Circle, Triangle | The ultimate weapon of destruction, complete with a cannon. |
| Spawn Romero | Down, R2, Down, R1, L2, Left, R1, L1, Left, Right | A classic hearse, perfect for morbid road trips. |
| Spawn Stretch | R2, Up, L2, Left, Left, R1, L1, Circle, Right | A luxurious limousine for cruising in style. |
| Spawn Stunt Plane | Circle, Up, L1, L2, Down, R1, L1, L1, Left, Left, X, Triangle | A nimble aircraft designed for aerial acrobatics. |
| Spawn Tanker | R1, Up, Left, Right, R2, Up, Right, Square, Right, L2, L1, L1 | A large fuel tanker, surprisingly agile for its size. |
| Spawn Trashmaster | Circle, R1, Circle, R1, Left, Left, R1, L1, Circle, Right | A garbage truck, surprisingly durable. |
| Spawn Vortex Hovercraft | Triangle, Triangle, Square, Circle, X, L1, L2, Down, Down | A unique hovercraft capable of traversing land and water. |
Vehicle Attribute and Behaviour Cheats
These cheats don't just give you new vehicles; they fundamentally change how all vehicles in the game behave. From giving every car rocket boosters to enabling aquatic driving, these modifications can lead to some truly wild and unpredictable gameplay moments. Experiment with these codes to discover new ways to navigate San Andreas or simply create hilarious chaos on the streets.
| Cheat | Cheat Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aggressive Drivers | R2, Circle, R1, L2, Left, R1, L1, R2, L2 | Makes all AI drivers more prone to road rage and reckless driving. |
| All Cars Have NO2 | Left, Triangle, R1, L1, Up, Square, Triangle, Down, Circle, L2, L1, L1 | Equips every car on the road with powerful nitro boosts. |
| Bicycle Bunny Hop Super Jump | Triangle, Square, Circle, Circle, Square, Circle, Circle, L1, L2, L2, R1, R2 | Allows you to perform incredibly high jumps while riding a bicycle. |
| Cars Can Drive on Water | Right, R2, Circle, R1, L2, Square, R1, R2 | Turn any vehicle into an impromptu boat, allowing you to cross bodies of water. |
| Cars Float on Collision | Square, R2, Down, Down, Left, Down, Left, Left L2, X | Does not work in GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition. Originally made cars float upon impact. |
| Destroy All Cars | R2, L2, R1, L1, L2, R2, Square, Triangle, Circle, Triangle, L2, L1 | Does not work in GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition. Causes all nearby vehicles to explode. |
| Flying Boats | R2, Circle, Up, L1, Right, R1, Right, Up, Square, Triangle | Gives boats the ability to take flight, transforming naval travel. |
| Flying Cars | Up, Down, L1, R1, L1, Right, Left, L1, Left | A classic cheat, allowing cars to fly like aeroplanes. |
| Improve Handling | Triangle, R1, R1, Left, R1, L1, R2, L1 | Enhances the turning and general responsiveness of all vehicles. |
| Increase Car Speed | Right, R1, Up, L2, L2, Left, R1, L1, R1, R1 | Boosts the maximum speed of all vehicles in the game. |
| Invisible Cars | Triangle, L1, Triangle, R2, Square, L1, L1 | Does not work in GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition. Rendered vehicles invisible. |
| Taxi Mission Unlocks | Up, X, Triangle, X, Triangle, X, Square, R2, Right | Unlocks NO2 for all taxis and allows them to jump using the horn. |
General Cheats: Empowering CJ and Gameplay
Beyond vehicles, a significant portion of GTA San Andreas cheats focuses on CJ himself and the general gameplay mechanics. These codes can grant you invincibility, infinite ammunition, or even alter your physical appearance. They're fantastic for evening the odds against overwhelming enemy forces or just having a laugh with exaggerated character models. From boosting your wanted level to maxing out your respect, these cheats put you in direct control of CJ's destiny.
| Cheat | Cheat Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| $250k, Full Health, and Full Armour | R1, R2, L1, X, Left, Down, Right, Up, Left, Down, Right, Up | Also fully repairs your vehicle if entered while inside a damaged one. |
| Big Head Mode | Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, Circle, X | Gives all characters hilariously exaggerated heads. |
| Breathe Underwater | Down, Left, L1, Down, Down, R2, Down, L2, Down | Allows CJ to stay submerged indefinitely without losing oxygen. |
| Hitman | Down, Square, X, Left, R1, R2, Left, Down, Down, L1, L1, L1 | Increases the skill level of all weapons to Hitman. |
| Increase Wanted Level | R1, R1, Circle, R2, Up, Down, Up, Down, Up, Down | Adds two stars to your current wanted level. |
| Infinite Ammo | L1, R1, Square, R1, Left, R2, R1, Left, Square, Down, L1, L1 | Provides unlimited ammunition for all your weapons. |
| Infinite Health | Down, X, Right, Left, Right, R1, Right, Down, Up, Triangle | Does not work in GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition. Made CJ invincible. |
| Lock Wanted Level | Circle, Right, Circle, Right, Left, Square, Triangle, Up | Your current wanted level will not change. |
| Lower Wanted Level | R1, R1, Circle, R2, Up, Down, Up, Down, Up, Down | Removes all stars from your wanted level. |
| Never Get Hungry | Square, L2, R1, Triangle, Up, Square, L2, Up, X | Does not work in GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition. Eliminated the need for CJ to eat. |
| Max Fat | Triangle, Up, Up, Left, Right, Square, Circle, Down | Instantly increases CJ's body fat to maximum. |
| Max Muscle | Triangle, Up, Up, Left, Right, Square, Circle, Left | Instantly increases CJ's muscle mass to maximum. |
| Max Respect | L1, R1, Triangle, Down, R2, X, L1, Up, L2, L2, L1, L1 | Boosts CJ's respect level to the maximum. |
| Max Sex Appeal | Circle, Triangle, Triangle, Up, Circle, R1, L2, Up, Triangle, L1, L1, L1 | Maximises CJ's sex appeal, making him more attractive to NPCs. |
| Minimum Fat and Muscle | Triangle, Up, Up, Left, Right, Square, Circle, Right | Reduces CJ's fat and muscle to their minimum levels. |
| Six Star Wanted Level | Circle, Right, Circle, Right, Left, Square, X, Down | Instantly grants you the maximum six-star wanted level. |
| Slow Mo | Triangle, Up, Right, Down, Square, R2, R1 | Slows down the overall gameplay speed. |
| Speed Up Gameplay | Triangle, Up, Right, Down, L2, L1, Square | Increases the overall gameplay speed. |
| Speed Up Time | Circle, Circle, L1, Square, L1, Square, Square, Square, L1, Triangle, Circle, Triangle | Accelerates the in-game clock. |
| Super Jump | Up, Up, Triangle, Triangle, Up, Up, Left, Right, Square, R2, R2 | Allows CJ to jump to extraordinary heights. |
| Super Punch | Up, Left, X, Triangle, R1, Square, Square, Square, L2 | Gives CJ an incredibly powerful punch. |
Weapon Cheats: Arming for Anarchy
No GTA experience is complete without a vast arsenal at your fingertips. Weapon cheats instantly equip CJ with various firearms and essential gear like jetpacks and parachutes, allowing for immediate engagement in combat or thrilling escapades. Whether you prefer close-quarters brawling, long-range sniping, or explosive destruction, there's a weapon pack for every playstyle.
| Cheat | Cheat Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jetpack | L1, L2, R1, R2, Up, Down, Left, Right, L1, L2, R1, R2, Up, Down, Left, Right | Instantly equips you with a personal jetpack for ultimate aerial freedom. |
| Parachute | Left, Right, L1, L2, R1, R2, R2, Up, Down, Right, L1 | Adds a parachute to your inventory, essential for high falls. |
| Weapon Pack 1 | R1, R2, L1, R2, Left, Down, Right, Up, Left, Down, Right, Up | Includes Brass Knuckles, Baseball Bat, 9mm Pistol, Shotgun, Micro SMG, AK-47, Rifle, Rocket Launcher, Molotov Cocktail, and Spray Paint. |
| Weapon Pack 2 | R1, R2, L1, R2, Left, Down, Right, Up, Left, Down, Down, Left | Includes Knife, Desert Eagle, Sawn-Off Shotgun, TEC 9, M4 Carbine, Sniper Rifle, Flamethrower, Fire Extinguisher, and Grenades. |
| Weapon Pack 3 | R1, R2, L1, R2, Left, Down, Right, Up, Left, Down, Down, Down | Includes Chainsaw, Silenced 9mm Pistol, SPAS 12, MP5, M4 Carbine, Sniper Rifle, Heat-Seeking Rocket Launcher, and Satchel Bomb. |
Pedestrian Cheats: Altering the World's Inhabitants
These cheats manipulate the behaviour and appearance of the pedestrians populating San Andreas, leading to some of the game's most bizarre and amusing scenarios. From arming every civilian to turning them into clowns or Elvis impersonators, these codes can transform the city's atmosphere entirely. Be aware that some of these can significantly impact gameplay, making certain missions difficult or even impossible to complete.
| Cheat | Cheat Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All Traffic Is Black | Circle, L2, Up, R1, Left, X, R1, L1, Left, Circle | Makes every vehicle on the road black. |
| All Traffic Is Junk | L2, Right, L1, Up, X, L1, L2, R2, R1, L1, L1, L1 | All cars on the road become low-quality, worn-out vehicles. |
| All Traffic Is Pink | Circle, L1, Down, L2, Left, X, R1, L1, Right, Circle | Makes every vehicle on the road pink. |
| All Traffic Is Sports Cars | Up, L1, R1, Up, Right, Up, X, L2, X, L1 | Replaces all normal traffic with high-performance sports cars. |
| Armed Pedestrians | R2, R1, X, Triangle, X, Triangle, Up, Down | Every pedestrian in the game will be armed with a weapon. |
| Beach Party | Up, Up, Down, Down, Square, Circle, L1, R1, Triangle, Down | Turns all vehicles into beach cars and dresses pedestrians in beachwear. |
| Carnival | Triangle, Triangle, L1, Square, Square, Circle, Square, Down, Circle | All pedestrians transform into clowns or fast-food workers. |
| Elvis | L1, Circle, Triangle, L1, L1, Square, L2, Up, Down, Left | Every pedestrian becomes an Elvis impersonator. |
| Free Prostitutes | Right, L2, L2, Down, L2, Up, Up, L2, R2 | Prostitutes will no longer charge for their services. |
| Kinky | Square, Right, Square, Square, L2, X, Triangle, X, Triangle | Does not work in GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition. Made all pedestrians prostitutes. |
| No Pedestrians | X, Down, Up, R2, Down, Triangle, L1, Triangle, Left | Removes all non-essential pedestrians from the streets. |
| Only Gangs | L2, Up, R1, R1, Left, R1, R1, R2, Right, Down | Removes all normal pedestrians and police, leaving only gang members. |
| Pedestrian Riot | Down, Left, Up, Left, X, R2, R1, L2, L1 | Causes all pedestrians to riot and attack each other. |
| Recruit Anyone with 9mm Pistols | Down, Square, Up, R2, R2, Up, Right, Right, Up | Allows you to recruit any pedestrian, arming them with 9mm pistols. |
| Recruit Anyone with Rocket Launchers | R2, R2, R2, X, L2, L1, R1, L2, Down, X | Does not work in GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition. Allowed recruiting anyone with rocket launchers. |
| Rural | L1, L1, R1, R1, L2, L1, R2, Down, Left, Up | Does not work in GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition. Changed pedestrians into rural attire. |
| Yakuza | X, X, Down, R2, L2, Circle, R1, Circle, Square | Does not work in GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition. Spawned triad members armed with katanas. |
Weather Cheats: Controlling the Elements
These cheats allow you to manipulate the climate and visual appearance of San Andreas. Whether you prefer perpetual sunshine, a gloomy fog, or a raging sandstorm, these codes offer complete environmental control. While some may temporarily affect the in-game clock, they primarily serve to set the mood for your destructive escapades or cinematic moments.
| Cheat | Cheat Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Always 9PM | Left, Left, L2, R1, Right, Square, Square, L1, L2, X | Retains a permanent sunset, creating a perpetual dusk. |
| Always Midnight | R2, X, L1, L1, L2, L2, L2, Triangle | Sets the time to midnight permanently. |
| Cloudy | L2, Down, Down, Left, Square, Left, R2, Square, X, R1, L1, L1 | Makes the weather perpetually cloudy. |
| Foggy | R2, X, L1, L1, L2, L2, L2, X | Enshrouds San Andreas in a constant fog. |
| Sandstorm | Up, Down, L1, L1, L2, L2, L1, L2, R1, R2 | Triggers a powerful sandstorm across the state. |
| Storm | R2, X, L1, L1, L2, L2, L2, Circle | Initiates stormy weather, including rain and lightning. |
| Sunny | R2, X, L1, L1, L2, L2, L2, Square | Sets the weather to clear and sunny. |
| Very Sunny | R2, X, L1, L1, L2, L2, L2, Down | Ensures very bright and clear weather conditions. |
Unlocks and Perks: Beyond Cheats
While not strictly cheat codes, GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition also offers a variety of permanent unlocks and perks that enhance your gameplay experience as you progress and complete certain tasks. These rewards are tied to in-game achievements, collectibles, and side missions, offering tangible benefits that persist across your saves. They encourage exploration and completion, providing a natural way to gain advantages without resorting to instant cheat activation.
| Task | Unlocks and Perks | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 100% Completion | Increased money generation; Hydra spawns at CJ's House in Grove Street; Rhino spawns at CJ's House in Grove Street | Track your progress in the Stats menu. |
| Boat School | Bronze: Marquis; Silver: Squallo; Gold: Jetmax | Achieve at least one medal in each test. |
| Burglary | Unlimited sprinting stamina | Successfully steal $10,000 worth of goods in the burglary side-mission. |
| Driving School | Bronze (70%-89%): Super GT; Silver (90%-99%): Bullet; Gold (100%): Hotknife | Earn at least one medal in each test. |
| Dual Wielding | Micro-SMG, Pistol, Sawed-Off Shotgun, Tec-9 | Increase your Weapon Skill for these specific weapons to Hitman status to enable dual wielding. |
| Girlfriend Cars | Barbara: Police Ranger; Denise: Green Hustler; Helena: Bandito; Katie: White Romero; Michelle: Monster Truck; Millie: Pink Club | Achieve a 50% relationship rating with the respective girlfriend. |
| Girlfriend Outfits | Barbara: Police; Denise: Pimp Suit; Helena: Overalls; Katie: Medic; Michelle: Race Car Driver | Reach a 100% relationship rating with the respective girlfriend. |
| Girlfriend Perks | Barbara: Retain all weapons when busted; Katie: Retain all weapons when wasted; Helena: An assortment of weapons next to her house; Michelle: Free Pay-and-Spray in her garage | Be actively dating one of these girlfriends to benefit from their perks. |
| Horseshoes | Maximum Luck | Collect all Horseshoes scattered across Las Venturas. |
| Oysters | Maximum Lung Capacity; Date all Girlfriends regardless of Sex Appeal; Revive any deceased Girlfriends | Collect all Oysters hidden underwater. |
| Snapshots | Doherty Garage: Micro Uzi, Grenades, Pump Shotgun, Sniper Rifle | Find and photograph all Snapshots in San Fierro. |
| Vehicle Sub-Missions | Fire Engine: Fireproof; Freight Train: $50,000 and free train tickets; Paramedic: Maximum health; Pimp Vehicle: Prostitutes pay you; Taxi: Nitro available on all taxis; Vigilante: Maximum armour | Triggered by entering the associated vehicle and pressing Up on the D-pad to start the mission. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enter cheats in GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition?
You can enter cheats directly during gameplay by pressing the specified button combinations. There's no need to pause the game or open a console. A confirmation message will appear on screen if the cheat was successfully activated.
Do cheats disable Trophies in GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition?
Yes, using cheat codes in GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition will disable Trophy progression for that save file. It's highly recommended to create a separate save file specifically for using cheats to avoid affecting your legitimate game progress and Trophy hunts.
Are all the original GTA San Andreas PS2 cheats still available in the Definitive Edition?
Most of the classic cheat codes from the original PS2 version of GTA San Andreas are present in the Definitive Edition. However, a few have been disabled or do not work as intended. These are clearly marked in our tables with a note stating 'Does not work in GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition'.
What are the most fun vehicle cheats to try first?
For instant fun and chaos, the 'Spawn Rhino Tank' cheat is a must-try, allowing you to dominate the streets. 'Flying Cars' and 'Cars Can Drive on Water' are also incredibly popular for their ability to completely change how you traverse the map, leading to unique and often hilarious scenarios. For speed demons, 'All Cars Have NO2' will give every vehicle a powerful boost.
Can cheats break my game or corrupt my save file?
While most cheats are harmless, some pedestrian or environment-altering cheats, especially those that extensively modify AI or game physics, have been known to cause instability or make certain missions impossible to complete. This is another reason why using a dedicated 'cheat save' is crucial to protect your main progress.
Ultimately, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Definitive Edition's cheat codes are a fantastic way to extend the game's replayability and inject a dose of pure, unadulterated fun. Whether you're looking to spawn an army of tanks, make your car soar through the clouds, or simply cause a full-blown pedestrian riot, these codes provide the tools for limitless creativity and mayhem. Just remember to use them responsibly, especially if you care about your Trophy collection, and prepare for some truly unforgettable gameplay moments!
If you want to read more articles similar to Mastering San Andreas: Your Definitive Cheat Guide, you can visit the Automotive category.