Red Dead 2’s Cheat Codes: How To Find And Activate Them

TL;DR

  • Access cheats via Settings menu using Triangle/Y button on console controllers
  • Activating cheats permanently disables achievements and trophies on that save file
  • Newspapers sold in towns provide essential clues for unlocking advanced cheat codes
  • Strategic cheat usage can enhance specific gameplay experiences without breaking immersion
  • Always create backup saves before experimenting with cheat combinations

Rockstar Games’ critically acclaimed western epic Red Dead Redemption 2 offers an extensive collection of cheat codes that can dramatically alter your gameplay experience. Unlike many modern titles, these codes require active discovery through environmental exploration and careful observation of in-game media. The system rewards thorough players who pay attention to subtle details scattered throughout the massive open world.

Cheat Menu Access Procedure
To activate the cheat interface, first pause your game and navigate to the Settings menu. From this screen, press Triangle on PlayStation 4 or Y on Xbox One to reveal the dedicated Cheats panel. Initially, you’ll encounter a comprehensive list of locked cheats with no visible descriptions or activation requirements. This deliberate design encourages organic discovery through gameplay.

Consequences and Save File Management
Before diving into cheat experimentation, understand the permanent implications: activating any cheat code immediately disables all trophy and achievement tracking for that specific save file. This restriction cannot be reversed, making it crucial to establish separate save files for cheat-enabled and legitimate progression. Many players maintain at least three distinct saves: one for standard playthroughs, another for cheat experimentation, and a third for achievement hunting.

Newspaper Clue System Explained
Throughout your journey across the five states, you’ll find newspapers available for purchase in various townships. These publications contain vital hints about cheat code phrases and their unlocking conditions. New editions become accessible after completing specific main story missions, with their content directly referencing recent in-game events. Some codes also appear as environmental graffiti—etched into terrain features or hidden within interior spaces like the Deer Cottage northwest of Annesburg.

No Caption Provided
Cheat Code Phrase Effect Name Detailed Description Unlock Requirements
A fool on command Persistent Intoxication Maintains constant drunken state for Arthur Morgan (toggle available in cheat menu) No specific prerequisites needed
Abundance is the dullest desire Unlimited Ammunition Provides infinite ammo reserves for all firearm types in your inventory Purchase New Hanover Gazette No. 27 in Valentine or Blackwater Ledger No. 62 after reaching Horseshoe Overlook in Chapter 2
Better than my dog Extended Horse Whistle Enables your bonded horse to locate you from any distance on the map Immediately available without conditions
Greed is American Virtue Heavy Weapons Cache Instantly provides Bolt-action Rifle, Mauser Pistol, Pump Action Shotgun, and Semi-Auto Pistol Buy Saint Denis Times No. 46 or Blackwater Ledger No. 65 after completing Advertising, the New American Art in Chapter 3
I shall be better Dead Eye Tier 3 Upgrades your Dead Eye targeting capability to intermediate level (scales with progression) Accessible from game start
I seek and I find Dead Eye Tier 5 Maximizes Dead Eye skill to ultimate proficiency level No unlocking necessary
Keep your dreams simple Wagon Spawn Generates a functional wagon with accompanying draft horse for transportation Available without progression requirements
Run! Run! Run! Race Horse Summon Conjures a specialized Race Horse breed optimized for speed and handling No mission completion needed
The lucky be strong evermore Infinite Stamina Grants unlimited stamina reserves for both player character and active mount Purchase Blackwater Ledger No. 68 after finishing Dear Uncle Tacitus in Chapter 5
Virtue unearned is not virtue Maximum Honor Immediately elevates your honor meter to highest positive alignment Buy Blackwater Ledger No. 67 after completing Banking, The Old American Art in Chapter 4
Would you be happier as a clown? Circus Wagon Creation Produces a distinctive Circus-themed wagon with unique visual design Purchase Blackwater Ledger No. 73 during Epilogue Part 2 sequences
You flourish before you die Full Attribute Restoration Completely replenishes health, stamina, and Dead Eye energy meters Unlocked from beginning
You are a beast built for war War Horse Generation Spawns a combat-specialized War Horse with enhanced durability and temperament Buy Blackwater Ledger No. 72 during Epilogue Part 1
You long for sight and see nothing Map Revelation Instantly uncovers entire game map without requiring exploration Purchase Blackwater Ledger No. 66 or New Hanover Gazette No.31 after Blood Feuds, Ancient and Modern in Chapter 3
You seek more than the world offers Attribute Fortification Refills and temporarily enhances Health, Stamina, and Dead Eye capabilities Buy New Hanover Gazette No.36 after finishing The King’s Son mission in Chapter 6
You want more than you have Superior Horse Conjuration Creates an elite Superior Horse with balanced stat distribution No mission requirements (Location clue: Deer Cottage northwest of Annesburg, inscribed on drawer shelving)

Strategic Activation Timing
Timing your cheat usage can significantly impact your gameplay experience. Consider activating weapon cheats during challenging bounty hunter missions or when facing overwhelming odds in gang hideouts. Horse-related codes prove most valuable during extensive exploration phases or when traversing the map for collectible hunting. For players focusing on narrative immersion, attribute cheats can reduce grinding while maintaining story momentum.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
The most frequent mistake involves activating cheats on primary save files, permanently blocking achievement progression. Always verify your current save slot before inputting any codes. Another common error is overlooking newspaper availability—vendors restock periodically, so revisit towns after major story developments.

Optimization for Different Playstyles
Casual explorers benefit most from map revelation and transportation cheats, reducing navigation frustration. Completionists should prioritize attribute and weapon codes to streamline collectible acquisition. Role-play enthusiasts might limit themselves to atmospheric cheats like persistent intoxication for character authenticity.

Pro Gamer Insights
Seasoned players recommend creating dedicated “sandbox” saves specifically for experimenting with cheat combinations. This approach allows you to discover synergistic effects—like combining infinite stamina with war horse spawning for relentless combat efficiency. Remember that while cheats disable official progression tracking, they can enable unique gameplay experiences unavailable through standard play.

For those seeking to master Red Dead Redemption 2’s combat mechanics, our Weapons Unlock guide offers complementary strategies that apply to both cheat-enabled and legitimate playthroughs.

Action Checklist

  • Create dedicated backup save file before activating any cheats
  • Access cheat menu via Settings > Triangle/Y button
  • Purchase newspapers in towns after completing main missions
  • Input discovered cheat phrases carefully to avoid errors
  • Experiment with cheat combinations in separate save files

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