The latest release from GTA developer Rockstar Game, Red Dead Redemption 2 on PS4 and Xbox One, is a game that is filled with secrets and details. Its core story alone takes 50-plus hours to complete as you slowly accumulate wealth and honor. But if you're someone looking for a shortcut, we've got you covered. Much like the original game and GTA V, Red Dead 2 features an assortment of cheat codes that unlock additional resources, with some injecting odd gimmicks and quirks into your game. Bear in mind, you shouldn't expect these to work in Red Dead Online when that releases in late November.
To find the Cheats menu in Red Dead Redemption 2, press the pause button and select the Settings option. In this menu, press Triangle or Y (on PS4 and Xbox One, respectively) to pull up the Cheats menu. From here, you'll find a long list of locked cheats. Initially, you won't know what any of these do or how to unlock them. Many of these codes can be activated by putting in the correct phrase, but others will require some extra time and effort.
In addition to finding passwords while exploring the world, some of which are written into the ground, throughout the game you'll find newspapers for sale in towns, and some of these offer clues as to how to unlock these extra fun options. More newspapers will become available after completing main missions, which you'll see detailed in news articles. While many of these cheats introduce some mostly benign bits of fun--such as keeping your character, Arthur Morgan, perpetually drunk--activating these codes at any time will have some consequences for your save game. Once you activate these codes, all Trophies and Achievements will be deactivated on this particular file. As a result, before trying any of these codes, be sure to make a separate file for your main save.
With over 30 codes to unlock, some of which have some specific requirements, we've collected a list of cheats that we've uncovered thus far. We also have a separate feature discussing some of the most entertaining and best cheats in Red Dead Redemption 2. Be sure to check back with GameSpot as we update this page with new codes, and how to find them.
| Cheat Code | Name | Description | How To Unlock |
|---|---|---|---|
| A fool on command | Drunk | Always stay drunk (can be turned off in cheat menu) | No requirements |
| Abundance is the dullest desire | Infinite Ammo | Unlimited ammunition for all weapons. | Unlocked by purchasing the New Hanover Gazette No. 27 in Valentine or the Blackwater Ledger No. 62. Can be done after journeying to Horseshoe Overlook in Chapter 2. |
| Better than my dog | Increase Horse Whistle Range | Activating will allow your Horse to find you regardless of distance. | No requirements |
| Greed is American Virtue | Heavy Weapons | Grants you instant access to the Bold-action Rifle, Mauser Pistol, Pump Action Shotgun, and Semi-Automatic Pistol. | Unlocked by purchasing Saint Denis Times No. 46 or the Blackwater Ledger No. 65 after completing the mission Advertising, the New American Art in Chapter 3. |
| I shall be better | Set Dead Eye To Level 3 | Activating this cheat will upgrade your Deadeye skill. Level 3 is the initial level, but more will be added as it is unlocked. | No requirements |
| I seek and I find | Set Dead Eye To Level 5 | Activating this cheat will upgrade your Deadeye skill. Note this is tied to the "I shall be better" cheat. | No requirements |
| Keep your dreams simple | Create Wagon | Activating this cheat will spawn a wagon, and along with another horse. | No requirements |
| Run! Run! Run! | Create Race Horse | Activating this cheat will instantly spawn a Race Horse for use. | No requirements |
| The lucky be strong evermore | Increase Stamina | Activating this cheat will grant infinite stamina for you and your horse | Unlocked by purchasing the Blackwater Ledger No. 68 after the mission Dear Uncle Tacitus in Chapter 5. |
| Virtue unearned is not virtue | Increase Honor | Activating this cheat will increase your Honor to the maximum amount (good honor) | Unlocked by purchasing the Blackwater Ledger No. 67 after the mission Banking, The Old American Art in Chapter 4. |
| Would you be happier as a clown? | Create Circus Wagon | Activating this cheat will create a Circus Wagon for use. | Unlocked by purchasing the Blackwater Ledger No. 73 during Epilogue Part 2. |
| You flourish before you die | Set Health, Stamina, and Dead Eye Bars to Full | Restores all health, stamina, and Dead Eye energy to full. | No requirements |
| You are a beast built for war | Create War Horse | Activating this cheat will create a War Horse for use. | Unlocked by purchasing the Blackwater Ledger No. 72 during Epilogue Part 1. |
| You long for sight and see nothing | Fog Of War | Activating this cheat will reveal the full map before discovery. | Unlocked by purchasing the Blackwater Ledger No. 66 or New Hanover Gazette No.31 after the mission Blood Feuds, Ancient and Modern in Chapter 3. |
| You seek more than the world offers | Fortify Heath, Stamina, and Dead Eye Bars | Activating this cheat will refill and fortify Health, Stamina, and Dead Eye bars. | Unlocked by purchasing the New Hanover Gazette No.36 after completing The King's Son mission in Chapter 6. |
| You want more than you have | Create Superior Horse | Activating this cheat will create a Superior Horse for use. | No requirements (Hint location: Deer Cottage northwest of Annesburg. Found written into the shelves of the drawers) |
Red Dead 2 is now available on PS4 and Xbox One. If you want to hear more of our thoughts on Rockstar's expansive open-world western, check out our full Red Dead 2 review. We've got much more in store for the game in the coming weeks, which includes our new recurring series QuickDraw. For now, take a look at our round-up of fascinating and interesting facts the game doesn't outright tell players, and along with other useful tips you should know.
Editor's note: Our Red Dead 2 cheats are based on a mix of in-game discovery, and through online research at sites including IGN and Reddit.
