The Grand Theft Auto The Definitive Edition brought back three of the most iconic games in the series GTA III, GTA Vice City, and GTA San Andreas with updated visuals and modern controls. Despite the graphical overhaul, one thing fans were most excited about remained the same the ability to use cheats. Cheats in GTA Definitive Edition are a fun way to alter gameplay, unlock weapons, spawn vehicles, and cause chaos across the city. Understanding how cheats work in each version can enhance your experience, whether you play on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or PC.
Overview of Cheats in GTA Definitive Edition
Cheats have always been an essential part of the Grand Theft Auto series. From spawning tanks in GTA III to giving yourself infinite health in San Andreas, cheats allow players to experiment and have fun outside of the normal rules of the game. In the Definitive Edition, most of the original cheat codes from the early 2000s still work, though some may be disabled on certain platforms due to the new remastered engine.
Using cheats in the GTA Trilogy is simple enter the correct button combination or type the cheat code while playing. A message often appears on the screen confirming that the cheat is activated. However, players should remember that enabling cheats can disable achievements or trophies for that session, so it’s best to save your progress before experimenting.
Cheats in GTA III Definitive Edition
Grand Theft Auto III was the first 3D GTA title and introduced a new level of freedom. The Definitive Edition preserves all the beloved cheats from the original version, allowing players to control weather, change traffic behavior, and instantly arm themselves.
Popular GTA III Cheats
- Full HealthType GIVEUSATANK or press R2, Circle, R1, L2, Left, Down, Right, Up, Left, Down, Right, Up.
- Weapons PackR2, R1, L1, R2, Left, Down, Right, Up, Left, Down, Right, Up.
- Tank (Rhino)Type GIVEUSATANK on PC or enter Circle, Circle, L1, Circle, Circle, Circle, L1, L2, R1, Triangle, Circle, Triangle on console.
- Wanted Level DownR2, R2, L1, R2, Up, Down, Up, Down, Up, Down.
- Wanted Level UpR2, R2, L1, R2, Left, Right, Left, Right, Left, Right.
Players love these cheats because they can completely transform Liberty City from a gritty crime world into a playground of chaos. Using a tank or turning off the police pursuit adds an entirely new layer of fun to the gameplay.
Cheats in GTA Vice City Definitive Edition
Vice City, inspired by 1980s Miami, is known for its neon lights, music, and iconic characters. In the Definitive Edition, cheat codes still let you relive the wild energy of the original game. Whether you want to fly cars, change weather conditions, or arm yourself with powerful weapons, Vice City cheats make it all possible.
Notable Vice City Cheats
- All WeaponsType THUGSTOOLS, PROFESSIONALTOOLS, or NUTTERTOOLS to get different weapon sets.
- Full ArmorPRECIOUSPROTECTION.
- Full HealthASPIRINE.
- Lower Wanted LevelLEAVEMEALONE.
- Raise Wanted LevelYOUWONTTAKEMEALIVE.
- Spawn a Tank (Rhino)PANZER.
- Flying CarsCOMEFLYWITHME.
- Money CheatPRECIOUSPROTECTION.
Vice City cheats are among the most memorable in the series, especially the COMEFLYWITHME code, which lets cars glide through the air like airplanes. Combined with the colorful aesthetics of the Definitive Edition, it creates an unforgettable experience.
Cheats in GTA San Andreas Definitive Edition
Grand Theft Auto San Andreas remains one of the most expansive games in the franchise. Set in a massive open world that includes Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas, this title gave players endless opportunities for exploration and mischief. In the Definitive Edition, nearly all the original San Andreas cheats are retained, offering fans a mix of nostalgia and chaos.
Essential San Andreas Cheats
- Infinite HealthDown, X, Right, Left, Right, R1, Right, Down, Up, Triangle.
- Infinite AmmoL1, R1, Square, R1, Left, R2, R1, Left, Square, Down, L1, L1.
- All WeaponsR1, R2, L1, R2, Left, Down, Right, Up, Left, Down, Right, Up.
- JetpackLeft, Right, L1, L2, R1, R2, Up, Down, Left, Right.
- Spawn Tanker TruckR1, Up, Left, Right, R2, Up, Right, Square, Right, L2, L1, L1.
- Max MuscleTriangle, Up, Up, Left, Right, Square, Circle, Left.
- Never WantedCircle, Right, Circle, Right, Left, Square, Triangle, Up.
- Wanted Level UpCircle, Right, Circle, Right, Left, Square, Triangle, Down.
The San Andreas cheats are extremely diverse. You can fly with a jetpack, summon rare vehicles, or even alter your character’s physical appearance. The Definitive Edition keeps these features intact, making the remaster just as entertaining as the original.
How to Use Cheats in GTA Definitive Edition
Each platform has a different method for entering cheat codes. On consoles, players typically press button combinations quickly while in the game. On PC, you can type the cheat directly using the keyboard. It’s important to pause the game before entering a code if you need time to recall the sequence.
Basic Tips for Using Cheats
- Always save your game before activating a cheat, as it might disable achievements or corrupt progress.
- Enter the code correctly and quickly; otherwise, it might not register.
- Some cheats cannot be turned off unless you reload a saved game.
- Experiment with combinations for unexpected results some work together to create new effects.
- Use cheats responsibly; they’re meant for fun, but excessive use might make missions too easy or glitchy.
Do Cheats Work Across All Platforms?
In the Definitive Edition, cheats generally work on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, but some older codes have been removed or modified. Rockstar Games confirmed that certain cheats were disabled because they caused instability in the new game engine. For instance, some vehicle spawn codes or weather manipulation cheats may not function as smoothly as in the original releases.
Despite these changes, the majority of the fan-favorite codes still function properly, maintaining the nostalgic charm that defined the original trilogy. Players on the Nintendo Switch version also report full compatibility with most traditional cheat codes, entered via button combinations.
The Role of Cheats in GTA’s Legacy
Cheats in GTA games are more than just gimmicks; they represent creative freedom and experimentation. Many players use cheats to explore cities without limits, test vehicles, or simply enjoy the chaos that defines the series. The Definitive Edition brings this same spirit to modern consoles, allowing both new and returning fans to relive classic moments with smoother visuals and controls.
Even decades after their release, the GTA trilogy’s cheats remain part of gaming culture. The words GIVEUSATANK or ASPIRINE instantly spark nostalgia among long-time fans who remember entering these codes on their old controllers. In the remastered versions, these moments feel timeless, blending the past and present seamlessly.
The cheats in GTA The Definitive Edition are a reminder of what makes the Grand Theft Auto series so special freedom, fun, and unpredictability. Whether you’re summoning a tank in Liberty City, flying cars through Vice City, or strapping on a jetpack in San Andreas, cheats let players rewrite the rules of the game. While achievements may be disabled, the joy of chaos remains fully intact. For players seeking nostalgia or newcomers wanting to experience classic GTA magic, experimenting with cheats is the ultimate way to rediscover the excitement of these legendary games.