> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.provenance-emu.com/using-provenance/cheats.md).

# Cheats

Provenance supports cheat codes across many systems — both through native emulator cores and RetroArch-based cores. Apply Game Genie, Action Replay, GameShark, and other cheat formats to your games.

{% hint style="info" %}
Provenance has a **native cheat UI** for managing and applying cheats. An improved UI with search and input validation is in development for a future update.
{% endhint %}

***

## How to Use Cheats

### Enabling Cheats

1. Launch a game
2. Open the **pause menu**
3. Tap **Cheats**
4. Load or enter cheat codes
5. Toggle cheats **ON** and resume gameplay

For RetroArch-based cores, cheats are also accessible via **RetroArch Settings** → **Cheats** in the pause menu.

### Cheat Code Formats

| Format                        | Systems                        | Example                |
| ----------------------------- | ------------------------------ | ---------------------- |
| **Game Genie**                | NES, SNES, Genesis, Game Boy   | `SXIOPO` (NES)         |
| **Action Replay / GameShark** | GBA, N64, PlayStation, DS, PS2 | `0100A2C5` (GBA)       |
| **Pro Action Replay**         | SNES, Genesis, PS2             | `7E0DBE:09` (SNES)     |
| **GameShark V3**              | PS2                            | Various                |
| **Code Breaker**              | GBA, PS2                       | Various                |
| **Gecko**                     | GameCube, Wii                  | Various                |
| **Gateway**                   | 3DS                            | Various                |
| **CWCheat**                   | PSP                            | Various                |
| **Raw / Memory Address**      | Most systems                   | `address:value` format |

### Loading Cheat Files

Cores support `.cht` cheat files:

1. Place `.cht` files in the appropriate cheats directory
2. In the cheats menu, select **Load Cheat File**
3. Browse and select your cheat file
4. Enable individual cheats from the list

{% hint style="warning" %}
Cheats modify game memory in real-time. Some cheats may cause crashes or save corruption. **Save your game before enabling cheats** as a precaution.
{% endhint %}

***

## Supported Cores & Systems

Cheat support is available in both **native cores** and **RetroArch-based cores**.

### Native Cores

| Core               | System(s)             | Cheat Formats                                   |
| ------------------ | --------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- |
| **Stella**         | Atari 2600            | Enabled                                         |
| **Gambatte**       | Game Boy / GBC        | Game Genie, GameShark                           |
| **SNES9x**         | SNES                  | Game Genie, Pro Action Replay, Gold Finger, Raw |
| **Mednafen**       | GB, SNES, PlayStation | Game Genie, GameShark, Pro Action Replay        |
| **VBA-M**          | GBA                   | Action Replay, GameShark                        |
| **mGBA**           | GBA                   | GameShark, Code Breaker, Pro Action Replay      |
| **Mupen64Plus-NX** | N64                   | Supported                                       |
| **DuckStation**    | PlayStation           | GameShark                                       |
| **PPSSPP**         | PSP                   | CWCheat                                         |
| **Dolphin**        | GameCube / Wii        | Action Replay, Gecko                            |
| **Azahar (Citra)** | 3DS                   | Gateway                                         |
| **Play!**          | PS2                   | Code Breaker, GameShark V3, Pro Action Replay   |

### RetroArch Cores

All **RetroArch-based cores** support cheats through the standard libretro cheat interface. This covers 80+ sub-cores including NES, SNES, Genesis, PlayStation, N64, Dreamcast, arcade systems (MAME, FinalBurn Neo), and more.

{% hint style="info" %}
If cheats aren't working with one core, try switching to an alternative core for that system. Some cores support more cheat formats than others.
{% endhint %}

***

## Finding Cheat Codes

Popular sources for cheat codes and `.cht` files:

* [**GameHacking.org**](https://gamehacking.org/) — Large database organized by system and game
* [**RetroArch Cheats Database**](https://github.com/libretro/libretro-database/tree/master/cht) — Official `.cht` files for RetroArch cores
* **Game-specific wikis** — Search for "\[game name] cheat codes \[system]"

***

## Tips

* **Save before cheating** — Create a save state before enabling cheats so you can revert if something breaks
* **Disable before saving** — Some cheats should be turned off before creating in-game saves to avoid corrupted save data
* **One at a time** — Enable cheats one at a time to identify which ones work and which cause issues
* **Core matters** — If cheats don't work with one core, try a different core for that system

***

## Troubleshooting

<details>

<summary><strong>Cheats option not available in pause menu</strong></summary>

Not all cores support cheats. Check the [supported cores table](#native-cores) above. If your current core doesn't support cheats, try switching to a different core — long-press the game → Game Settings → Core.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Cheat code doesn't work</strong></summary>

* Verify the code matches your ROM's **region** (US/EU/JP codes are different)
* Check that the code format matches what the core expects
* Some codes only work with specific ROM versions (v1.0, v1.1, etc.)
* Try a different cheat source — codes from some databases may be inaccurate

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Game crashes after enabling cheats</strong></summary>

Some cheat codes are unstable or incompatible with certain core versions. Disable all cheats, reload from a clean save state, and try enabling them one at a time to identify the problematic code.

</details>

***

## See Also

* [In-Game Menu](/using-provenance/in-game-menu.md) — Pause menu features and shortcuts
* [Game Saves](/using-provenance/saves.md) — Save before enabling cheats
* [RetroAchievements](/using-provenance/retroachievements.md) — Earn achievements (cheats may disable achievements in Hardcore mode)
* [Performance Optimization](/platforms-and-performance/performance-optimization.md) — If cheats cause slowdown

***

{% hint style="info" %}
Need help with cheats? Ask on [Discord](https://discord.gg/provenance).
{% endhint %}