Why Your Cheats Aren’t Working (Yep, It’s Probably the Master Code)

You know that special kind of rage when you carefully type in a cheat code triple check every character hit “Enable”… and nothing happens?

No error. No fireworks. Just you staring at your screen like, “Cool cool cool, love this for me.”

Most of the time, that’s not because you typed it wrong. It’s because you’re missing the boring but powerful thing nobody tells you about until you’re 45 minutes deep into Googling: the master code (sometimes marked as (M)).

Think of the master code like the breaker switch in your house. You can flip every cute little lamp switch you want, but if the breaker’s off? Enjoy your darkness.

Let’s fix your cheats.

First: Does Your Game Even Need a Master Code?

Master codes originally came from the era of physical cheat devices GameShark, Action Replay, CodeBreaker where the cheat device basically needed an “in” to the game’s memory.

Here’s the quick and dirty rule that saves sanity:

You probably need a master code if…

• You’re using real GameShark/Action Replay hardware
• You’re using GameShark/Action Replay style codes in a GBA emulator
• Your code list looks older than your first email address (lots of weird encrypted looking hex blocks)

You probably don’t need a master code if…

• You’re using RetroArch with its cheat database (it tends to handle things for you)
• Your codes are listed as raw
• The codes were made specifically for emulator use and don’t mention a master code anywhere

The easiest tell: If your cheat list includes an entry labeled (M) or literally says Master Code, you’re not imagining things you need it.

What a Master Code Actually Does (No Computer Science Degree Required)

Games don’t always keep important values health, money, inventory sitting politely in the same memory address all the time. They move stuff around while the game runs (rude, honestly).

A standard cheat code is basically saying:

“Hey game, go to this exact memory spot and change this exact value.”

But if the game has moved that value somewhere else? The cheat code is yelling into an empty room.

A master code helps “hook” the cheat engine into the game so the rest of your cheats can hit the correct targets reliably.

And the worst part? If you need a master code and don’t use it, cheats usually fail silently. No warning. Just vibes.

Cheat Code Lingo (So You Don’t Feel Like You’re Reading Alien Tax Forms)

You don’t need to memorize all this, but knowing the basics helps you spot what’s wrong fast:

• Master code (M): The “enable” code. Turn this on first.
• Raw code: Usually a simpler address/value format. Often emulator friendly.
• Action Replay / GameShark encrypted: The classic chunky hex blocks (often 12-16 characters per line).
• CodeBreaker (CB): Another format. Sometimes your emulator needs you to pick this specifically.
• Region (NTSC-U / PAL / JPN): Your game version. Codes are picky about this.
• Revision (v1.0 / v1.1): Same game, different print/version = different code compatibility (yes, it’s annoying).

If your cheats “should work” but don’t, region mismatch is a top tier suspect.

How I’d Enter Master Codes (Without Accidentally Breaking Everything)

RetroArch (Usually the Easy One)

RetroArch is often like, “Don’t worry, I got you,” and it… mostly does.

If you’re using the built in cheat database:

1. Update the cheat database (Online Updater → cheats).
2. Load your game.
3. Open cheats, select the cheat, enable it.
4. Apply changes (don’t skip this RetroArch loves a “did you click save?” moment).

If you’re entering codes manually, pay attention to multi line formatting (some cores want continuation lines a certain way). If it doesn’t work, it’s usually because the code doesn’t match your exact game/region, not because you’re cursed.

GBA Emulators (Where People Get Tricked)

GBA emulators are where MyBoy cheat troubleshooting helps when master codes love to hide in the bushes with a little air horn.

Here’s the method that saves the day most often:

1. Go to Cheats → Add Cheat.
2. Name it “Master Code” (or “The Boss,” if you’re spicy).
3. Paste the master code (often two lines).
4. Make sure you set the correct code type (commonly CodeBreaker, not “Code+Value,” depending on the emulator).
5. Enable the master code entry.
6. Add your other cheats as separate entries and enable them after.

Big important note:

Don’t paste the master code into the same entry as your other cheats.

It needs its own little throne at the top of the cheat list.

If It Still Doesn’t Work: My “Don’t Panic Yet” Checklist

Before you throw your controller into the sun, check these:

1. Is the master code actually enabled?
   I know, I know. But I’ve absolutely forgotten this and then blamed technology like it personally betrayed me.
2. Is your ROM region correct for the code list?
   NTSC-U vs PAL codes are not interchangeable. Your file name often hints at region.
3. Is your game a different revision (v1.0 vs v1.1)?
   Some games are dramatic about this (looking at you, Pokémon titles).
4. Are you using the right code format for that emulator?
   Some emulators accept CodeBreaker but not certain Action Replay variants or they need you to choose the format explicitly.

My favorite troubleshooting trick:

Test ONE super basic, widely confirmed cheat first (like infinite money). If even that doesn’t work, your issue is format/region/master code not the specific cheat.

Where I Actually Find Codes That Don’t Make Me Cry

GameHacking.org is a big one (not perfect, but solid).

r/emulation is surprisingly helpful when you include details like your emulator + region + game revision (aka: give people something to work with).

If a cheat list has no master code and everything works? Great. If it has a master code and you skip it? That’s usually game over.

The Simple “Do This” Summary

If your cheats aren’t working and you’re sure you typed them right:

• Look for (M) / Master Code
• Add it as its own cheat entry
• Enable it first
• Make sure your codes match your region and (if relevant) revision
• Confirm your emulator supports that code format

Once you get one cheat working, the rest usually fall into line like obedient little ducks.

Now go enjoy your infinite rare candies / max gold / invincibility era with GS Chronicles codes list. You’ve earned it.