Max Payne cheats: PC console commands, PS2 codes and unlocks in Max Payne 3

1. Open the game shortcut's properties. In the Target field, after the path to MaxPayne.exe, add a space and -developer. On Steam, do the same under Properties → Launch Options.
2. Start the game and begin a level.
3. Press F12 to open the console. If it doesn't open, some players report that F5 works.
4. Type a command and press Enter. Case doesn't matter.

It's a good idea to save before experimenting with commands.

The list matches in two cheat databases (Cheatbook and Cyberly), though both appear to share the same original source. Rockstar has not published a separate list for the first game.

In Max Payne 2 the console is also enabled by adding -developer to MaxPayne2.exe. According to Rockstar Support, the console opens with the ~ (tilde) key, not F12.

The main list comes from Rockstar Support's article on Max Payne 2 developer mode. The second game has no separate infinite ammo command; coder gives you that.

What finishing the game unlocks. The Hard-Boiled, New York Minute and Dead Man Walking modes unlock after you finish on Detective; Dead on Arrival after Hard-Boiled. According to players, finishing on Dead on Arrival unlocks a different ending.

Pause the game (Start) and quickly enter the sequence. GameRevolution and Cheat Happens list these four codes identically:

We couldn't find codes for the first games on Xbox or for Max Payne 2 on PS2 and Xbox in verified sources, so they aren't listed. The PS4 version of Max Payne emulates the PS2 game; Rockstar hasn't said whether the codes work there.

Max Payne 3 has no code entry. Cheats unlock through in-game achievements and are switched on in the story mode's Chapter Select menu. While a cheat is on, the game doesn't count stats, trophies or achievements; that is the official rule from Rockstar Support.

Some sources say the last two cheats also require Free Aim mode; if a cheat doesn't appear after finishing the game, that may be why. Hardcore and Old School modes unlock after finishing on Hard, and New York Minute after finishing the game.

Multiplayer. Cheats only work in single player. Third-party cheat tools in Max Payne 3 online break Rockstar's rules and can get your Rockstar Games account banned, the same account you use for GTA Online.

Max Payne 3 cheats and extra modes only unlock after you finish the game. According to Rockstar Support (as of 6 November 2026), unlocked cheats are switched on in story mode through Chapter Select: scrolling through the cheat list shows a description of how to unlock each one. You can turn a cheat on when you start a chapter you have already completed. While it is active, achievements are not counted; once you play without cheats, they count again.

Difficulty levels. There are five: Easy, Medium, Hard, Hardcore and Old School, and you can switch between them as you play. Hardcore and Old School unlock after you finish the story on Hard. According to the same Rockstar Support information:

• Easy and Medium use dynamic difficulty: after every three deaths at the same checkpoint the game gives you one extra painkiller. Hard has no such bonuses.
• Hardcore gives minimal health and bullet time rewards.
• Old School has Last Man Standing turned off.

Advanced Max is not a mode or a cheat but a costume for the Arcade modes. It unlocks when you finish the story on Old School. New York Minute Hardcore unlocks after you complete every chapter of regular New York Minute.

If unlocked modes have become locked again. Rockstar Support recommends playing the last level through Chapter Select: after that, the modes unlock again permanently.