The release of Age of Empires: Definitive Edition brought the 1997 classic into the modern age with 4K graphics, a remastered soundtrack, and refined gameplay. While the visuals have changed, the soul of the game remains, including the iconic and often hilarious cheat codes that allow you to bypass the historical setting entirely.
Whether you are looking to finish a difficult campaign mission or want to spawn a squad of laser-firing troopers to steamroll the Bronze Age, this guide covers every verified code for the Definitive Edition.
How to Use Cheats in the Definitive Edition
Activating cheats is simple and stays true to the original method. During gameplay, press the Enter key to open the chat dialog, type your code, and hit Enter again.
Crucial for Completionists: Enabling cheats will immediately disable Steam or Xbox achievements for that match. If you are aiming for 100% completion, ensure you only use these in “Just for Fun” sessions or after you’ve earned your medals.
Essential Resource & Economy Codes
In the early game, resources are scarce. Use these codes to instantly skyrocket your economy and advance through the ages without the wait.
| Cheat Code | Effect |
| COINAGE | Adds 1,000 Gold |
| WOODSTOCK | Adds 1,000 Wood |
| PEPPERONI PIZZA | Adds 1,000 Food |
| QUARRY | Adds 1,000 Stone |
| REVEAL MAP | Reveals the entire map (Removes Fog of War) |
| NO FOG | Removes the shadow of exploration (See enemy movement) |
Legendary Unit Spawning
These are the most famous codes in Age of Empires history. They spawn futuristic or “Easter Egg” units that can solo entire armies.
| Cheat Code | Effect |
| PHOTON MAN | Spawns a “Laser Trooper” with high range and damage |
| E=MC2 BLASTER | Spawns a “Photon Trooper” (Even more powerful version) |
| BIGDADDY | Spawns a black sports car equipped with a missile launcher |
| BIG MOMMA | Spawns a white sports car with a missile launcher |
| MEDUSA | Villagers become Medusas (Upon death, they turn into knights, then catapults) |
| STORMILLY | Spawns a powerful “Zog” (Robot unit) |
| POW | Spawns a baby on a tricycle with a shotgun |
| FLYING DUTCHMAN | Allows Juggernauts to move and attack on land |
Game Manipulation & Instant Victory
Control the physics of the game or end a match instantly if the AI is giving you too much trouble.
| Cheat Code | Effect |
| DIEDIEDIE | Everyone (including you) dies instantly |
| RESIGN | You instantly lose the game |
| HOME RUN | You instantly win the game |
| KILL[Number] | Kills the player in the specified position (e.g., KILL4) |
| HARI KARI | Destroys all your own units and buildings (Alternative Resign) |
| JACK BE NIMBLE | Catapults fire cows or villagers instead of stones |
GGC