Contra Cheat Codes & Secrets

Contra Cheat Codes

The Konami Code (30 Lives)

The most famous cheat code in video game history originated in Contra:

At the title screen, press:

↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A

Then press Start (or Select + Start for 2 players).

This grants you 30 lives instead of the default 3, making the notoriously difficult game much more forgiving.

The Konami Code was created by Kazuhisa Hashimoto, a developer who programmed it into the Famicom version of Gradius for his own testing convenience and forgot to remove it before release. It was then carried over to Contra.

2-Player 30 Lives

After entering ↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A, press Select + Start instead of just Start to begin a two-player game with 30 lives each.

Stage Select

At the title screen:

1. Hold A + B on Controller 2
2. Press Start on Controller 1
3. Use Up/Down to select a starting stage

Sound Test

At the title screen, hold A + B + Up and press Start to access the sound test menu.

Gameplay Tips

Base 1 and Base 2 Boss Strategy: The wall bosses take 12 hits each from any weapon. The Spread Gun is the most efficient weapon against them.

The Spread Gun: Found in red flying capsule pickups, the Spread Gun is the most powerful weapon in the game. Protect it at all costs.

Laser Gun: The Laser deals massive single-target damage and is excellent against bosses. It’s slower to use than Spread but more powerful per hit.

Waterfall Stage: Jump into the waterfall to find a hidden 1-Up.

Stage 8 Alien Lair

The final stage boss requires you to destroy 8 beating hearts located throughout the alien core. Hit each heart multiple times to destroy it. The hearts regenerate if you take too long, so work quickly. The Spread Gun makes this final boss much easier.