PS2 Shadow of the Colossus Cheats

Unlocking the Full Potential in Shadow of the Colossus

If you are diving into the world of Shadow of the Colossus on your PS2, you might be searching for cheat codes to make your journey a bit smoother or to add some extra fun to your experience.

This game is well-known for its vast, desolate landscapes and awe-inspiring colossi.

While it doesn’t have traditional cheat codes like some other games, there are a few tips, tricks, and secrets that can enhance your gameplay.

Unlockables and Secrets

Shadow of the Colossus offers various unlockables and secrets that can be accessed through specific actions or achievements within the game.

Here are some of the key unlockables and how to achieve them:

Time Attack Mode

After defeating all 16 colossi, you can access Time Attack Mode by praying at any Colossus statue in the central shrine.

Hold down the “Circle” button in front of the defeated Colossus’ statue to initiate a time trial. This mode will challenge you to defeat each colossus within a certain time limit.

Hard Mode

Once you’ve completed the game on Normal difficulty, you will unlock Hard Mode.

In Hard Mode, the colossi have more health and deal more damage, providing an extra challenge for seasoned players.

Hard Time Attack Mode

Just like the regular Time Attack Mode, you can access Hard Time Attack Mode by defeating all colossi in Hard Mode and praying at their statues.

This mode has even stricter time limits and makes the game more intense.

Items Unlocked through Time Attack

Completing Time Attack Mode on both Normal and Hard difficulties unlocks various items that can significantly alter gameplay.

Here are the items you can obtain:

Whistling Arrow

Complete 2 Time Attacks on Normal Mode to unlock the Whistling Arrow. This arrow can distract colossi to create more strategic opportunities during battles.

Fruit Tree Map

After 4 Time Attacks on Normal Mode, you’ll receive the Fruit Tree Map. This map shows the locations of all the fruit trees in the game, which can increase Wander’s health when eaten.

Cloak of Force

By completing 6 Time Attacks on Normal Mode, you unlock the Cloak of Force. This cloak increases the damage dealt to colossi.

Mask of Strength

Finish 8 Time Attacks on Normal Mode to get the Mask of Strength. The Mask of Strength also increases Wander’s attack power.

Cloak of Deception

Complete 10 Time Attacks on Normal Mode to retrieve the Cloak of Deception. This cloak makes Wander invisible to colossi.

Flash Arrow

12 Time Attacks completed on Normal Mode will unlock the Flash Arrow. These arrows explode on impact, causing more damage to colossi.

Mask of Power

Finish 14 Time Attacks on Normal Mode to earn the Mask of Power. It increases Wander’s strength, much like the Mask of Strength.

Lizard Detection Stone

After completing all 16 Time Attacks on Normal Mode, you will unlock the Lizard Detection Stone. This item reveals the locations of the white-tailed lizards, which can boost Wander’s stamina.

Hard Mode Time Attack Items

Completing Time Attacks in Hard Mode will unlock even more powerful items.

Here are the rewards:

Harpoon of Thunder

Complete 2 Time Attacks on Hard Mode to get the Harpoon of Thunder. This weapon deals significant damage to colossi from a distance.

Sword of the Sun

After 4 Time Attacks on Hard Mode, you will be awarded the Sword of the Sun. This sword emits light even in the shadows, allowing you to see the sigils of colossi.

Shaman’s Cloak

By finishing 6 Time Attacks on Hard Mode, you unlock Shaman’s Cloak. This cloak reduces the damage Wander takes from colossi attacks.

Shaman’s Mask

Complete 8 Time Attacks on Hard Mode to acquire Shaman’s Mask. It enhances Wander’s defense, making colossi battles less punishing.

Cloth of Desperation

The Cloth of Desperation is unlocked after 10 Time Attacks on Hard Mode. This item allows Wander to glide for short distances, making traversal easier.

Queen’s Sword

Finish all 16 Time Attacks on Hard Mode to obtain the Queen’s Sword. This is one of the most powerful weapons in the game, dealing immense damage to colossi.

Special Unlockable Mounts

Shadow of the Colossus is known for its iconic horse, Agro, but did you know you can unlock alternate mounts?

Here’s how you can do it:

White Agro

Complete the game in Hard Mode and all 16 Time Attacks in Normal Time Attack Mode to unlock White Agro.

Brown Agro

Finishing the game and completing all 16 Hard Time Attacks will unlock Brown Agro.

Life Improvements for Wander

Increasing Wander’s health and stamina is crucial for surviving the daunting battles in Shadow of the Colossus.

Here are some quick tips to boost Wander’s survivability:

Eating Fruit

Throughout the game, you will find various fruit trees. Eating their fruit will permanently increase Wander’s health.

The Fruit Tree Map you can unlock will be invaluable for locating these trees.

White-Tailed Lizards

Hunting and consuming the tails of white-tailed lizards will increase Wander’s stamina.

Using the Lizard Detection Stone will help you find these lizards more easily.

General Gameplay Tips

Even without cheat codes, knowing a few key tips can enhance your Shadow of the Colossus experience.

Here are some basic gameplay tips to make your time in this game more enjoyable:

Study the Colossi

Each colossus has its unique weaknesses and attack patterns. Take the time to observe them before jumping into the fight.

Knowing when to attack and when to retreat can make a significant difference.

Utilize Your Environment

The environment can provide strategic advantages. For example, hiding behind pillars or using the landscape to gain higher ground can be incredibly beneficial.

Using Agro effectively can also provide mobility and speed during tougher battles.

Save Often

Pray at the numerous shrines scattered throughout the game to save your progress.

Saving often can help prevent losing significant progress if you fall in battle.

Hidden Easter Eggs

There’s always something fun about discovering hidden easter eggs in games, and Shadow of the Colossus is no exception.

While they may not directly impact gameplay, finding these secrets adds another layer of enjoyment to your playthrough.

Secret Garden

One of the most well-known easter eggs is the Secret Garden. To access it, you’ll need to increase Wander’s stamina by eating fruit and lizard tails.

Climb the back of the central shrine using your newly enhanced stamina to reach this tranquil location.

Alternate Ending

Completing the game on Hard Mode offers more than just a challenge. You’ll be treated to an alternate ending, providing deeper insight into the game’s story.

This encourages multiple playthroughs and adds to the game’s replayability.

Maximizing Your Experience

There are always ways to improve your gaming experience, even in a game like Shadow of the Colossus.

Utilizing unlockables and secrets can significantly enhance your time with the game.

Find other great ways to maximize your experience with our top strategy games for serious gamers post.

The same principles apply here, pay attention to details and make the most of what’s available.

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Mastering Time Attack Strategies

Time Attack Mode can be quite challenging in Shadow of the Colossus, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

If you’re struggling to beat the colossi within the time limits, here are some strategies to help you out.

Know Your Colossi

Each colossus has a unique pattern and weakness. The more you understand them, the better you will perform.

Spend some time in the main game observing their movements and attacks before attempting time attacks.

Plan Your Route

Efficiently navigating to the colossi can save you valuable time. Learn the best paths and shortcuts to get to each one quickly.

Using Agro effectively can also help you cover large distances faster.

Use Your Items Wisely

Once you unlock special items through Time Attack Mode, use them strategically. Items like the Whistling Arrow and Flash Arrow can make a big difference in battle.

Always equip the right items before starting a time attack to maximize your efficiency.

Practice Makes Perfect

Don’t be discouraged if you fail a few times. Practice is key to mastering Time Attack Mode.

Try to improve your time with each attempt, learning from your mistakes and refining your strategy.

Exploring Hidden Features

Though Shadow of the Colossus doesn’t have traditional cheat codes, it does have hidden features and mechanics that can be extremely helpful.

These hidden features can significantly enhance your gameplay experience.

Invisible Stamina Bar

Wander’s stamina bar isn’t always visible, but you can make it appear temporarily by holding the “R1” button while stationary.

This can help you gauge when you need to find a safe spot to recover.

Lock-On Camera

Though not mentioned in the manual, you can lock onto colossi by holding the “R1” button and pressing the “L2” button.

This can help keep the camera focused on your target, making the fight more manageable.

Advanced Climbing Techniques

Climbing colossi is a significant part of the game, but it can also be quite tricky.

Here are some advanced climbing techniques to make it easier:

Jump-Grabbing

You can cover more ground quickly by jumping and grabbing onto fur rather than just climbing.

This technique can save you precious seconds during time attacks.

Recover Stamina Mid-Climb

If Wander’s stamina is running low, look for flat surfaces or ledges on the colossus where you can stand and recover.

This technique is crucial for tackling larger colossi that require extended climbing periods.

Exploring these smaller nuances can make a massive difference in your playing experience.

Enhancing the In-Game Atmosphere

The immersive world of Shadow of the Colossus is one of its most captivating features.

Here are some tips to enhance the game’s atmosphere:

Headphones for Full Effect

Using headphones can significantly enhance the atmospheric audio, from the haunting melodies to the immersive sound effects.

You’ll feel more drawn into the world, making the battles with colossi even more epic.

Display Settings

Adjusting the display settings on your TV can improve visual clarity. Look for options that enhance contrast and brightness without washing out the image.

A good visual setup will make the game world more stunning and easier to navigate.

Performance Boosts for PS2

If you’re still playing on the original PS2 hardware, there are several ways to boost its performance.

These methods can make your gaming session smoother and more enjoyable.

Cleaning the Console

Dust and debris can accumulate in the PS2 over time, affecting performance. Open the console carefully and clean it using compressed air.

Regular maintenance can prolong the life of your console and improve game performance.

Upgrading Your Controls

Consider upgrading to a wireless controller for better maneuverability.

Third-party wireless controllers like the Logitech Cordless Action Controller have received positive reviews for their reliability and performance.

External Memory Card

Using an external memory card can help you manage your game saves more efficiently.

Products like the Nyko 32MB Memory Card provide ample storage and are said to be reliable by many users.

Cooling Solutions

Overheating can be a problem for older consoles. Consider investing in an external cooling fan like Pelican’s PL-792 for the PS2 to keep your system running smoothly.

This relatively inexpensive solution can make a big difference in maintaining optimal performance during long play sessions.

Tips for Speedrunners

If you are diving into speedrunning Shadow of the Colossus, there are specific techniques and tips to help you complete the game as quickly as possible.

These tactics can shave valuable minutes off your total time.

Perfect Jumps

Mastering the jump-timing mechanics is essential for speedrunning. A perfectly timed jump can save you seconds in each colossus fight.

Practice in less stressful parts of the game to get the timing down perfectly.

Route Optimization

Study existing speedruns to find the most optimized routes for each colossus.

Analyzing how experienced speedrunners tackle the game can offer invaluable insights.

If you’ve ever wondered how experts get through games quickly, you might find our role-playing game tips helpful.

Frame-Perfect Actions

Frame-perfect actions can be tough to master, but they are crucial for an optimal speedrun.

Working on muscle memory with specific frame-perfect techniques can make a significant difference in your overall time.

Using Your Environment to Your Advantage

Understanding how to use your environment can give you a big advantage in Shadow of the Colossus.

Here are some ways to make the most of the landscape:

Eagle Perspective

Climbing tall structures and surveying the area can give you a better perspective.

Use the high ground to plan your strategies before engaging a colossus.

Relevant for other large, open environments as well, such as those detailed in our post about exciting video games for friends.

Natural Cover

Using natural cover like rocks and trees can provide temporary safety from colossi attacks.

Finding these spots can buy you valuable time to plan your next move.

Aggro’s Role

Aggro isn’t just for riding. You can use Agro to distract colossi and gain the upper hand.

Having Agro run around a colossus can serve as a valuable diversion, allowing you to climb and strike.

Tips for Beginners

If you are new to Shadow of the Colossus, jumping straight into the game can feel a bit overwhelming.

Here are some beginner tips to ease your journey through the game.

Learn the Controls

Spend some time in the game’s starting area to get a feel for the controls.

Understanding the control scheme before you face your first colossus will make the battles far less daunting.

Watch Walkthroughs

If you’re stuck on a particular colossus, watching a walkthrough video can be incredibly helpful.

Seeing how others approach and defeat colossi can provide new strategies and insights.

Take Your Time

Shadow of the Colossus is a game that rewards patience and observation. Take your time exploring the environment and observing the colossi before jumping into action.

Additional Cheats and Glitches

While traditional cheat codes are scarce, there are a few glitches and tricks that can be exploited for fun or to make the game easier.

These can add an element of surprise to your gameplay.

Infinite Stamina Glitch

One of the most popular glitches is the infinite stamina glitch, which allows Wander to climb indefinitely.

To activate this, grab onto a ledge, then continuously press the “Triangle” button and “R1” button simultaneously. This will reset Wander’s stamina bar, allowing you to climb without running out of stamina.

Time Attack Exploit

In Time Attack Mode, you can take advantage of the in-game timer pause glitch.

Pause the game right as you are about to defeat a colossus, then unpause and quickly deliver the final blow. This can sometimes stop the clock or reset the timer to zero, giving you an edge in time attacks.

Out of Bounds

Shadow of the Colossus has some areas that can be exploited to go out of bounds.

Using Agro, you can glitch through some areas of the map by galloping towards a corner at a specific angle. Experimenting with different spots can lead to discovering hidden or inaccessible areas.

Fun with Easter Eggs

Besides the Secret Garden and alternate ending, here are a few more Easter eggs that add layers to the game:

Bird Riding

Near the start of the game, you can actually ride the birds that fly around the landscape.

Jump and grab onto their legs using the “R1” button to be taken for a wild ride around the game’s beautiful scenery.

Colossus Sightseeing

Before initiating a battle, you can often catch a glimpse of your upcoming colossus from a distance.

Using your bow and “R1” button to zoom in can give you an early peek, adding excitement and anticipation for the coming battle.

Link to ICO

The game has subtle nods to the developer’s earlier title, ICO. Look for similarities in architecture and landscape.

These visual ties are a treat for fans who have played both games.

Community and Online Help

If you’re having trouble, don’t hesitate to reach out to the community for tips and advice.

The online Shadow of the Colossus community is incredibly supportive and filled with tips and tricks.

Discussion Forums

Websites like Reddit and GameFAQs have active forums where players can ask questions and share strategies.

These forums are a treasure trove of information, from beginner tips to advanced tactics.

Social Media

Following Shadow of the Colossus social media groups can provide real-time advice and updates.

Platforms like Twitter and Facebook often have communities dedicated to sharing their love for the game.

Twitch and YouTube

Watching live streams and recorded gameplay on platforms like Twitch and YouTube can be incredibly educational.

Many experienced players offer tutorials and walkthroughs that can help you tackle even the toughest colossi.

Enhancing your gaming knowledge with techniques for other games can also be useful. Check out our tips on learning to play poker for more insights and skills to add to your gaming arsenal.