What Was Action Replay for GameCube?
For the Nintendo GameCube console generation, the most prominent cheat device was the Action Replay (AR), created by Datel. Unlike the cartridge-based systems before it, the GameCube Action Replay typically consisted of a special boot disc and a proprietary memory card. Users would first insert the Action Replay memory card and boot the console using the AR disc. This loaded a special menu allowing players to select their game and enable specific cheat codes.
Once codes were selected, the user would swap the AR disc for the actual game disc and launch the game. The Action Replay software, running from the memory card, would then apply the selected cheats by modifying the game’s data as it ran. These codes, usually multi-line hexadecimal strings, could grant invincibility, infinite items, unlock features, alter physics, and much more.
This guide focuses on Action Replay codes for the beloved GameCube classic, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.
⚠️ Important Warning: Using Action Replay codes involves altering the game’s memory and intended functionality. This can lead to unexpected glitches, graphical errors, game freezes, crashes, and potentially save data corruption. Always use cheat codes responsibly, understand they can fundamentally change the game experience, and consider backing up save data if possible (especially when using emulators).
The Wind Waker (GameCube) – Action Replay Codes
These codes are designed for use with an Action Replay device on GameCube hardware or via supported GameCube emulators like Dolphin when playing The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.
⭐ CRITICAL NOTE – MASTER CODE REQUIRED ⭐
Action Replay codes for GameCube WILL NOT WORK unless the correct Master Code (often labeled ‘(M)’) for your specific game version (e.g., USA/NTSC, PAL, Japan) is also entered and enabled. You only need ONE valid Master Code active.
Common Master Codes (USA/NTSC Version)
Ensure one of the following (or another verified Master Code for your version) is active:
Master Code Option 1:
Z60B-V1PE-G8698
21AT-T08H-CP83W
Master Code Option 2:
KN6G-J26X-RK95M
P91V-0G7K-Y843R
(Enter the codes below ONLY after enabling a Master Code)
Player Status
- Infinite Health:
V4RB-QDE9-7CD07 HY6M-YR1E-YADR0
- Max Health (Sets Current & Max Hearts to 20):
TU5Q-J0Q9-G8WBD 7A6G-Q37Q-6R88D 3V57-A62A-33AFY 7A6G-Q37Q-6R88D
- Infinite Magic Power:
XTV4-03H4-J7F9T HNVG-RTKV-77JAU
Inventory & Ammo
- Max/Infinite Rupees (Shows 9999):
F1G5-X41C-J9RDQ 95XN-R9KC-DA7W4
- Infinite Bombs (Shows 99):
ZRRW-V5VH-RVQBT 64G3-01ZF-9RRW4
- Infinite Arrows (Shows 99):
DUEP-K5H1-732DW T9ZC-M1V8-DBHBP
- Infinite Small Keys:
2JGB-64G4-06118 6914-91Q8-CE4QJ
Sailing & Travel
- Always Have Wind Waker Wind (Sail Instantly):
7M13-Q40T-X296U FMMF-YJ3J-QWR4E
(No need to conduct the wind’s direction)
- Have All Sea Charts:
YPTA-A164-YV9M1 GWMV-QTAA-6VGW7 P0Q5-845E-KYMZY
- Have Boat’s Cannon:
7G2E-N6A2-2V23P FVCY-XF3Y-T1XJ9
- Have Boat’s Crane Arm:
P05E-8HMW-4C1G1 P73J-T8P2-07KJU
Items & Equipment
- Have Hero’s Sword:
K4H2-206X-NF9J5 R43Q-87XW-G1Y2Y
- Have Mirror Shield:
P62U-K364-F4H9H Q1MN-T5WB-ZE1W8
- Have Power Bracelets:
QY76-2T60-VGYG7 1D75-783E-N9Y69
- Have Deku Leaf:
XTV4-03H4-J7F9T HNVG-RTKV-77JAU
- Have Grappling Hook:
P3U0-X7V3-T2P11 WVB5-16YJ-DMMDB
- Have Skull Hammer:
P67J-Y4M6-VUV8B U30X-13CW-XJGQR
- Have Hookshot:
N83B-4M4W-2P1V6 3W0Z-53D5-UUNQ4
Fun / Miscellaneous Codes
- Moon Jump (Press Z Button):
7XBH-BE84-64WKW 8U07-3Y8T-0C45G 2850F2C4 00000001 0401EF84 42000000 E0000000 80008000
(Note: Button-activated codes can sometimes be complex or interfere with normal controls)
- Giant Link:
7R05-Y8MA-D9N6R 6B32-1WVG-Y7N0T
- Tiny Link:
X04F-X3H4-U5VUH 5VDF-VZZ0-0F8E3
Disclaimer: This list contains commonly found codes. Always ensure codes match your game version (USA/NTSC, PAL). Code stability can vary, and complex codes (like Moon Jump) are more likely to cause issues.
Using Action Replay Codes with GameCube Emulators
The most popular GameCube emulator, Dolphin, has excellent built-in support for Action Replay codes, allowing you to use these cheats without the original hardware.
🕹️ Dolphin Emulator
- Load Your Game Info: You don’t need to start the game first. Simply have *The Wind Waker* appear in Dolphin’s game list.
- Access Game Properties: Right-click on *The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker* in your Dolphin game list and select Properties.
- Go to the AR Codes Tab: In the Properties window, navigate to the AR Codes tab.
- Add the Master Code:
- Click the Add… button.
- Give it a name (e.g., “(M) Code”).
- Carefully copy and paste the **entire** Master Code (including all lines) into the “Code” box.
- Click OK or Save.
- Crucially, ensure the checkbox next to the Master Code in the list is ticked (enabled).
- Add Individual Cheat Codes:
- Click Add… again.
- Give the cheat a descriptive name (e.g., “Infinite Health”).
- Copy and paste the entire multi-line Action Replay code for the cheat into the “Code” box.
- Click OK or Save.
- Ensure the checkbox next to this cheat is also ticked.
- Repeat for Other Codes: Add any other desired codes using the same method.
- Start the Game: Close the Properties window and launch the game. The enabled cheats (including the essential Master Code) should now be active.
Emulator Cheat Notes:
- Master Code is NON-NEGOTIABLE: Forgetting or using the wrong Master Code is the primary reason GCN AR cheats fail in Dolphin. Double-check you have the correct one for your game’s region (USA/NTSC, PAL, JPN) and that it’s enabled.
- Code Format: Dolphin generally expects the standard multi-line Action Replay format. Copy-pasting directly from reliable sources usually works best.
- Stability: While Dolphin is robust, complex cheats or numerous active codes can still potentially lead to instability or graphical issues.
- Region Lock: Action Replay codes are region-specific. Ensure the codes you use match the region of your game ROM/ISO.
Action Replay codes, used via Dolphin, provide a powerful way to modify your *Wind Waker* experience, whether you want to breeze through the Great Sea with infinite resources or experiment with fun codes like Giant Link.