All cheats for this game by platform:
SNES
Downloadable Gradius 3 Cheats
Primary Collection of Cheats
Arcade mode
Enter the option menu from the title screen. Highlight
the "Game Level" selection and rapidly tap [A]
until the "Game Level" text changes to "Arcade".
Press [Start]x2, to begin an arcade mode game.
Random weapons
Select a game mode from the option screen, then press
[Start] to enter the weapon selection screen. Press [R]
to enter the edit mode. Press [X], [Y], [X]x2,
[Y]x2, [X], [Y] for a random selection.
Extended demonstration mode
Hold [A] button at the title screen. The demonstration
mode will continue until reaching the Boss.
Twenty-nine lives
Hold [Left] and press [A]x3 at the title
screen. Then, press [Start] to begin game play.
Extra credits
Rapidly tap [X] at the title screen until the
total number of credits approaches eight. Press [Start] to
begin the game before the title screen disappears.
Start with up to nine credits
Note: This trick requires a controller with a auto-fire
feature. Put the [L], [X], and [Y] buttons on auto-fire
at the screen with the "Options", "1 Player",
and "2 Player" selections. If done correctly, the number
of credits should increase from 4 to 9.
Instant power-up
Press [Start] to pause game play, then press [Up]x2,
[Down]x2, [L], [R], [L], [R], [B],
[A]. Press [Start] to resume game play. Your ship will
gain missiles, force field, all options, and more speed. Note:
This code may only be used once per level at first.
Note: If this code is activated on a later level, you will be
able to use it more times. For example, if you use the code on
level 4 and die, you can use it about three or four more times.
Self destruct
Press [Start] to pause game play, then press [Up]x2,
[Down]x2, [Left], [Right], [Left], [Right],
[B], [A], [Start].
Increased R Option
Select the "R Option" (rotating options)
selection from the weapons panel. Obtain all four Options, then
collect enough power-ups to highlight the "Option" selection
again at the bottom of the screen. Hold [A] to increase the
radius of the R Options.
Reset game
Hold [L] + [R] + [Start] + [Select]
during game play.
Hints
Bonus stages
Levels 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 contain a bonus stage. These
require that some sort of condition be met and are entered by
flying into a hidden area.
Level 2
Condition: None. Fly into the first ship opening along the
bottom of the screen. It is located in the last section of the
stage (after the giant carbonated bubbles) before meeting the
Boss
Level 3
Condition: Destroy all of the guns on the ground. Fly close
to the low rock ceiling toward the end of the level and immediately
before the last "mountain".
Level 4
Condition: No power-up boxes at the bottom of the screen may
be lit. Fly into the back of the Moai head located in the middle
of upright three heads toward the end of the level. This particular
head will be facing away from you.
Level 5
Condition: To get in, the hundreds digit of your score must
be 3, 5, or 7. Fly through the fire at the corner of the inverted
volcano. It is located just before the small passage that leads
to the two-headed fire dragon.
Level 7
Condition: Unknown. Fly through low corner just after the
four turrets. Your ship would normally have to fly upwards diagonally
at this point. Note: Collecting a lot of power-up modules by destroying
turrets allows entry into the secret level area. The weapons select
bar was on an empty box each time - missiles then lasers.