Cheat Engine is a free memory-editing program that allows users to change values in almost any Windows application, providing an advantage in video games or modifying software functionality.
Before using Cheat Engine, users should be aware of the necessary requirements and potential risks. A Windows PC (10, 8, or 7) is required, along with the Cheat Engine installer from the official Cheat Engine website, and the program or game to be modified. Modifying game memory can trigger anti-cheat mechanisms, leading to program crashes or permanent game bans. It is recommended to back up game files before making changes, as some actions may be irreversible.
To use Cheat Engine, users need to follow a series of steps. The first step is to download and install Cheat Engine from the official website. Users should accept the license agreement, keep the suggested default options, and launch the program once the installation is complete.
The next step is to start the target program, ensuring it has fully loaded so that its memory values are ready to be scanned and captured. Users then need to attach Cheat Engine to the program by clicking the computer icon in the top-left corner, finding the process that matches the game’s .exe file, and clicking the Open button.
The following step is to scan for the value to be changed. Users should note the current value in the game, type it into the Value box in Cheat Engine, and click the First Scan button. After the value changes in the game, users should enter the new value into the Value box and click the Next Scan button, repeating this process until only one or a few addresses remain.
Once a single address is found, users can modify the value by right-clicking it, choosing Add to address list, and double-clicking the address in the lower pane to change its contents. The Value field can be edited to the desired number, and the change can be applied instantly by pressing Set value or hitting Enter.
Users also have the option to freeze the value by right-clicking the address in the address list, unchecking the Show vulnerability option, and checking the box next to the address in the list to lock the value in place.
For more complex values, users can utilize the “Pointer Scan” feature to locate the base address used by the game to calculate the value displayed on screen. Understanding how to use Cheat Engine provides a practical introduction to concepts like memory addresses and pointers, fundamental to computer science and programming.
Cheat Engine empowers users to customize their single-player experiences, overcome challenging game sections, test different in-game scenarios without limitations, or simply have fun by bending the rules. It turns a PC into a sandbox for exploring and manipulating the inner workings of software in a controlled way.
