What is Cheat Engine?
Cheat Engine is a third-party application that is only accessible on Windows and Mac computers (sorry, console gamers), and it allows users to modify a game’s code in order to change specific in-game variables.
In addition to being designed to assist you with modifying single player games without the need for an internet connection so that you can make them harder or easier depending on your preference (e.g., if you find that 100 HP is too easy, try playing a game with a maximum of 1 HP), Cheat Engine contains other usefull tools to assist you in debugging games and even normal applications, and it helps you protect your system by allowing you to inspect memory modifications made by backdoors and even contains some ways to unhide.
It comes with a memory scanner that allows you to quickly scan for variables used within a game and change them, but it also includes a debugger, disassembler, assembler, speedhack, trainer maker, direct 3D manipulation tools, system inspection tools, and other tools that are useful for regular programmers and software analysts as well.
Additionally, it has comprehensive scripting functionality, which will enable experienced developers to quickly and easily construct their own apps and share them with others.
To give oneself limitless health in challenging games such as Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice or Elden Ring, for example, or to add any item to your inventory in Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, you may use a cheat engine. In fact, if you wish, Cheat Engine may even make games more difficult by making adversaries more powerful or increasing the amount of damage your character gets.
While tinkering with a game’s code might be scary (and sometimes harmful), you can avoid this by simply downloading “cheat tables” created by other users, rather than trying to modify the code yourself. Depending on the game you’re playing, the choices accessible will differ. However, because there is a huge and active Cheat Engine community, there is a good possibility that you’ll be able to quickly discover cheat tables and instructions for activating them in whichever game you’re playing. It goes without saying that you are free to play with Cheat Engine on your own—just make sure you do it in a safe and legal manner.
Is Cheat Engine a safe program to use?
Cheat Engine is a straightforward, entertaining, and useful program, but it comes with certain hazards that should be considered before installing and using it yourself.
If you’re not paying attention, it’s possible that Cheat Engine will sneak in third-party adware during the installation process. Make sure to only download the most recent version of Cheat Engine from the official website, Github project page, or Patreon page, and make sure to opt-out of any “special offers” or additional install packages that are provided during the installation process. In a similar vein, only download cheat tables/scripts from reputable sources such as the official Cheat Engine forums and the Cheat Engine subreddit, which are both available online.
Only use Cheat Engine for single-player games that are played offline—and, if you want to be extra cautious, only use it while your internet connection is turned off. Using Cheat Engine in online games will result in your account being permanently suspended. For the purposes of this regulation, competitive games such as Call of Duty and Fortnite are included, as well as co-op games such as Left 4 Dead and titles that include auxiliary online aspects such as Elden Ring and Death Stranding.
When you use Cheat Engine, make a copy of your game files, save data, and any other critical files you might have modified. In rare situations, you may need to make changes to a game’s files in order for Cheat Engine to function properly, which might result in issues or crashes if done incorrectly.
If you wish to return to playing online, disable Cheat Engine and delete any changed save data or game files from your computer. If you do not comply, you run the possibility of being banned from all games, even some single-player ones. This is especially true if you have to remove anti-cheat measures from a game, which is against the terms of the game’s End User License Agreement (EULA) (EULA). The safest course of action is to uninstall the game and reinstall it from scratch, then start over with a fresh, unmodified save file.
However, while it’s vital to be aware of the hazards, Cheat Engine is (for the most part) safe to use if you follow the guidelines stated above.
