4. Understanding Data Types: Bytes, Floats, and Doubles in Cheat Engine

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One of the most critical aspects of using Cheat Engine effectively is understanding the different data types that values can take in memory. Games and applications store data in various formats, such as integers, floating-point numbers, and more. Selecting the correct data type when scanning memory is essential for accurate results. In this section, we’ll explore the different data types supported by Cheat Engine, how they function, and how to choose the right one for your scans. By mastering data types, you’ll improve your efficiency and precision when locating and modifying memory values.

Why Data Types Matter in Memory Scanning

Every value stored in a computer’s memory has a specific format, or “data type,” which determines how the data is interpreted. For example, an integer might represent a whole number like health points or ammo counts, while a floating-point number could represent a decimal value like health percentages or coordinates. If you select the wrong data type in Cheat Engine, your scans may yield inaccurate or incomplete results. Understanding these data types ensures that you’re searching for values in the correct format, saving time and effort during the scanning process.

Cheat Engine supports several data types, including:

  • Byte (8-bit) : A small integer ranging from 0 to 255.
  • 2 Bytes (16-bit) : An integer ranging from 0 to 65,535.
  • 4 Bytes (32-bit) : A larger integer commonly used for health, ammo, or scores.
  • 8 Bytes (64-bit) : Used for very large integers or unique identifiers.
  • Float : A decimal number with single precision, often used for percentages or coordinates.
  • Double : A decimal number with double precision, suitable for highly accurate calculations.
  • String : Text-based values, such as names or descriptions.
  • Array of Bytes : A sequence of raw bytes, useful for advanced users.

Each data type serves a specific purpose, and selecting the appropriate one is crucial for successful memory scanning.

Common Data Types and Their Uses

Let’s break down the most commonly used data types in Cheat Engine and their typical applications:

  1. Byte (8-bit) :
  • Range : 0 to 255.
  • Use Case : Small integers, such as ammo counts, lives, or inventory items.
  • Example : If a game displays “10 bullets” remaining, the value might be stored as a Byte.
  1. 4 Bytes (32-bit) :
  • Range : -2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647.
  • Use Case : Most common data type for health points, scores, or other large integers.
  • Example : A character’s health displayed as “100 HP” is likely stored as a 4-byte integer.
  1. Float :
  • Precision : Single precision (7 decimal places).
  • Use Case : Decimal numbers, such as health percentages, timers, or coordinates.
  • Example : If your health is displayed as “75.5%,” it’s likely stored as a Float.
  1. Double :
  • Precision : Double precision (15 decimal places).
  • Use Case : Highly accurate decimal numbers, often used in physics simulations or complex calculations.
  • Example : Coordinates in a 3D game might use Doubles for precise positioning.
  1. String :
  • Format : Text-based values.
  • Use Case : Names, descriptions, or dialogue text.
  • Example : A character’s name displayed as “Hero” might be stored as a String.
  1. Array of Bytes :
  • Format : Raw binary data.
  • Use Case : Advanced users working with encrypted or obfuscated values.
  • Example : Some games encrypt memory values, requiring an Array of Bytes scan to locate them.

How to Choose the Correct Data Type

Selecting the correct data type is essential for accurate scanning. Here’s how to determine which data type to use:

  1. Observe the Value in the Game or Application :
  • If the value is a whole number (e.g., 100), start with “4 Bytes.”
  • If the value includes decimals (e.g., 75.5), try “Float” or “Double.”
  1. Experiment with Different Data Types :
  • If your initial scan doesn’t yield results, switch to a different data type. For example, if “4 Bytes” doesn’t work, try “Float.”
  1. Consider the Context :
  • Health points and scores are typically stored as “4 Bytes.”
  • Percentages, timers, and coordinates are often stored as “Float” or “Double.”
  1. Use the “Value Type” Dropdown :
  • Cheat Engine provides a dropdown menu where you can select the desired data type before performing a scan.

Practical Example: Modifying Health Points Using the Correct Data Type

Let’s walk through a practical example to demonstrate how data types affect memory scanning. Suppose you’re playing a game where your character’s health is displayed as “100 HP,” and you want to modify it:

  1. Attach Cheat Engine to the Game : Ensure Cheat Engine is connected to the game’s process (e.g., “ExampleGame.exe”).
  2. Perform the First Scan :
  • Enter “100” in the “Value” field.
  • Select “4 Bytes” from the data type dropdown (since health points are typically stored as integers).
  • Click “First Scan.”
  1. Refine Your Results :
  • Take damage in the game to reduce your health to 80 HP.
  • Enter “80” in the “Value” field and click “Next Scan.”
  1. Isolate the Correct Address :
  • Continue refining the results until you narrow down the list to a single address.
  1. Modify the Value :
  • Once you’ve identified the address, change the value to “9999” to gain unlimited health.

If the initial scan with “4 Bytes” doesn’t work, try switching to “Float” or another data type. This flexibility ensures you can adapt to different scenarios.

Advanced Use Cases for Data Types

While basic data types like “4 Bytes” and “Float” cover most scenarios, Cheat Engine also supports advanced use cases:

  1. Encrypted Values :
  • Some games encrypt memory values to prevent cheating. In these cases, use an “Array of Bytes” scan to locate the raw data.
  1. Custom Structures :
  • Developers sometimes use custom data structures to store information. Understanding how these structures work can help you identify and modify complex values.
  1. Pointer Chains :
  • Dynamic memory allocation often requires pointer scans. Knowing the data type of the target value helps you track pointers accurately.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced users can make mistakes when selecting data types. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

  1. Using the Wrong Data Type :
  • Scanning for a Float value as a 4-byte integer will yield no results. Always match the data type to the observed value.
  1. Ignoring Context :
  • Don’t assume all values are stored as “4 Bytes.” For example, percentages and coordinates are often stored as Floats.
  1. Overlooking Encrypted Values :
  • If standard scans fail, consider that the value might be encrypted or obfuscated. Switch to an “Array of Bytes” scan in these cases.
  1. Relying Solely on Default Settings :
  • Cheat Engine defaults to “4 Bytes,” but this isn’t always the correct choice. Experiment with different data types to ensure accuracy.

Conclusion

Understanding data types is a fundamental skill for anyone using Cheat Engine. By selecting the correct data type, you ensure that your scans are accurate and efficient, saving time and frustration. Whether you’re modifying health points, ammo counts, or coordinates, knowing how to interpret and work with different data types will significantly enhance your ability to manipulate memory values. In the next sections, we’ll explore advanced scanning techniques, such as “Unknown Initial Value” and “Changed/Unchanged” scans, to further expand your Cheat Engine expertise.