While basic memory scanning techniques are effective for many scenarios, some games and applications use complex or obfuscated memory structures that make locating values challenging. In these cases, Cheat Engine offers advanced scanning methods like “Unknown Initial Value” and “Changed/Unchanged” scans. These techniques allow you to locate hidden or encrypted values by tracking changes in memory rather than relying on exact numbers. In this section, we’ll explore how to use these advanced scanning methods, their practical applications, and tips for maximizing their effectiveness. By mastering these techniques, you’ll be equipped to tackle even the most challenging memory manipulation tasks.
Why Advanced Scanning Techniques Are Necessary
Not all values in games and applications are straightforward integers or decimals displayed on the screen. Some developers employ encryption, obfuscation, or dynamic memory allocation to hide critical data. For example:
- Encrypted Values : Health points or ammo counts might be stored in an encrypted format, making them unreadable as plain numbers.
- Dynamic Memory Allocation : Memory addresses can change every time you restart the game, requiring advanced tools to track them.
- Hidden Variables : Some values, such as timers or cooldowns, may not be visible to the player but still affect gameplay.
In these situations, traditional scanning methods like entering exact values won’t work. Advanced scanning techniques allow you to bypass these challenges by focusing on changes in memory rather than specific numbers.
Using the “Unknown Initial Value” Scan
The “Unknown Initial Value” scan is a powerful tool for locating values when you don’t know their exact starting point. This method is particularly useful for encrypted or hidden variables. Here’s how it works:
- Start with an Unknown Value :
- Open Cheat Engine and attach it to the target process (e.g., a game).
- Instead of entering a specific number, select “Unknown Initial Value” from the value type dropdown menu.
- Click “First Scan.” Cheat Engine will scan the entire memory space for all possible values.
- Interact with the Game :
- Perform an action in the game that changes the target value. For example:
- Take damage to reduce your health.
- Fire a weapon to decrease your ammo count.
- Gain points or currency to increase a score.
- Perform a “Changed” or “Unchanged” Scan :
- Return to Cheat Engine and select “Changed Value” if the value has been modified (e.g., health decreased) or “Unchanged Value” if it remains constant (e.g., a timer paused).
- Click “Next Scan.” Cheat Engine will filter the list to include only the addresses that match the selected condition.
- Repeat Until You Isolate the Correct Address :
- Continue interacting with the game and performing “Changed” or “Unchanged” scans until you narrow down the results to a single address.
- Modify the Value :
- Once you’ve identified the correct address, double-click it to add it to the “Address List.”
- Edit the value directly in Cheat Engine to achieve your desired outcome.
Practical Example: Locating Encrypted Health Points
Let’s walk through a practical example to demonstrate the “Unknown Initial Value” scan. Suppose you’re playing a game where your character’s health isn’t displayed as a number but instead as a visual bar. You want to modify your health using Cheat Engine:
- Attach Cheat Engine to the Game : Ensure Cheat Engine is connected to the game’s process (e.g., “ExampleGame.exe”).
- Perform the First Scan :
- Select “Unknown Initial Value” from the value type dropdown.
- Click “First Scan.” Cheat Engine will generate a list of all possible memory addresses.
- Take Damage in the Game :
- Let your character take damage, reducing their health bar.
- Perform a “Changed Value” Scan :
- Return to Cheat Engine and select “Changed Value.”
- Click “Next Scan.” Cheat Engine will filter the list to include only the addresses that changed during the interaction.
- Repeat the Process :
- Heal your character or take additional damage to further refine the results.
- Alternate between “Changed Value” and “Unchanged Value” scans until you isolate the correct address.
- Modify the Value :
- Once you’ve identified the address, edit the value to give your character unlimited health or restore their health bar.
Using “Changed” and “Unchanged” Scans
The “Changed” and “Unchanged” scans are essential tools for refining results during advanced scanning. Here’s how they work:
- Changed Value :
- Use this option when the target value has been modified. For example, taking damage reduces your health, so the value has “changed.”
- Unchanged Value :
- Use this option when the target value remains constant. For example, if your health doesn’t decrease while standing still, the value is “unchanged.”
By alternating between these options, you can systematically narrow down the list of potential addresses.
Tips for Effective Advanced Scanning
Advanced scanning techniques require patience and precision. Here are some tips to maximize your success:
- Be Systematic :
- Follow a consistent pattern of interactions and scans. For example, take damage, perform a “Changed Value” scan, heal, perform an “Unchanged Value” scan, and repeat.
- Use Incremental Changes :
- Make small, incremental changes to the target value. For instance, reduce your health slightly instead of depleting it entirely. This helps Cheat Engine filter out irrelevant addresses more effectively.
- Experiment with Data Types :
- If your scans aren’t yielding results, try switching to a different data type. For example, if “4 Bytes” doesn’t work, experiment with “Float” or “Double.”
- Combine Techniques :
- Use “Unknown Initial Value” scans in combination with “Changed” and “Unchanged” scans to locate hidden or encrypted values.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced users can make mistakes when using advanced scanning techniques. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping Steps :
- Rushing through the scanning process can lead to incorrect results. Take your time to refine the list systematically.
- Overlooking Context :
- Don’t assume all values behave the same way. For example, health points might decrease when taking damage, while timers might increase over time.
- Ignoring Anti-Cheat Systems :
- Some games employ anti-cheat mechanisms that detect tools like Cheat Engine. Research the target application’s policies before proceeding.
- Failing to Save Progress :
- If you close Cheat Engine or restart the game, you’ll lose your scan results. Save your progress by adding addresses to the “Address List” or creating a cheat table.
Conclusion
Advanced scanning techniques like “Unknown Initial Value” and “Changed/Unchanged” scans are indispensable tools for tackling complex memory structures. Whether you’re dealing with encrypted values, hidden variables, or dynamic memory allocation, these methods allow you to locate and modify memory addresses with precision. By mastering these techniques, you’ll unlock new possibilities for enhancing your gaming experience or debugging software. In the next sections, we’ll explore modifying memory addresses in real-time, creating cheat tables, and writing scripts to automate tasks.