7.Using Pointer Scans: Tracking Dynamic Memory Addresses for Persistent Cheats

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One of the most challenging aspects of using Cheat Engine is dealing with dynamic memory addresses. Many modern games and applications use dynamic memory allocation, meaning the memory addresses of values like health, ammo, or scores change every time you restart the program. This makes it difficult to create persistent cheats that work across multiple sessions. To overcome this limitation, Cheat Engine offers a powerful feature called pointer scans , which allows you to track the relationship between static and dynamic memory addresses. In this section, we’ll explore how pointer scans work, how to perform them, and how to use pointers to create reliable cheats. By mastering this technique, you’ll be able to create cheat tables that remain functional even after restarting the game.

Why Pointer Scans Are Essential

Dynamic memory allocation is a common practice in modern software development. Instead of storing values at fixed memory addresses, programs allocate memory dynamically during runtime. This means that every time you restart a game or application, the memory address of a specific value (e.g., health points) may change. Without a way to track these changes, your cheats will only work for a single session.

Pointer scans solve this problem by identifying static base addresses that point to the dynamic memory locations. These static addresses remain constant across sessions, allowing you to reliably locate and modify values even when their memory addresses change.

How Pointer Scans Work

A pointer is essentially a memory address that “points” to another memory address. In the context of Cheat Engine, pointers are used to track the relationship between a static base address and a dynamic memory address. Here’s how the process works:

  1. Static Base Address :
  • A static base address is a fixed location in memory that remains constant across sessions. It serves as the starting point for locating dynamic addresses.
  1. Offset :
  • An offset is a numerical value added to the static base address to calculate the dynamic memory address. For example, if the static base address is 0x123456 and the offset is 0x10, the dynamic address would be 0x123466.
  1. Pointer Chain :
  • Some games use multi-level pointers, where one pointer leads to another, forming a chain. Cheat Engine can trace these chains to locate the final dynamic address.

By identifying the static base address and its associated offsets, you can create a reliable pointer that tracks the target value across multiple sessions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Pointer Scan

Here’s how to perform a pointer scan in Cheat Engine:

  1. Locate the Dynamic Address :
  • Use the scanning techniques outlined in previous sections to identify the memory address of the target value (e.g., health points).
  1. Right-Click the Address :
  • Once you’ve isolated the correct address, right-click it in the “Address List” and select “Pointer Scan for This Address.”
  1. Configure the Pointer Scan Settings :
  • Cheat Engine will prompt you to configure the pointer scan settings. You can adjust parameters such as:
    • Max Offset : The maximum allowable offset value.
    • Max Level : The number of levels in the pointer chain.
    • Struct Size : The size of the data structure being scanned.
  • For most cases, the default settings are sufficient.
  1. Generate Pointer Results :
  • Click “OK” to begin the pointer scan. Cheat Engine will generate a list of potential pointers that lead to the dynamic address.
  1. Save the Pointer Scan Results :
  • Save the results to a file by clicking “File” > “Save Pointer Scan Results As.” This allows you to refine the list later.
  1. Restart the Game :
  • Close and restart the game to generate new dynamic memory addresses.
  1. Refine the Pointer List :
  • Reopen the saved pointer scan results in Cheat Engine and perform a rescan. Cheat Engine will filter the list to include only the pointers that still lead to the target value.
  1. Repeat Until You Find a Reliable Pointer :
  • Continue restarting the game and refining the pointer list until you isolate a single, reliable pointer.
  1. Add the Pointer to Your Cheat Table :
  • Once you’ve identified a reliable pointer, add it to your cheat table for future use.

Practical Example: Creating a Health Pointer

Let’s walk through a practical example to demonstrate how to use pointer scans. Suppose you’re playing a game where your character’s health is stored at a dynamic memory address, and you want to create a pointer to track it across sessions:

  1. Attach Cheat Engine to the Game :
  • Ensure Cheat Engine is connected to the game’s process (e.g., “ExampleGame.exe”).
  1. Scan for Health Points :
  • Perform a scan for your current health (e.g., “100”) and refine the results until you isolate the correct address.
  1. Perform a Pointer Scan :
  • Right-click the health address in the “Address List” and select “Pointer Scan for This Address.”
  • Configure the settings and generate the initial pointer list.
  1. Restart the Game :
  • Close and restart the game to generate new dynamic memory addresses.
  1. Refine the Pointer List :
  • Reopen the saved pointer scan results and perform a rescan. Cheat Engine will filter the list to include only the pointers that still lead to the health value.
  1. Isolate a Reliable Pointer :
  • Repeat the process of restarting the game and refining the pointer list until you isolate a single, reliable pointer.
  1. Add the Pointer to Your Cheat Table :
  • Once you’ve identified the pointer, add it to your cheat table. You can now use it to modify your health value across multiple sessions.

Tips for Effective Pointer Scanning

Pointer scans can be time-consuming, but these tips will help you streamline the process:

  1. Start with Default Settings :
  • Unless you’re familiar with advanced configurations, stick to Cheat Engine’s default pointer scan settings.
  1. Be Patient :
  • Pointer scans can take several attempts to isolate a reliable pointer. Don’t get discouraged if it takes multiple iterations.
  1. Test Thoroughly :
  • After identifying a pointer, test it across multiple game sessions to ensure it remains functional.
  1. Combine with Cheat Tables :
  • Save your pointers in a cheat table for easy access and reuse.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced users can make mistakes when performing pointer scans. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

  1. Skipping Refinement Steps :
  • Failing to restart the game and refine the pointer list can lead to unreliable results. Always test pointers across multiple sessions.
  1. Using Incorrect Offsets :
  • If the offsets are incorrect, the pointer won’t lead to the correct memory address. Double-check your settings before proceeding.
  1. Overlooking Multi-Level Pointers :
  • Some games use complex pointer chains with multiple levels. Ensure you account for all levels when performing a pointer scan.
  1. Ignoring Anti-Cheat Systems :
  • Some games employ anti-cheat mechanisms that detect tools like Cheat Engine. Research the game’s policies before proceeding.

Conclusion

Pointer scans are an indispensable tool for creating persistent cheats in games and applications with dynamic memory allocation. By identifying static base addresses and their associated offsets, you can reliably track and modify values across multiple sessions. Whether you’re creating a cheat table for unlimited health, infinite ammo, or boosted scores, pointer scans ensure your modifications remain functional over time. In the next sections, we’ll explore how to create and save cheat tables, write Lua scripts to automate tasks, and discuss ethical considerations for responsible use of Cheat Engine.