Memory editors are powerful tools used by cheat developers to alter how games function. Learning memory editing is a key skill that many expert hackers worldwide use.
What is Memory Editing
Memory editing is the core of game hacking. By accessing and modifying a game’s memory while it’s running, cheat developers can change values like health, ammo, or speed in real-time. These techniques are also used by advanced hackers, including cybersecurity professionals and penetration testers, for complex hacking tasks.
How Does It Work
When a game runs, all its data (like health, ammo, or position) is stored in the computer’s memory. Memory editing involves finding and changing these values while the game is active.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:
- Locate the memory address where the value is stored.
- Read the current value.
- Change it to the desired value.
- Track the address if it moves.
Tools Used for Memory Editing
While you can write your own code to edit memory, there are tools that make the process easier:
- Cheat Engine: A popular tool for beginners to scan and edit memory.
- Squalr: A modern tool with a user-friendly interface.
- ReClass.NET: Helps visualize memory structures.
- x64dbg: A debugger for advanced users.
Example: Changing Player Health
Here’s a basic example of how to find and change player health in a game using C++:
#include <Windows.h>
#include <iostream>
#include <vector>
int main() {
HWND hwnd = FindWindowA(NULL, "Game Window Title");
DWORD processID;
GetWindowThreadProcessId(hwnd, &processID);
HANDLE process = OpenProcess(PROCESS_VM_READ, FALSE, processID);
int searchValue = 100;
std::vector<LPVOID> addresses;
MEMORY_BASIC_INFORMATION mbi;
SYSTEM_INFO si;
GetSystemInfo(&si);
LPVOID addr = si.lpMinimumApplicationAddress;
while (addr < si.lpMaximumApplicationAddress) {
if (VirtualQueryEx(process, addr, &mbi, sizeof(mbi)) &&
(mbi.State == MEM_COMMIT) &&
(mbi.Protect != PAGE_NOACCESS)) {
BYTE* buffer = new BYTE[mbi.RegionSize];
SIZE_T bytesRead;
if (ReadProcessMemory(process, mbi.BaseAddress, buffer, mbi.RegionSize, &bytesRead)) {
for (SIZE_T i = 0; i < bytesRead - sizeof(int); i += 4) {
if (*(int*)(buffer + i) == searchValue) {
addresses.push_back((LPVOID)((DWORD_PTR)mbi.BaseAddress + i));
}
}
}
delete[] buffer;
}
addr = (LPVOID)((DWORD_PTR)mbi.BaseAddress + mbi.RegionSize);
}
std::cout << "Found " << addresses.size() << " possible addresses" << std::endl;
if (!addresses.empty()) {
int newHealth = 999;
WriteProcessMemory(process, addresses[0], &newHealth, sizeof(newHealth), NULL);
std::cout << "Health changed to 999" << std::endl;
}
CloseHandle(process);
return 0;
}
This code scans the game’s memory for the value 100 (assumed to be the player’s health) and changes it to 999. In real-world scenarios, you’d refine the search by tracking changes to the value.
Using Cheat Engine
Cheat Engine simplifies memory editing. Here’s how to use it:
- Open Cheat Engine and attach it to your game process.
- Enter your current health (e.g.,
100) and click “First Scan.” - Take damage in the game to reduce your health.
- Enter the new health value and click “Next Scan.”
- Repeat until only a few addresses remain.
- Double-click an address to add it to your list.
- Change the value to whatever you want (e.g.,
999).
Why Learn Memory Editing?
Memory editing is the foundation of game hacking. The skills you learn here are also used in advanced hacking, including cybersecurity and reverse engineering. Whether you’re modifying a game or exploring software security, memory editing is a valuable skill to master.
Start experimenting with tools like Cheat Engine, and you will be on your way to understanding how games and software work at a deeper level.
