Cheat Engine is a free memory-editing program that lets you change values in almost any Windows application—from simple numbers like health or points in a video game to game-currency in spreadsheets or other software. With it you can add unlimited health, allow teleporting, or modify any numeric value that the program displays.

Before you start: You will need a Windows PC (10, 8, or 7), the Cheat Engine installer from the official Cheat Engine website, and the program or game you want to modify.
Warning: Modifying game memory can trigger anti-cheat mechanisms, leading to program crashes or permanent game bans. Always back up your game files before making changes, as some actions may be irreversible.

How to use Cheat Engine to modify program values

This guide will walk you through the entire process, from downloading the software to finding and changing specific numerical values within your target application or game.

  • Step 1: Download and install Cheat Engine
    Go to the Cheat Engine website to download the latest stable release and run the installer. Accept the license agreement, keep the suggested default options, and launch the program once the installation is complete.
  • Step 2: Start the target program
    Open the game or application you wish to edit. Ensure the program has fully loaded so that its memory values are ready to be scanned and captured.
  • Step 3: Attach Cheat Engine to the program
    In Cheat Engine, click the computer icon in the top-left corner to open the process list. Find the process that matches your game’s .exe file and click the Open button.
  • Step 4: Scan for the value you want to change
    First, note the current value in the game you want to modify (for example, your health is 500).

    • In Cheat Engine, type500 into the Value box and click the First Scan button. A list of memory addresses will appear.
    • Return to your game and let the value change (for example, your health drops to 480).
    • Go back to Cheat Engine, enter480 into the Value box, and click the Next Scan button. Repeat this process until only one or a few addresses remain.
  • Step 5: Modify the value
    Once you have a single address, right-click it in the list and chooseAdd to address list. Double-click the address in the lower pane to change its contents. Edit the Value field to your desired number and pressSet value or hit Enter to apply the change instantly.
  • Step 6: Freeze the value (optional)
    If you want the value to remain constant, right-click the address in the address list and uncheck the Show vulnerability option. Finally, check the box next to the address in the list to lock the value in place.
Pro tip: For values that update very quickly or are hard to find, use the “Pointer Scan” feature. This can help locate the base address that the game uses to calculate the value you see on screen.

Understanding how to use Cheat Engine is about more than just gaining an advantage in games. It provides a practical way to see how applications manage data in system memory. By finding and altering values, you get a hands-on introduction to concepts like memory addresses and pointers, which are fundamental to computer science and programming.

Furthermore, this tool empowers you to customize your single-player experiences. You can overcome frustratingly difficult game sections, test different in-game scenarios without limitations, or simply have fun by bending the rules. It turns your PC into a sandbox for exploring and manipulating the inner workings of software in a controlled way.