How to Use Cheat Engine & Cheat Tables
The basics of raw trainer information
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The problem with using Cheat Engine and Cheat Tables is the confusion of what to do with it. We are here to set the record straight so that users can understand better on using and operating Cheats on a raw platform.
Every Cheat Table is Different?
This is true, while cheat tables are nothing less than basic XML Data that looks like PHP or HTML code, the tables themselves can be different based on who made them. Every author has their own method of designing, editing, and represeting their table. Some even use more complex code like LUA with advanced modules, while others use the bare backbone of Cheat Engine to show information. The basic information here is that all tables need to be attached, opened, and then activate by a script or header that appears in their tables. They usually later will reveal all child and subisdairy information below.
Open Cheat Engine or Open Cheat Table?
The question of whether to open a Cheat Table or Cheat Engine can be a baffling situation for some. To clarify, it is always recommended to open Cheat Engine first and then the cheat table using the Folder Icon with a Green Arrow. If the former doesn't work properly, you can always open the Cheat Table (.ct) itself which will do both at once, but will not attach to the process. This is the final step.
Some tables provide full activation codes that will, open, attach, and activate all in one click.
Attach the Process
The Computer Icon with Magnifying Glass is the step needed to attach Cheat Engine to the game process in the memory. This step is important otherwise you will be plagued with repeated values of question marks (??) that indicate missing values or no memory access.
What To Edit
While Cheat Tables are literally raw bare backbone information that in the past trainers represented as GUI (General User Inferface) making it easy to navigate and edit the option you are given. Cheat Tables give more flexibility, you are not restricted necessarily by Infinite Health or 99 Lives as common as cheats were back in those days. You are able to edit the address of health or lives in question to your own free will, provided you understand that the column you must edit is strictly the Value column.
A full view of a table with information
It is important to read the Description and the Value of each option as these will describe what you are editing. Editing values you shouldn't be editing or don't know how they work, would require you understand what the description is representing before editing it, by this, view it in-game and on the table itself to deterime if is correct.
Double clicking a value column of a description cheat will bring up a box to enter values.
The complexity of scripts can make things more difficulty, as they will involve editing instructions that are normally not readable via other formats so editing these values means they are usually represented during a live interaction within the game process. Be aware, that if some scripts say "highlighted item", more than likely means you need to highlight said item via an inventory navigation in the game for the script to populate. Each script will be different, but the basics will be like this. Weapon Editors, usually indicate you may need to edit, equip, view, or use said weapon for those values to populate as well. Which its difficult to put a full description for each script. Some authors may put this in their threads, in the script itself, or the code so you can understand what to do.
Cheating Is An Art Form
Don't think for a second Cheating is just, cheating and taking shortcuts, while that is true. It is in a sense, an Art Form. Slight of Hand, Skill, and Stealth Approach. You may have thought, cheating on your math test is as easy as copying someone's paper, but its only good if you don't get caught right? This takes skill, awareness, determination, and understanding when to do and when to do nothing. Otherwise, things can go wrong. This is the same with games. Cheats work, but if you edit something that you shouldn't, its going to crash, break, or even damage your save data. An important pet peeve is save data corruption, so always backup your save data from a game you are editing, or cheating.
Observation of values and memory is key, even though you may not be interested, it is advisable that you watch when values change, even when money you just earned from selling an ice cream cone. When did it change? Why did it change? Is it safe to change it now? Add some money?
Read All Information Provided
Authors are going to add more information to their topics, cheat tables, or in some cases their own support hotline (like discord) for assitance, or you may be able to get support on the official discord for cheat tables. There are a few discord out there that deal with memory editing and cheating, so always considering taking those as well. Youtube is riddled with infopanels from various reputable veteran cheat makers as well.
Version Upkeep
Another major issue with users is version upkeeps, while each table specific may or may not work on specific verison of games, it is important to note that usually the latest copy of the game will suffice, and of course in some cases on specific platforms (sadly we have more than one platform where games are provided and their wrappers or enviroment is different. This results in the table not working despite it being for that specific game you downloaded. Always check the version of the table and the game and see if it is correct, even if you are using that illegitimate version of that game.