[Tutorial Request] Finding Values for In-Game Variables

[SMASH]

Hey, since my computer has decided to take a dump on itself and has disallowed me to run 3DS MAX and other high end programs, I decided to try and work on some CE hacking, just exploring a bit but I was curious if one of the masters at it could write up a little tutorial on how they find variables and such within the game. One obstacle I've found is that Cheat Engine can't find decimals, it's very weird. It gives me errors. So yea, I'd just like to take a closer look at the process you guys take so I can get a better handle on it. Thanks.

[ChemicalFizz]

Are you talking about like using T-search for making trainers and stuff like that? I've learned all about trainer making through this guide:

http://www.cheathappens.com/tut_advtrsoph.asp?tutID=2

basically you search for a value until you can narrow it down to basically two addresses, such as that for ammo. It's all explained in the guide. I don't know if Cheat Engine is the best tool for this, but i do know t-search is the simplest and still really efficient.

Do note that some addresses are really hard to find. Especially with an FPS like halo where there is AI and scripting happening all around you. T-search might not be able to find every address you're looking for, I mean the person in the guide simply used a freeware flash game compared to what you're doing for halo. It should however be simple enough to find health and shield bars at full, meaning if you're at 100% shields or health, the value would probably be 255. Ammo is probably the easiest to find since the number is actually written for you in the hud; just enter the value for the current weapon. I've been playing around with FF7 for the PC with t-search, and found that you can find an unknown value by narrowing down and using "search next" to find a more precise value, such as if you wanted to find the value for active camo in halo, the value might jump from 0 (when you don't have it equipped) to 255 (when you immediately picked up the item). Hope this helped.

[Rentafence]

WTF Chemical? Where the hell have you been?

[SMASH]

Yea, I got the basics down, it's more the advanced things I am curious about like FOV and character speed and values such as that, that are constant in game so they can't be changed to narrow down the search.

[ChemicalFizz]

Well would you look at that? Just as you post this thread this thread gets bumped. Coincidence or conspiracy? You choose.

http://www.modacity.net/forums/showthread.php?t=5585


Yeah man, I guess school happened... I kinda went into "hibernation". We need to catch up, was your AIM rentafence5?

[Con]

to find the character speed, pick a gametype with death bonus. FOV decreases as you zoom, they're a float with a value of 1.22something. Make sure when you search for decimals you're type is set to float (floating point). Search for that and you'll find them (multiple addresses). The FOV has something writing to it constantly though, maybe a more experienced person can show us how to get around that.