Cheat Engine is a powerful open-source memory scanner and debugger that lets you modify single-player game values like health, gold, and ammo. But it is not the only option out there. Whether you find Cheat Engine too complex, need something for macOS or Android, or simply want pre-built trainers without manual memory scanning, there are plenty of solid alternatives worth trying.
In this guide, we cover the 15 best Cheat Engine alternatives for 2026, from beginner-friendly trainers to advanced debugging tools, so you can find the right fit for your platform and skill level.
Quick Comparison Table
| Tool | Platform | Best For | Difficulty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WeMod | Windows | Pre-built trainers | Beginner | Free (Pro $8.99/mo) |
| ArtMoney | Windows | Simple memory editing | Beginner | Free (Pro $29.90) |
| CoSMOS | Windows, Steam Deck | Guided memory scanning | Beginner | Free |
| XModHub | Windows, Steam Deck | Lightweight trainers | Beginner | Free |
| GameGuardian | Android | Mobile game modding | Intermediate | Free |
| Squalr | Windows | Open-source memory editing | Intermediate | Free |
| Bit Slicer | macOS | Mac game modding | Intermediate | Free |
| Scanmem + GameConqueror | Linux | Linux memory editing | Intermediate | Free |
| Cheat Happens Trainers | Windows | Large trainer library | Beginner | Subscription ($7.99/mo) |
| Process Hacker | Windows | System-level memory analysis | Advanced | Free |
| HxD | Windows | Hex editing game files | Intermediate | Free |
| Hex Workshop | Windows | Professional hex editing | Advanced | $89.95 |
| OllyDbg | Windows | Assembly-level debugging | Expert | Free |
| x64dbg | Windows | Modern open-source debugger | Expert | Free |
| Cheat Tables (Community) | Windows | Ready-made cheat scripts | Beginner | Free |
1. WeMod, Best Pre-Built Trainer Platform
Platform: Windows | Price: Free (Pro from $8.99/month)
WeMod is the most popular Cheat Engine alternative for gamers who want cheats without the technical hassle. Instead of manually scanning memory addresses, WeMod provides pre-built trainers for over 1,600 games that you can activate with a single click.
The app automatically detects your installed games and offers cheats like unlimited health, infinite ammo, god mode, and unlimited resources. It has a clean, modern interface and a mobile companion app so you can toggle cheats from your phone while playing.
Key Features
- One-click trainers for 1,600+ single-player games
- Smart game detection, no manual setup needed
- Interactive maps for 60+ games with fast travel
- Mobile app for managing cheats while playing
- Regular updates when games get patched
Pros
- Easiest to use, zero technical knowledge required
- Large and growing game library
- Active community and frequent trainer updates
- Safe and virus-free (verified by multiple security reviews)
Cons
- Free version requires hotkeys, clicking the UI to toggle cheats is a Pro feature
- Can use 300MB+ of RAM when running in the background
- Limited to supported games, smaller or indie titles may not have trainers
- No custom memory editing like Cheat Engine offers
Best for: Beginners who want hassle-free cheats for popular single-player games.
2. ArtMoney, Best Simple Memory Editor
Platform: Windows | Price: Free (Pro $29.90 one-time)
ArtMoney is a classic game cheat tool that has been around for over two decades. It works similarly to Cheat Engine, you search for a value in memory (like your current gold count), change it in the game, search again, and narrow down the exact memory address to modify.
What makes ArtMoney stand out is its simplicity. The interface is far less intimidating than Cheat Engine, making it a great starting point for beginners who want to learn memory editing without the steep learning curve.
Key Features
- 7 different methods to search for values in memory
- 3 methods to search for pointers
- 12 data types can be searched simultaneously
- Multi-core processor support for fast scanning
- Automatic assembler code replacement (no scripting needed)
- Supports multiple processes at the same time
Pros
- Much simpler interface than Cheat Engine
- Works with both retro and modern games
- Free version is fully functional for basic use
- No scripting required for assembler code changes
Cons
- Windows only, no Mac or Linux support
- Pro version needed for stealth mode and batch editing
- UI looks dated compared to modern tools
- Smaller community than Cheat Engine
Best for: Beginners who want to learn memory editing with a simpler interface than Cheat Engine.
3. CoSMOS, Best Guided Memory Scanner
Platform: Windows, Steam Deck | Price: Free
CoSMOS is developed by Cheat Happens and is designed to be 10x easier to get started with than traditional memory scanners. It comes in three versions: Steam Deck, PC Beginner, and PC Advanced, so you can pick the complexity level that matches your experience.
The standout feature is the in-app guided tutorial with video demonstrations that walks you through your first memory scan step by step. Unlike Cheat Engine where you are dropped into a complex interface, CoSMOS holds your hand through the process.
Key Features
- Memory scanner and viewer with real-time editing
- Script editor for advanced modifications
- Integrated 32-bit and 64-bit debugger
- Pointer scanner for finding stable addresses
- Speedhack support (32-bit and 64-bit)
- Can import Cheat Engine tables (beta feature)
- Hex editor and in-app calculator
- Supports .NET, RPG Maker, and Unity games
Pros
- Completely free, no locked features, no registration, no adware
- Three skill-level modes (Beginner, Skilled, Expert)
- Built-in video tutorials for learning
- Native Steam Deck support
Cons
- Smaller user community than Cheat Engine
- Cheat Engine table import is still in beta
- Less documentation available online
Best for: Beginners who want to learn memory scanning with guided tutorials, and Steam Deck gamers.
4. XModHub, Best Lightweight Trainer for Steam Deck
Platform: Windows, Steam Deck (Linux/Proton) | Price: Free
XModHub is a newer game trainer platform that has quickly gained traction as a lighter, more performance-friendly alternative to WeMod. It supports over 5,000 single-player PC games and is specifically optimized for Steam Deck and handheld gaming.
Where WeMod can eat 300MB+ of RAM and cost 4-6 FPS on handhelds, XModHub maintains stock frametimes with a much smaller footprint. It was built with a “Deck-First” approach, offering native controller mapping and automatic battery-saving features.
Key Features
- One-click trainers for 5,000+ PC games
- Native Steam Deck support via Proton/Wine
- Controller input mapping (map cheats to L4+A, etc.)
- AI Smart-Tuning that dynamically adjusts difficulty and drop rates
- Auto-disables when anti-cheat processes (VAC, BattlEye, EAC) are detected
- Battery-saving mode reduces polling rate when on battery power
Pros
- Very lightweight, minimal performance impact
- Best Steam Deck support of any trainer platform
- Larger game library than WeMod (5,000+ vs 1,600+)
- Anti-cheat detection prevents accidental online use
Cons
- Newer platform, smaller community
- Some trainer quality can be inconsistent
- Less established reputation than WeMod
Best for: Steam Deck gamers and users who want a lighter alternative to WeMod.
5. GameGuardian, Best for Android Game Modding
Platform: Android | Price: Free
GameGuardian is essentially Cheat Engine for Android. It is a memory editor that lets you scan and modify in-game values on your phone or tablet. You can alter health, coins, gems, speed, and other game parameters in most offline Android games.
The tool requires either a rooted device or a virtual space app (like Parallel Space) to function. Once set up, it offers advanced scanning capabilities similar to what Cheat Engine provides on PC.
Key Features
- Memory scanning with multiple data type support
- Speed hack to slow down or speed up games
- Value freezing to lock health, ammo, etc.
- Fuzzy search for values that change unpredictably
- Supports a wide range of Android games
- Works with virtual space (no root needed for some functions)
Pros
- The most powerful Android memory editor available
- Can work without root using virtual space apps
- Regular updates and active community
- Free with no paywalled features
Cons
- Root or virtual space required for full functionality
- Steeper learning curve than PC trainer apps
- Not available on Google Play Store (sideload required)
- Some games have anti-cheat that detects GameGuardian
Best for: Android gamers who want Cheat Engine-level memory editing on mobile.
6. Squalr, Best Open-Source Memory Editor
Platform: Windows | Price: Free (open-source, GPL-3.0)
Squalr is an open-source memory scanner that was recently rewritten from scratch in Rust (updated February 2026) for maximum performance. It uses multi-threading combined with SIMD instructions for lightning-fast memory scans, noticeably faster than Cheat Engine for large address spaces.
Squalr treats dynamic analysis as a first-class feature, allowing workflows that analyze how a program behaves over time. This makes it powerful for finding values that are harder to track down with traditional scanning.
Key Features
- Lightning-fast scanning with multi-threading and SIMD
- Memory scanning, pointer scanning, and x86/x64 assembly injection
- Robust hex editor built for game hacking
- Powerful scripting engine for automation
- Dynamic analysis for tracking value changes over time
- Modern plugin system with planned marketplace
Pros
- Fully open-source and actively maintained
- Faster scanning than Cheat Engine in many cases
- Modern codebase (Rust) with better stability
- AI integration planned for future releases
Cons
- Still under active development, some features incomplete
- Smaller community and fewer tutorials than Cheat Engine
- Windows only
- Plugin marketplace not yet available
Best for: Intermediate users who want an open-source, high-performance alternative to Cheat Engine.
7. Bit Slicer, Best for macOS
Platform: macOS | Price: Free (open-source)
Bit Slicer is the go-to Cheat Engine alternative for Mac users. Built with Cocoa and Mach kernel APIs, it is a native macOS application that provides memory scanning, editing, debugging, and scripting capabilities specifically for Apple hardware.
The tool has been actively maintained for over 10 years and supports modern macOS features like dark mode, auto-saving, document versioning, and app nap.
Key Features
- Memory scanning for integers, floats, strings, byte arrays, and pointers
- Live hex editor for real-time memory inspection
- Built-in debugger with breakpoints, backtraces, and register manipulation
- Code injection scripting for automated modifications
- Memory dump to disk for manual analysis
- Native macOS UI with dark mode support
Pros
- Only full-featured memory editor for macOS
- Native Mac app, not a port or Wine wrapper
- Open-source with active community (Discord available)
- Full debugger built-in (breakpoints, stepping, registers)
Cons
- macOS only, no Windows or Linux
- Smaller game library on Mac limits usefulness
- Less documentation than Cheat Engine
Best for: Mac gamers and developers who need a native macOS memory editor.
8. Scanmem + GameConqueror, Best for Linux
Platform: Linux (some macOS support) | Price: Free (open-source)
Scanmem is a command-line memory scanner for Linux, and GameConqueror is its graphical frontend that makes it accessible to non-terminal users. Together, they provide Cheat Engine-like functionality for Linux gamers.
Available through most Linux package managers (apt, dnf, pacman), it integrates naturally into the Linux ecosystem and works with games running natively or through Proton/Wine.
Key Features
- Flexible syntax for searching memory values
- Multiple variable locking (freeze values in place)
- Memory browser and editor
- Process finder for easy game selection
- Works with native Linux games and Proton/Wine titles
Pros
- Best memory editor for Linux, native and well-integrated
- Available in standard package repositories
- Open-source with community support
- Lightweight with minimal resource usage
Cons
- Linux only (limited macOS support)
- GUI (GameConqueror) is more basic than Cheat Engine
- Requires /proc filesystem to be mounted
- Fewer advanced features than Cheat Engine (no speedhack, no debugger)
Best for: Linux gamers who need a native memory scanner without running Wine.
9. Cheat Happens Trainers, Largest Trainer Library
Platform: Windows | Price: Subscription ($7.99/month or $49.99/year)
Cheat Happens is one of the oldest and most established trainer providers, offering pre-made trainers for thousands of single-player games. Unlike WeMod’s free model, Cheat Happens is subscription-based but offers a larger library of professionally-made trainers with reliable quality.
Key Features
- Trainers for thousands of PC games (larger library than WeMod)
- Professional-quality trainers with consistent reliability
- Quick updates when games get patched
- Simple download-and-run model
- Also develops CoSMOS (their free memory scanner)
Pros
- Huge game library, covers AAA and indie titles
- Trainers are well-tested and reliable
- Long track record (operating since early 2000s)
Cons
- Requires paid subscription, no free trainers
- No custom memory editing
- Desktop only, no mobile or Steam Deck support
Best for: Gamers willing to pay for a large, reliable library of ready-made trainers.
10. Process Hacker, Best for System-Level Analysis
Platform: Windows | Price: Free (open-source)
Process Hacker is an advanced system monitoring tool that includes powerful memory inspection capabilities. While not specifically designed for game cheating, it can read and write process memory, making it useful for advanced users who need system-level access to game processes.
Key Features
- Detailed process information and memory viewer
- Read and write to process memory
- DLL injection capabilities
- Network monitoring and handle tracking
- Kernel-level information access
Pros
- Extremely powerful system tool beyond just game cheating
- Open-source with active development
- No installation needed (portable version available)
Cons
- Not designed for game modding specifically
- No built-in value scanning like Cheat Engine
- Requires significant technical knowledge
- Some antivirus software flags it as potentially unwanted
Best for: Advanced users who need low-level system and memory access for analysis.
11. HxD, Best Free Hex Editor
Platform: Windows | Price: Free
HxD is a lightweight, fast hex editor that lets you edit game save files and binary data directly. Unlike memory scanners that modify values while a game is running, HxD works with files on disk, perfect for editing save games, config files, and other game data.
Key Features
- Edit files, memory, and disks in hexadecimal
- Fast performance even with large files
- Find and replace across hex data
- Checksum calculation and data comparison
- RAM editor for live memory modification
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and fast
- Simple, clean interface
- Portable version available (no installation)
- Can edit both files and live memory
Cons
- No game-specific scanning features
- Requires understanding of hex values and data types
- No scripting or automation
Best for: Users who want to edit game save files and binary data with a simple hex editor.
12. Hex Workshop, Professional Hex Editor
Platform: Windows | Price: $89.95 (one-time)
Hex Workshop is a professional-grade hex editor with advanced features beyond what HxD offers. It includes structure viewers, data inspectors, and advanced search capabilities that make it powerful for analyzing game file formats and modifying complex game data.
Key Features
- Structure viewer for interpreting binary file formats
- Data inspector for real-time value interpretation
- Advanced find, replace, and goto operations
- Bookmarking and color mapping
- Integrated scripting and macro support
Pros
- Most feature-rich hex editor available
- Structure viewer makes complex files readable
- Professional-grade stability and performance
Cons
- Expensive at $89.95
- Overkill for simple game value edits
- Not a memory scanner, works with files, not running processes
Best for: Professional developers and advanced modders working with game file formats.
13. OllyDbg, Best for Assembly-Level Debugging
Platform: Windows | Price: Free
OllyDbg is a 32-bit assembler-level debugger for Windows that gives you complete control over how a game executes at the CPU instruction level. It is the tool of choice for reverse engineering game logic, not just changing values, but understanding and modifying how the game calculates those values.
Key Features
- Assembly-level code analysis and debugging
- Breakpoints on code, memory access, and conditions
- Full register and stack inspection
- Code patching and NOP-ing instructions
- Plugin support for extended functionality
Pros
- Incredibly powerful for understanding game logic
- Free with strong community and plugin ecosystem
- Can modify how games calculate values, not just the values themselves
Cons
- 32-bit only, does not work with 64-bit games
- Very steep learning curve, requires assembly knowledge
- No longer actively updated (but still widely used)
- Not suitable for beginners at all
Best for: Experienced reverse engineers who want to understand and modify game logic at the assembly level.
14. x64dbg, Best Modern Open-Source Debugger
Platform: Windows | Price: Free (open-source)
x64dbg is the modern successor to OllyDbg that supports both 32-bit and 64-bit applications. It is actively developed, open-source, and has become the go-to debugger for game reverse engineering in 2026. If OllyDbg cannot handle your 64-bit game, x64dbg is the answer.
Key Features
- Full 32-bit and 64-bit debugging support
- Advanced breakpoint system (hardware, software, conditional)
- Built-in assembler and disassembler
- Memory map and module viewer
- Scripting support and plugin architecture
- Active development with regular updates
Pros
- Works with both 32-bit and 64-bit games
- Actively maintained and open-source
- Modern UI with better usability than OllyDbg
- Strong plugin ecosystem
Cons
- Requires assembly language knowledge
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- More of a debugger than a game trainer, no one-click cheats
Best for: Advanced reverse engineers who need a modern, actively-maintained debugger for 64-bit games.
15. Cheat Engine Table Repositories, Best for Ready-Made Cheats
Platform: Windows (requires Cheat Engine) | Price: Free
This is not a standalone tool but rather community-created cheat tables that work with Cheat Engine. Sites like FearLess Cheat Engine and the Cheat Engine forums host thousands of pre-made tables (.CT files) that you can load into Cheat Engine for instant cheats without doing any scanning yourself.
Key Features
- Thousands of pre-made cheat tables for popular games
- One-click activation once loaded into Cheat Engine
- Community-maintained with tables for new releases
- Often includes advanced cheats (teleportation, item spawning, etc.)
Pros
- Free and community-driven
- Covers a massive number of games
- Often more advanced than trainer cheats
- Great for learning Cheat Engine scripting
Cons
- Requires Cheat Engine to be installed
- Quality varies, some tables are outdated or broken
- Tables can break when games update
- Potential security risk from untrusted table authors
Best for: Users who already have Cheat Engine and want ready-made cheats without manual scanning.
How to Choose the Right Cheat Engine Alternative
The best alternative depends on your platform, skill level, and what you want to accomplish. Here is a quick decision guide:
By Platform
- Windows: WeMod (easiest), ArtMoney (simple memory editing), Squalr (advanced open-source)
- macOS: Bit Slicer (the only real option)
- Linux: Scanmem + GameConqueror
- Android: GameGuardian
- Steam Deck: XModHub or CoSMOS
By Skill Level
- Complete beginner: WeMod or XModHub, just click and play
- Want to learn memory editing: ArtMoney or CoSMOS, simpler than Cheat Engine with tutorials
- Intermediate: Squalr or GameGuardian, full memory editing with modern features
- Advanced / Reverse engineering: x64dbg or OllyDbg, assembly-level control
By Use Case
- Quick cheats without learning: WeMod, XModHub, or Cheat Happens
- Editing save files: HxD or Hex Workshop
- Understanding how games work: x64dbg, OllyDbg, or Squalr
- Mobile game modding: GameGuardian
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheat Engine safe to use?
Cheat Engine itself is safe when downloaded from the official website (cheatengine.org). However, the installer may include optional bundled software, so choose the custom installation option and decline any extra installs. Only use Cheat Engine on single-player or offline games to avoid bans.
Can I use these tools in online multiplayer games?
No. Using memory editors or trainers in online multiplayer games is against the terms of service of virtually every game. Anti-cheat systems like VAC, BattlEye, and Easy Anti-Cheat will detect these tools and can permanently ban your account. Only use these tools in offline or single-player modes.
What is the easiest Cheat Engine alternative for beginners?
WeMod is the easiest option, it requires zero technical knowledge. You simply open the app, select your game, and activate the cheats you want. For those who want to learn actual memory editing (a valuable skill), CoSMOS is the best starting point thanks to its built-in guided tutorials.
Is there a Cheat Engine alternative for Mac?
Yes. Bit Slicer is a free, open-source memory editor built specifically for macOS. It provides memory scanning, debugging, and scripting capabilities similar to Cheat Engine but designed as a native Mac application.
Is there a Cheat Engine alternative for Android?
GameGuardian is the most popular Cheat Engine alternative for Android. It provides memory scanning and editing capabilities for mobile games. It requires either a rooted device or a virtual space app to function.
What is the difference between a memory editor and a game trainer?
A memory editor (like Cheat Engine, ArtMoney, or Squalr) lets you manually scan and modify game values in memory. You need to find the right memory addresses yourself. A game trainer (like WeMod, XModHub, or Cheat Happens) provides pre-built cheats for specific games, no scanning required. Trainers are easier but less flexible; memory editors are harder but work with any game.
Final Thoughts
Cheat Engine remains the most powerful free memory editor available, but it is far from the only option. Whether you want the simplicity of WeMod’s one-click trainers, the Mac support of Bit Slicer, the Android capabilities of GameGuardian, or the modern open-source approach of Squalr, there is an alternative that fits your needs.
For most casual gamers, WeMod or XModHub will be more than enough. If you want to actually learn how games store data in memory, a genuinely useful skill for anyone interested in programming or cybersecurity, start with CoSMOS or ArtMoney before moving to Cheat Engine itself.
Remember: always use these tools responsibly and only in single-player or offline games.
