Older PC video game save Hacking

Step 3 Now the hacking part

Now that you are in the save folder you should see the files that hold what you are looking for, but before you change the files you should make backup copies of all save files just in case you mess up (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED). after you have done that click the file to open it. the cannot open file should open up. in that window click select a program from a list, then click ok. once you have done that find Notepad and select it then click ok to open the file. once open there should be lots of readable text that you may understand by playing the game (ex big monster level=0 life+10 speed=5) try adjusting the numbers to give that character an edge don't set the numbers too high or the game might not work. many other things may be accomplished too like unlimited money, all items, and much more. once you are done with the file then save it DO NOT CHANGE THE EXTENSION OR THE FILE WILL NOT WORK! after you save it find out if the file works. to do this run the game and load the file you have modified. if the game runs, and you have everything you changed then it worked, on the outer hand if the game crashes then there is a problem. the best way to fix it is to replace the file with the backup copy and start over. (This Process may only work on older games)

Hacking to your advantage may be considered cheating, but it sure brings life back to a dead game.
H4x0R's gaming motto "If you can not beat a game, then modify it in your favor!"
this is my first Instructable i hope you like it!

Comments

[vbexpressrocker]

IE is poop!

[BlueRaja]

Just because a save-file format is non-human-readable doesn't mean it's "encrypted." I highly doubt any game would go through the trouble of encrypting its save-files - it's pointless. Remember, all these games are programmed by humans, who are free to create a savefile format however they want - whether it be in plaintext or binary. This tutorial is pointless.

[rik3098]

no im sure there done by COMPUTERS now

[spartan 2209]

Well, you're wrong.

[Jimpiedepimpie]

I haxord rome total war couse i was too lazy to complete the game and unlock all(unlockable) factions What i did I haxord it and now i can play all of em!

[jirtan]

I'm skeptical as to how many games this trick will work with. You should talk about what the maximum numbers usually are for common data types (ex: char or byte is 255), and how to compare and contrast two save files with a hex editor. Go into the game, save it, go back into the game and change just one value (like life), and save it again. Then compare the two files to find out which section has the value you want (life). This is made even easier when you have multiple save files and a program that will automatically compare them for you.

[tommylovesjamie]

The problem with that particular method is that you also have to deal with the fact that some games also change time as well as other values when you play them. If the game does use encrypted save files, however, you are spot on with your method, it helps to narrow down which places are actually important. One thing I tend to do is just search online and see if someone else has maybe already made a save editor for the game I am playing (I know, lazy man's solution).

[Conexion]

Yeah, it does work... but it won't work for many. Usually any game made past the mid-90's encrypts their save files. Good job though.

[mythbusterma]

ummm im sorry but i play games form 2006 that work like this

[macyrlivyed]

So un-encrypt them. Its pretty easy. There are programs on the internet that will do just about everything. IE homework! : )

[andyhuntdesigns]

You use IE? Ew.

[zaery]

I think he meant to say the abbreviation for "id est" Although, i do agree that I.E. is gross

[macyrlivyed]

Nice.

[logan996]

not bad thanks for the on insperation (it's really easy to do this but i never really thought of it)