CHEAT CODES
The most common term when referring to game cheats is “Cheat Codes”. These are secret codes typed in during gameplay or while at a menu in the game/console. Cheat Codes usually give you invulnerability, all weapons, more money, level skips, etc... In the beginning these codes were left in the game by the programmers for easier beta testing, but have lately become a regular "feature" like any other option. You should know that cheats are NOT illegal, although their usage may be considered as immoral by some gamers.

TRAINERS
Trainers are designed to modify certain values in memory. So, in order for them to work, you must first start the game. Then, return to windows by pressing [Alt] + [Tab]. Some games refuse to return to windows without something to return to, such as an open Windows Explorer window. One more useful way is to hit your “Win” key on the keyboard…

Now, start the trainer and click any option in the trainer you want enabled. Or, you may take notice of the hotkeys to use during the game. Return to the game with the trainer still loaded so that both the game and trainer are running at the same time. Remember, the trainer has to be loaded in the backgound in order for it to work.

Trainers usually show as 3rd party programs that can either be a TSR (Terminal Stay Resident - usually used for DOS based games), or can remain running while your game is in progress (for Win95 based games). Trainers allow you to turn on and off certain qualities or enhancements that were not included in the original game. This could be Unlimited Lives, Unlimited Money, Invulnerability, etc. The trainer alters the original memory locations to allow you to "Cheat" where you wouldn't be able to do so without it…

What if a trainer won't work!?!

Some trainers require you to load up the trainer first, and then load up the game from the trainer. Most trainers come with a README.TXT file or info (.NFO) file, read these for info on your specific trainer. Remember to try all of the suggested options before giving up on the trainer. It’s best to try things in a different order (trainer-game; game-trainer), than simply give up on the job.

Some games are often released in other countries before they hit US. The trainers will usually work on both International and American versions of the game (when finally released). Sometimes trainers are created for use with DEMO versions of the game and not actually for the final version. The most frequent reason that trainers and cheats appear to be "not working" is due to incompatibility with different versions of the game! 

Some trainers were made using a utility called "Trainer Maker Kit". Few antivirus programs (such as Norton Antivirus, NOD32, AntiVir...) may interpret it as a keylogger virus/trojan. That's why we do not recommend using them unless you're a highly experienced computer user. Furthermore, those files are password-protected. If you're absolutely sure you want to try them, click here for a list of possible passwords.

EDITORS
This is usually a small program that allows the user to modify files saved from the game. These can be saved games, or .ini files containing game-specific information. An editor is basically a front-end for a hex cheat. Someone has created a program to do the editing for you based on user-defined criteria. Since editors modify specific files, you must not have the game loaded, unless otherwise noted (unlike the previously talked about, Trainers). Also, you will usually have to put editors in the directory where you installed the game. Editors also might only work for a specific version of the game.

UHS
UHS is short for "Universal Hint System". This is a program that will only give you the hints you need, from hints to full answers. UHS modules end with the .uhs extension and you will need the base program. Download it here.

COMMAND-LINE CHEATING
Some games require using of command-line parameters. To start the game with command line parameters you need to do the following: Right click on the game icon, select properties and a new screen should pop up. Add the required parameter at the end of the target field. For example, if you need to start the game with ' -devmode' parameter, target line should look similar to this:

"C:\Program Files\Game\game.exe" -devmode

As you can see, the required parameter is located at the very end of the line outside the quotes that initially were there, and there is also a blank space in front of it. The following two examples WON'T work:

"C:\Program Files\Game\game.exe"-devmode
"C:\Program Files\Game\game.exe -devmode"
"C:\Program Files\Game\game.exe-devmode"

All you need to do then is to click Apply to save changes and then run the game using that shortcut.

HEX CHEATING
Hex editing allows you to alter the game by changing values stored in the original .EXE or data files so before you do any editing, always make a backup first!!! Please see the documentation that came with the hex editor of your choice for more info. We recommend you WinHex, Hex Workshop, Hex Edit, Advanced Hex Editor, Cygnus Hex Editor..

SAVE GAME
This is a copy of a "saved game file" from a particular game. This might be a game saved after completing a very difficult level, or simply with modified characters for easy gameplay. These files should be copied into the appropriate save-game directory of the game you are playing. Make a backup of your saved game before this operation, just in case it won't work…

WALKTHROUGHS
No need to explain this cheat type :)

STRATEGY GUIDES
This is more of a guide to help the player with different tactics and approaches to win the game. This is used mostly for strategy games and simulations, but lately also for action/multiplayer games like Quake2 and Unreal.