How to change values ​​in games on Android: from simple cheats to deep modification

Modifying game parameters on Android is a topic that worries both casual gamers and hardcore enthusiasts. Someone wants to get endless lives in Candy Crush, others want to level up their character in Genshin Impact without a month-long farming session, and still others are testing mechanics to create their own mods. But before you get into system files or install dubious APKs, it’s worth understanding: not all methods are equally safe, and some can lead to an account ban or crashing the game.

Today we will look at 5 proven methods changes in values - from legal (through official settings) to advanced (using GameGuardian i ADB). Important: Some games are protected by server verification (for example, PUBG Mobile or Clash of Clans), and any changes to the client side may be rolled back or penalized. Therefore, first check whether you are violating the rules of a particular game.

Spoiler: the most reliable method is save editors for offline games. Online projects with anti-cheat (BattlEye, Easy Anti-Cheat) usually block such interventions, but workarounds do exist. Below are the details with step-by-step guide and risk warnings.

1. Official game settings: what can be changed without cheats

Before looking for workarounds, check whether the developer did not provide the ability to configure settings through the menu. Many games allow you to:

• 🎮 Change difficulty (for example, in Plague Inc. or Bloons TD 6)
• 💰 Activate cheat codes (classic of the genre - GTA: San Andreas)
• 🔄 Reset progress for replaying
• 📊 Adjust graphics (FPS, resolution, detail)

Where to look for these options Usually in Settings → Gameplay or Pause menu → Additionally. For example, in Minecraft PE you can enable the creative mode (Settings → World → Game mode), which will give unlimited resources.

Advantage of the method: 100% legal, without the risk of bans or viruses. Disadvantage: opportunities are very limited - you cannot, say, get all the skins in Free Fire or increase damage in Call of Duty: Mobile.

⚠️ Attention: In some games (for example, Among Us), changing settings through the menu may be reset after updating. Always check that the parameters are up to date before starting the session.

2. Save editors: changing values ​​in offline games

If the game is does not require a constant Internet connection, its progress is usually stored locally in save files. They can be edited using special utilities, such as:

• 📱 GameCIH (for older versions of Android)
• 💾 Save Game Editor (universal editor)
• 🎯 Cheat Engine (requires root or emulator)

How does this work?

1. Find the save folder (usually /Android/data/[game package]/files or /sdcard/[game name]).
2. Copy the save file to PC (for example, save.dat or progress.json).
3. Open it in a hexadecimal editor (for example, HxD) or a text editor, if the format is readable.
4. Find the parameter (for example, "gold":1000) and change the value.
5. Save the file and download it back to your phone.

Example for Stardew Valley:

<int name="money">5000</int> → <int name="money">999999</int>

⚠️ Attention: Some games encrypt saves or check their integrity. If after editing the game crashes or resets progress, it means the method did not work.

Make a backup of the original one. file|Check file format (JSON, XML, BIN)|Use a text editor with HEX support|Check changes using one parameter-->

Game	Save format	Is it easy to edit	Risk ban
Minecraft PE	.mcworld (ZIP archive)	Yes (via NBTExplorer)	No
The Room	shared_prefs (XML)	Yes	No
Clash Royale	Server	No	High
Terraria	.plr (binary)	Complicated (needs a HEX editor)	No

3. GameGuardian and analogues: changing values ​​in real time

GameGuardian is the most popular application for modifying game parameters without root access (but with some limitations). It allows you to:

• 💎 Change the number of coins, crystals, experience.
• 🛡️ Make the character invulnerable (immortality).
• ⚡ Speed up/slow down the game time.

Instructions for use:

1. Download GameGuardian from official website (not from Google Play!).
2. Start the game and leave it will work in the background.
3. Open GameGuardian, select the game process.
4. Enter the current value of the parameter (for example, 100 coins).
5. Spend/receive coins in the game so that the value has changed.
6. Enter a new value in GameGuardian and find the address in memory.
7. Change the value to the desired one (for example, 999999).

Important: GameGuardian only works on emulators (BlueStacks, LDPlayer) or on rooted devices. On on pure Android without root, it will show limited functionality.

⚠️ Attention: Anti-cheats like BattlEye or Unity Anti-Cheat detecting GameGuardian as a cheat tool. Use in online games is fraught with (permanent ban).

4. ADB commands: changing system parameters

If the game uses Android global settings (for example, FPS limitation or screen resolution), they can be changed via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method does not directly affect game files, but may indirectly affect gameplay.

Examples of useful commands:

• 🖥️ Change screen resolution (useful for improving FPS):
  

  adb shell wm size 1080x1920

• ⚡ Disable FPS limitation (for games tied to the refresh rate):
  

  adb shell settings put global force_high_refresh_rate 1

• 🔇 Mute sound (if the game does not have its own option):
  

  adb shell media volume --stream 3 --set 0

How to connect ADB:

1. Turn on USB debugging v Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times) → For developers.
2. Connect your phone to the PC and confirm permission to debug.
3. Open the command line and type adb devicesto test the connection.

⚠️ Warning: Some commands (for example, changing DPI) may cause the interface to crash. Before experiments, create a restore point in TWRPif you have root.

What to do if ADB does not see the device?

Make sure that the drivers for your phone model are installed (download from the manufacturer’s website). Try a different USB cable (preferably the original one). Restart your phone and PC. As a last resort, enable the mode PTP instead of MTP in the USB connection settings.

5. Mods and patches: deep modification of APK

If you need dramatically change the game (for example, add new characters or disable advertising), you can use modified APK (MOD APK). Popular sources:

• 🌐 APKMirror (legal modifications)
• 🔧 PlatinMods (mods for premium content)
• 🎮 HappyMod (cheats for popular games)

How to install MOD APK:

1. Download the file from a trusted source (check the reviews!).
2. Uninstall the original game.
3. Enable installation from unknown sources (Settings → Security).
4. Install MOD APK and run.

Risks:

• 🚫 Viruses and spyware (especially in pirated versions).
• 🔒 Account ban (if the game is linked to Google Play Games).
• 🐞 Unstable operation (mods often contain bugs).

6. Root access: full control over the game

If you have rooted phonethe possibilities for modifying games expand significantly. you can:

• 📂 Edit files in /data/data/[game package].
• 🔄 Change libraries (.so files) to bypass anti-cheat.
• 🛠️ Use Xposed Framework for system hooks.

Example: bypass license check in Dead Cells

1. Install Lucky Patcher (requires root).
2. Select the game in the list of applications.
3. Click Patch menu → Remove license verification.
4. Restart the game.

⚠️ Attention: Many banking applications and games with anti-cheat (for example, Pokémon GO) block rooted devices. Use Magisk Hideto hide the root from specific applications.

Popular tools for rooted devices:

Tool	Purpose	Complexity
Lucky Patcher	Removing advertising, license checks	Low
GameGuardian (root)	Changing values in memory	Medium
Xposed + Freedom	Bypassing in-app purchases	High

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing values in games

Is it possible to change values in Genshin Impact without a ban?

No. Genshin Impact uses server checking of all parameters (damage, inventory, progress). Any changes to the client side will lead to a ban. The only legal way is to use official cheat codes (if they appear at events).

Why does the game crash after editing a save?

You probably changed checksum the file or violated its structure. Try:

• Use a specialized editor (for example, Save Editor for [game name]).
• Compare the original and modified file in a HEX editor.
• Change only numeric values without touching service characters.

Does GameGuardian work on Android 14?

Partially. On new versions of Android, Google has tightened the restrictions for background applications. GameGuardian may not see some processes or require additional permissions. An alternative is to use an emulator with Android 9-11.

How to return the original settings if the game is broken?

Recovery methods:

• Delete and reinstall the game (if progress is synchronized with the cloud).
• Restore backup save (if you did it in advance).
• Clear game data in Settings → Applications → [game] → Storage → Clear data.

Can these methods be used on iOS?

On an iPhone without Jailbreaking capabilities are extremely limited. Analog GameGuardian for iOS - iGameGuardian, but it requires jailbreaking. An alternative is Android emulators on PC (BlueStacks, MuMu).