Guide to Modifying Boat Speed in Virtual Skipper 5 Using Cheat Engine
Introduction
This guide walks through the process of modifying your boat speed during multiplayer races in Virtual Skipper 5 using Cheat Engine, including steps for setup, memory scanning, testing in multiplayer, and tips for ensuring stability.
Although Cheat Engine is typically designed to work with single-player games, the unique peer-to-peer (P2P) server/client networking of Virtual Skipper 5 makes it possible to use Cheat Engine in multiplayer mode. This allows you to gain a speed advantage and make your boat faster compared to others on the same server.
The scenario described below utilizes two PC’s on a local network, but the same method can be used when engaged in online multiplayer races on any network.
Requirements
- Vsk5, Vsk5Online or Vsk5Offline installed on both the host and client PCs.
- Cheat Engine installed on the host PC (and optionally on the client PC if needed).
- Two PCs connected on the same local network or through the internet.
- Basic knowledge of Cheat Engine scanning techniques.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Setup: Host PC (Server)
- Install Virtual Skipper 5 on the host PC.
- Launch the game and create a local or public server by hosting a multiplayer session.
- Find the IP address and port being used for the game and keep this information for client PC configuration.
- Launch Cheat Engine and attach it to the VSK5 process once the game is running.
2. Setup: Client PC (Player)
- Install Virtual Skipper 5 on the client PC.
- Use the IP address and port from the host PC to join the multiplayer session hosted on the host PC.
3. Scanning for Boat Speed Using Cheat Engine (Host PC)
- While the host PC is controlling their boat in-game, note the current boat speed from the game’s interface (e.g., 12.1 knots).
- In Cheat Engine:
- Open the VSK5 process.
- Perform an Initial Scan for the boat speed value (e.g., 12.1). Make sure you choose the correct value type (likely `Float` or `Double`).
- Change the boat speed by adjusting your sailing angle or conditions in the game.
- Perform a Next Scan in Cheat Engine for the new speed value.
- Repeat the scan process as needed until you narrow down the results to a single or a few addresses.
4. Modifying Boat Speed
- Once you have isolated the memory address for your boat speed, modify the value directly in Cheat Engine (e.g., change the speed to 20.0).
- Return to the game and observe how your boat's speed changes in real-time.
5. Testing in Multiplayer
- While Cheat Engine is normally designed for single-player games, the P2P networking architecture of VSK5 enables these changes to affect multiplayer sessions.
- As the host PC, your boat will experience the speed modification, and other players on the server will see your boat moving at the modified speed.
- The client PC (second player) will see the host's boat moving at the faster speed, but their own boat speed will not change unless they modify it using Cheat Engine as well.
6. Pointer Scanning for Consistent Addresses
- To ensure that your boat speed modification is consistent across sessions, perform a pointer scan in Cheat Engine. This will help locate the base address so the changes persist between restarts.
Testing Modifications on Your Own Server
- You can simulate a full multiplayer session by hosting the game on the host PC and joining it with the client PC, allowing you to monitor changes across multiple instances.
- Keep an eye on game stability and any potential crashes when running Cheat Engine in multiplayer mode. Since VSK5 is based on a P2P architecture, Cheat Engine modifications on the host will influence how other players see your boat.
Considerations for Multiplayer Usage
- Game Stability: Be mindful of potential instability when using Cheat Engine in multiplayer mode. Modifying values in real-time can occasionally cause the game to crash or behave unpredictably.
- Server Host vs. Player: Remember that modifications made on the host PC will not automatically affect players joining from other PCs unless Cheat Engine is used on their end as well.
Conclusion
With the steps outlined in this guide, you now have the knowledge to modify boat speed in Virtual Skipper 5 using Cheat Engine. While the guide focuses on boat speed, the same scanning techniques can be applied to other game parameters. This tool offers the potential for extensive modifications and can be tested in local multiplayer environments to verify effectiveness. The unique P2P architecture of Virtual Skipper 5 allows Cheat Engine to affect multiplayer sessions, giving you a significant speed advantage during races.
Expanding the Use of Cheat Engine
If desired, you can explore more sophisticated uses of Cheat Engine, such as fetching multiple telemetry variables (e.g., boat speed, wind speed, wind angles) and creating a custom telemetry dashboard:
- Use Cheat Engine to scan for relevant data and export it to a local app or browser-based dashboard.
Additional Memory Scanning for telemetry (For Wind Speed, Angles, etc.)
- You can use similar techniques to scan for other variables like wind speed, wind angle, or other telemetry data.
- Use the same scanning method to isolate these variables and modify them as desired.