scanmem

Overview

scanmem is a free, open-source utility for finding and changing values in a running process. It suits Linux users who are comfortable working with process IDs and memory scans, including people debugging software or investigating game values. Its command line offers several ways to narrow a search; GameConqueror adds a graphical route, but brings its own requirements.

Key features

Scanning starts with a process ID and values observed at different times. Repeated scans narrow the possible addresses, so scanmem can help when a value is not easy to identify from a single observation. The command-line tool supports exact-value searches, changed or unchanged comparisons, increased or decreased comparisons, snapshots, and string searches when the scan type is set to string. Version 0.17 adds snapshot and update support for string and bytearray scans.

Commands can monitor a match as its value changes, then set a value for one selected match or for all known matches. The default scan type is int; users working with another kind of value need to change it with the option command. That default is worth checking before interpreting results.

scanmem separates its command-line frontend from libscanmem, the library that performs the scans. The command line also supports scripting: version 0.17 added options to run commands before entering interactive mode and to exit if an initial command fails. This gives repeatable workflows more scope than a purely prompt-driven tool.

GameConqueror is the graphical front end, described as a game-cheating tool for Linux. It provides flexible search syntax, a process finder, a memory browser and editor, and variable locking; users can search values, select search regions and types, and edit or lock chosen addresses. It is a practical alternative to entering commands, though its separate dependencies make setup more involved than the scanmem command line alone.

Pricing

scanmem is free: its plan costs nothing, with no free trial. The project lists GPLv3 for scanmem, LGPLv3 for libscanmem, and GPLv3 for GameConqueror. There are no paid tiers to weigh against the free version.

Platforms

The project describes scanmem as a Linux memory scanner and documents an Android build using a standalone Android NDK toolchain. The README requires libreadline for interactive commands and a mounted /proc filesystem. Building from source uses autotools, with instructions for builds with or without the GUI.

GameConqueror requires libscanmem, Python 2 or 3, PyGObject, GTK+ 3, and policykit. Those dependencies are a meaningful setup consideration for anyone who wants the graphical interface rather than the command line.

Who it's for

scanmem fits Linux developers and technically minded users who need to track a process variable across successive observations, or who want to inspect and change game values. Its command line is the better fit for users comfortable with a prompt, while GameConqueror offers search and editing controls for those who prefer a GUI and can meet its dependencies.

It is not a strong fit for someone seeking a polished, general-purpose visual debugger or a tool with a simpler setup across desktop platforms. The project points users to man pages, command-line help, the interactive prompt, and GameConqueror's interactive help for guidance.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Multiple comparison modes, snapshots, and string searches help narrow candidates even when the target is known by how it changes.
• Pro: Monitoring, value editing, and GameConqueror's locking and memory browser cover both observing and changing selected values.
• Pro: The free, open-source project separates its scanning library from the command-line frontend, and supports scripted startup commands.
• Con: The default data type is int, so users scanning other kinds of values must change the option before searching.
• Con: Interactive command use requires libreadline and a mounted /proc filesystem; the GUI adds several dependencies of its own.
• Con: The project describes the scanner as Linux-focused; Android use is documented as a build using the NDK standalone toolchain, not as a ready-made cross-platform desktop workflow.

Alternatives

For a broader range of platforms, DOSBox Cheat Engine is a free, open-source option for Linux, macOS, web, and Windows, but requires DOSBox Staging 0.83 or later. ReClass.NET is another free, open-source choice for Linux and Windows. CoSMOS is free on Linux and Windows, with no registration, locked features, adware, or hidden software.

MemDBG is free and open source, with platform coverage spanning Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows. For a Linux-only alternative, PINCE is free, open source, and GPLv3+, and is described as a Linux reverse engineering tool. Mac users can consider Bit Slicer, free open-source software for macOS 10.8 or later. Squalr is a free, open-source option spanning Android, API, Linux, macOS, and Windows; Game Cheetah is free and covers Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Browse the Game Memory Editors category to compare more options.

Verdict

Choose scanmem if you want a free Linux scanner that can progressively narrow process values and monitor or edit matches, with GameConqueror available when a graphical interface matters. Look elsewhere if you need a straightforward cross-platform desktop tool or prefer not to manage the Linux and GUI dependencies.