In the vast and punishing world of Elden Ring, collecting runes is a core part of leveling up, upgrading weapons, and advancing through the game. Because rune farming can be time-consuming, some players search for shortcuts. One of the most talked-about tools in this space is Cheat Engine—a memory-scanning software that some players use to manipulate game data, including rune values. But is it worth it? Is it safe? And how does it impact your experience? Let’s explore the facts, along with my personal experience.
Cheat Engine is a third-party program used to modify single-player games. In Elden Ring, some players use it to artificially increase their rune count, spawn Elden Ring items, or alter character stats. It's not officially supported by the developers, and using it comes with risks—especially if you're connected to online servers.
Technically, Cheat Engine can modify your rune count in offline mode. However, it’s not “safe” in the way most players hope:
I’ll admit: I was curious. After struggling with a few early bosses and feeling stuck, I downloaded Cheat Engine and gave myself 500,000 runes just to see how it felt.
At first, it was satisfying. I leveled up quickly, upgraded my gear, and stomped through early areas with ease. But it didn’t take long for the magic to wear off. Without the constant threat of loss or the need to improve, the game felt empty. Boss fights became chores. Exploring new regions lost its meaning.
Worse, when I forgot to disable online mode, I ended up being shadowbanned. I could no longer summon help or invade other players. That made co-op and PvP—two of the best parts of Elden Ring—completely inaccessible.
I eventually restarted the game, this time playing completely legit. It was harder, but far more rewarding. Every level I earned, every item I found, and every victory felt earned.
If you’re looking for ways to get more runes without cheating, consider these legitimate options:
Using Cheat Engine for runes in Elden Ring might seem tempting, especially when you're stuck or underpowered. But in my experience, it ends up hurting more than it helps. You risk bans, bugs, and the loss of what makes Elden Ring special: the sense of achievement.
If you're struggling, look for farming guides, rune-boosting gear, or other legitimate strategies. Or, if you want instant help, consider purchasing runes safely from a trusted marketplace. But steer clear of Cheat Engine if you want to preserve your save, your access to online features, and your enjoyment of the game.
Q1: Can I use Cheat Engine to get unlimited runes in Elden Ring?
Yes, you can technically use Cheat Engine in offline mode to increase your rune count. However, it is not recommended due to the risks of save corruption and bans.
Q2: Will I get banned for using Cheat Engine in Elden Ring?
If you use Cheat Engine while connected to Elden Ring’s online servers, you may be shadowbanned. This prevents you from accessing co-op and PvP features, and you’ll only be matched with other cheaters.
Q3: Does Cheat Engine work in offline mode safely?
While it can work in offline mode, there’s still a risk of damaging your save file or experiencing game instability. Always back up your save before using any cheat software.
Q4: Is using Cheat Engine worth it for rune farming?
Based on personal experience, no. It removes the challenge and reward structure that makes Elden Ring enjoyable, and it often leads to regret and reduced motivation to play.
Q5: What are safer alternatives to Cheat Engine for rune farming?
You can:
Q6: Can using Cheat Engine affect my entire Elden Ring save file?
Yes. If used improperly, Cheat Engine can corrupt your save, causing crashes or progression issues. Some changes may even be irreversible.
Q7: How can I remove a Cheat Engine ban in Elden Ring?
There is no official way to remove a shadowban. You may need to start a new save, reinstall the game, and avoid online mode on any cheated accounts.