scanmem

scanmem is an interactive utility for finding and changing variable addresses in a running process. You provide a process ID and values observed at different times; successive scans narrow the possible addresses. Its command-line interface supports exact-value searches, comparisons for changed or unchanged values, increases or decreases, snapshots, and string searches when the scan type is set to string. Commands can monitor matches as their values change and set values for selected matches or all known matches. GameConqueror is a graphical front end with a process finder, flexible search syntax, and tools to browse, edit, or lock memory addresses. The command-line frontend is separate from libscanmem, which performs the scans. The project documents Linux use and Android builds with a standalone Android NDK toolchain. Linux interactive commands require libreadline and a mounted /proc filesystem; GameConqueror has additional dependencies. The default scan data type is int, which can be changed with the option command. scanmem is free and open source, with GPLv3 licensing for scanmem and LGPLv3 for libscanmem.

scanmem offers command-line memory scanning and a graphical option through GameConqueror. Users should account for its Linux requirements and the default int scan type when choosing it.

It suits developers and debugging users who need to inspect values in running processes, as well as Linux users seeking GameConqueror’s graphical memory tools. The project describes GameConqueror as a graphical game-cheating tool for Linux.

Overview

scanmem is a free memory-scanning utility for people investigating values inside a running process, particularly Linux users comfortable working with process IDs and command-line tools. Its iterative searches can narrow down a value’s address, while GameConqueror provides a graphical route for users who prefer to browse and edit memory visually.

The trade-off is a distinctly technical setup: scanmem needs Linux runtime components, and the GUI has its own dependencies. It is a strong fit for targeted memory debugging or game-value inspection, but not the right choice for someone seeking a ready-made, cross-platform editor.

Key features

Scanning begins with a process ID and values observed at different times. Exact-value searches and comparisons for changed, unchanged, increased, or decreased values help reduce candidate addresses over successive scans. Snapshots and string searches add flexibility; string scanning requires changing the scan type. Version 0.17 also supports snapshot and update operations for string and bytearray scans.

Once a match is found, commands can monitor its value as it changes and set a value for a selected match or all known matches. The default scan type is int, so searches for other data types require changing the setting with the option command. That is an important configuration detail: a valid search can still be aimed at the wrong kind of value if the default is left unchecked.

scanmem separates its command-line frontend from libscanmem, the library that performs the scans. Version 0.17 adds options to run commands before interactive mode and exit when an initial command fails, useful for repeatable command-driven workflows. GameConqueror adds flexible search syntax, a process finder, a memory browser/editor, and controls for selecting search regions and types, then editing or locking addresses. The GUI broadens access, though its dependency list makes it a more involved option than a lightweight standalone desktop app.

Pricing

scanmem is free: its scanmem plan costs nothing. The project is open source, with GPLv3 for scanmem and LGPLv3 for libscanmem; GameConqueror is also GPLv3. There is no paid tier or trial to weigh, making it suitable for users who want a no-cost tool and can meet its technical requirements.

Platforms

The project describes scanmem as a Linux memory scanner and documents an Android build using a standalone Android NDK toolchain. Linux interactive use requires libreadline and a mounted /proc filesystem. Building from source uses autotools, with instructions for builds both with and without the GUI. GameConqueror requires libscanmem, Python 2 or 3, PyGObject, GTK+ 3, and policykit. The Android build documentation makes Android a project target, but the GUI’s stated requirements are Linux-oriented.

Documentation includes man pages, command-line help, the interactive scanmem prompt, and GameConqueror’s interactive help. The project reports no security policy file and no published security advisories; users handling sensitive processes should factor that into their own assessment.

Who it's for

Choose scanmem if you need to narrow down and modify values in an executing process, and are comfortable with Linux requirements or building from source. It also suits command-line users who want scripted setup commands alongside interactive scanning. GameConqueror is the better route for Linux users who want a process finder and visual memory browser/editor, especially for game-value inspection.

Look elsewhere if you need pointer scanning, a polished cross-platform GUI, or a setup that avoids runtime and build dependencies. The project describes scanmem as a debugging utility and GameConqueror as a graphical game-cheating tool for Linux, so the latter is not a general-purpose visual debugger.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Multiple comparison modes, snapshots, and conditional string searches help narrow candidates when the target value is not known in advance.
• Pro: Monitoring and setting matched values make it possible to follow a changing value and alter selected results from the command line.
• Pro: GameConqueror adds process finding, memory browsing/editing, and variable locking for users who prefer graphical controls.
• Con: The default int scan type can misdirect searches for other data types unless changed explicitly.
• Con: Linux runtime and GUI dependencies, plus source-build instructions, make setup more demanding than a self-contained app.
• Con: The project describes scanmem as Linux-focused, and pointer scanning is not supported.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, see Game Memory Editors.

• MemDBG is a free, open-source option spanning Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows; consider it if platform breadth matters more than scanmem’s documented Linux workflow.
• Squalr is a free, open-source alternative listed for Android, API, Linux, macOS, and Windows; choose it if those platform options better match your needs.
• GameEx is a free, open-source Android alternative.
• ProMod is worth considering for iOS or macOS. Its free ProMod Mobile plan costs nothing, supports iOS 14 to 27, and allows up to six mods toggled on at a time.
• ReClass.NET is a free, open-source Linux and Windows option under the MIT License, supplied without warranty.
• ArtMoney targets Windows users who want a choice between a freeware edition with some features unavailable and a one-time paid Pro edition at $24.90.
• Bit Slicer is a free, open-source alternative for macOS 10.8 or later.
• CoSMOS is free for Linux and Windows, with no registration, locked features, adware, or hidden software.

Verdict

scanmem is a good choice for technically confident Linux users who want free, flexible process-memory scans and direct control over matched values. Its command-line range and optional GameConqueror interface are the reasons to choose it; the Linux-centered requirements, int default, and lack of pointer scanning are the reasons to look elsewhere.