Converting codes for PNACH use
Introduction
This guide will explain how to convert various codes to raw codes for use with pnach files. A lot of people don't seem to know how to create a proper cheat code from existing codes and they'll usually end up asking the same question on the Forum: "How to get xx code to work, please help!" With this guide you'll not only learn how to convert the codes, but you'll also know how to recognize most codes so that you know which code type you're actually dealing with. There will also be a section later explaining how the RAW codes work in PCSX2, and how you can recognize those as well.
Different types of codes
There are various types of codes such as Codebreaker, AR-MAX, GS, XPloder, etc. PCSX2 makes use of raw codes that are placed inside a .pnach file. Most of the codes found on the web are not always in raw format, so you'll have to convert them first. But what do each codes look like? Let's take a look.
Codebreaker
This is one of the most common codes you'll find. Well-known sites like CodeTwink use these codes and are usually in V1.0+ format. (Sometimes you can also find them in V7+ format).
An example code of the game Silent Hill 4:
| Codename | Codebreaker V1.0+ | Raw |
|---|---|---|
| Infinite Health | 2A73077A 447A0000 | 2045A548 447A0000 |
AR-MAX
Another major website for codes are:
This site's codes usually are AR-MAX codes. These look a lot different from codebreaker or raw codes and are therefore easily recognized.
An example code, taking a code from the game Star Ocean 3
| Codename | AR-MAX | Raw |
|---|---|---|
| Max Money When Item Is Sold | P2QP-VA71-PVXBD ET8B-MYX4-HMZJ6 E0WD-34UU-WG7GR | D02F9E92 00004402 202F9E8C 00000000 |
Converting various types of cheats codes
To convert Codebreaker and other codes into RAW code, the format that PCSX2 uses in its .pnach file, you need a programme called ‘Omniconvert’. I am not sure I can link it here, so you will have to find it yourself. Once you have it with you, follow the steps below:
- Open the programme.
- Now select the ‘Input’ menu and choose the code name and version you are trying to convert. (Never select and choose any option from the ‘Unencrypted’ menu in the ‘Input’ menu because the code you are trying to convert will probably be encrypted)
- Then select the ‘Output’ menu, select the ‘Unencrypted’ menu and choose the ‘Standard’ option. (This means that you will convert your code to RAW format, the format that PCSX2 uses in its .pnach file)
- In the ‘Input’ text box, enter the name of the cheat code and its code.
- Select the ‘Convert’ option and the ‘Output’ text box will show the converted code in RAW format.
Conclusion
Now you know how to convert the different types of cheat codes into RAW format so that they can be used in PCSX2. That is it, all that is left is to create a .pnach file with a text editor like ‘Notepad’, paste the code and name into it and save it as [game-crc-code].pnach (enter your game crc code there, which can be obtained from the PCSX2 ‘Game Properties’ menu) inside the ‘cheats’ folder in the PCSX2 directory.
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