Diagram: an internal cheat runs inside the game process, an external cheat runs as a separate program next to the game
Internal: the cheat’s code runs inside the game. External: the cheat is its own program and reads from the game.

What is an internal cheat?

An internal cheat runs inside the game’s own process. Because it sits next to the game’s code, it can call the game’s functions directly and add its own menu to the game.

That’s why most mod menus are internal. They do more than show information: they spawn vehicles and objects, change your player and weapons, unlock items and run Lua scripts.

Examples from our shop:

What is an external cheat?

An external cheat runs as its own program, outside the game. It reads information from the game, such as where other players are, and shows it in an overlay drawn over the game or in a separate window.

External cheats are best known for ESP, radar, aimbot and triggerbot features. Some go further: Jupiter, an external tool for GTA V Enhanced, also covers player, vehicle, weapon and world options. New to these terms? Our cheat glossary explains each one in a sentence or two.

Examples from our shop:

Internal vs external at a glance

InternalExternal
Where it runsInside the game’s processAs its own program, next to the game
How you see itA menu inside the gameAn overlay over the game, or its own window
Typical featuresSpawning, player and vehicle options, recovery, Lua scriptsESP, radar, aimbot, triggerbot, loot information
Typical products in our shopMod menus for GTA V, and some CS2 cheatsCheats for Rust, Apex Legends, DayZ and other shooters
ExamplesCherax, Stand, Lexis, MemeSense, TZ Project, Atlas SCUMJupiter, Pellix, TZX Project, Kernaim, SMBIOS
Can it get you banned?Yes, like any cheatYes, like any cheat

One developer, both versions: TZ Project and TZX

The clearest example in our shop is on FiveM. TZ Project is an internal PvP tool, from € 3.99 1 Day. TZX Project is its external version, which runs as a separate application, from € 4.99 1 Day. Same developer, same goal, two ways of working. Each is its own product with its own key. Our FiveM comparison gives the type of every FiveM product we sell.

Which one should you choose?

Start from what you want to do, not from the type:

  • You want a mod menu that changes the game (spawn cars, edit stats, run scripts): look at internal mod menus. Our guide to the best GTA 5 mod menus compares them.
  • You want ESP or aim help in a competitive shooter: both types exist. Our Rust cheats and most of our Apex Legends cheats are external, while in CS2 you’ll find both. Our comparisons of CS2 cheats and Rust cheats give the type of each one.
  • You stream or record: check the product page. Several external cheats we sell say their overlay doesn’t show up in recordings (streamproof).
  • In every case: check the game version, the Windows versions supported and any anti-cheat notes on the product page. If something isn’t clear, ask us on Discord.

Is external safer? Don’t choose on that basis. Developers of both types say their cheats are hard to detect, and anti-cheats look for both. Any cheat, internal or external, can get your account banned.

Browse FiveM cheats Browse CS2 cheats Browse Rust cheats

Frequently asked questions

Is a mod menu internal or external?

Most mod menus are internal: they run inside the game so they can change it. In our GTA V range, Jupiter is the exception: it’s an external tool for GTA V Enhanced.

Are external cheats undetectable?

No. No cheat is undetectable, internal or external. Anti-cheat systems look for both, and any cheat can lead to a ban.

Can an external cheat do everything an internal one can?

Not always. External cheats focus on reading the game and showing information, like ESP and radar, plus aim features. Some, like Jupiter for GTA V, offer much more. Check the feature list on the product page.

Does the type change how I set it up?

Setup depends on each product, not only on its type. Follow the developer’s own guide, or see the product’s page on docs.eldromods.com.

Are TZ Project and TZX Project the same product?

No. They come from the same developer, but TZ Project is internal and TZX Project is external. Each one is sold separately with its own key.