Macros are a preset arrangement of commands set to a hot key or combination (such as Alt 5, or Ctrl 9) which are used to make the process of doing said commands easier or quicker to perform. These are often used since multiple actions can be done with just one keystroke. These are very useful in the performance of other computing tasks since it may shorten the time needed to accomplish such tasks.

In on-line gaming, macros are used to carry out simple repetitive tasks for the acquisition of wealth or skill points for the players’ characters. Usually, players will use multiple such entities simultaneously. Most often than not, the product of such activities: the in-game currency, equipment and items of value are then sold for real-life currency which results in an unbalance in the gameplay. And for this reason, it is banned by game operators.

An example of a macro for MapleStory is found below:

1. Left-Right attack + pickup items
Description: Attacks twice, turns left, attacks twice again, turns right, attacks twice(then it loops)picks up items after it attacks

2. Auto-Looter/Pickup-er
Description: Attempts to pick up EVERY item you walk on

Usage:
1. Get AcTool from actool.net
2. Log-in MapleStory then get to your destination
3. Tab out of MapleStory
4. Open AcTool
5. Load the .mac
6. Hit the play button

Others can be found at:

http://www.mpcforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=3313

http://www.mpcforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=3314


- External Software

The most unbalancing cheats usually come from external software. Either the program that runs the game is modified to allow the player to cheat, or other software is run which produces the same results. One particular way to cheat that uses an external software is the installation of an auto-clicker. While an auto-clicker is very useful for other purposes, it is considered to be cheating when used in MMORPG.

An auto-clicker is a program or a method that will allow the user to click or press a button quickly and repeatedly in rapid succession. It is a wonderful little utility used to automate screen mouse clicks at specified intervals. It will automatically click the mouse for you. It is good for applications or web pages that ask you to sit and click for a while to achieve your goals such as online slot machine games, bingo, news and broadcast sites. It is also good for webcam use, such as cam programs that force the user to click to take a picture. Without an auto-clicker it makes it hard to get yourself into a good pose, since you will be limited by the length of your arm and how you can reach the mouse.

The auto-clicker can also help to reduce the stress on your hands and wrists since it will take over repetitive mouse clicking and moving tasks for you. It will, thereby, reduce the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful and possibly debilitating wrist and finger problem. The most common factor that contributes to carpal tunnel syndrome is repetitive finger or hand movements. The less time you spend on repetitive clicking tasks, the better.

But in on-line gaming, an auto-clicker is considered to be banned since “one-click” execution of a complicated series of button-presses is considered to be an “exploit”. It is mainly used to spam skills or actions, or gain an advantage during first-come-first-served events where the first player to click on a particular NPC gets to perform the quest or receive the item.

Not that I am encouraging the use of an auto-clicker, but one can be downloaded from the following links:

http://www.gamerzplanet.net/forums/showthread
Filename: AutoClicker.exe.zip (150.1 KB)

http://www.teamxtcgames.com/files/autoclicker.rar
Filename: Mirror1 (1 MB)

- Ranking up

Some games make use of a global leader board where players are ranked according to how they have advanced in the game. It is completely feasible to cheat your way up to a lofty position in the scoring board through fake accounting. It is when one creates an alternative account to let the person intending to raise his rank win without trying to beat him. Those free wins will help them reach the top of the leader board without having to compete against the other players.