Hollow Knight Modding API

Hollow Knight Modding API is a free loader and compatibility layer for players building a Hollow Knight mod setup. It suits players whose chosen mods depend on it, and developers who want the repository’s examples and API documentation; it is not a general-purpose mod manager.

Overview

The API’s main role is to let Hollow Knight mods work together: it does little by itself, but several mods require it to run. It loads mods through injection and supports load-order control, which makes it useful as a shared foundation when a setup depends on multiple compatible mods. Its scope is strictly Hollow Knight, so players modding other games need a different tool.

The latest listed release is ModdingAPI v77 for Hollow Knight 1.5.78.11833. That specific pairing matters: players should match the release to the game version their setup uses rather than assume it supports every Hollow Knight build.

Key features

Mod compatibility and ordering

Compatibility is the API’s central value, not a broad feature set of its own. Injection and load-order control give dependent mods a common way to load, but the API should be viewed as infrastructure rather than a standalone gameplay mod.

Installation and development

Players can copy the release ZIP contents into the Hollow Knight game folder or install through Scarab. The repository also includes mod-development examples, and the project links to DocFX API documentation, giving developers a starting point for building against the API.

Removal and license

Steam and GOG users are instructed to verify or repair the game installation to remove the API. That is a practical recovery path, though it is less direct than simply deleting a dedicated application. Distributed under the MIT license, the software comes as-is, without warranty or liability coverage.

Pricing

Hollow Knight Modding API — free. It is open source under the MIT license, with no paid tiers or usage limits stated. There is no trial to consider: the free plan is the offering. This suits players who need a required mod dependency without a software charge, but it does not broaden the tool beyond Hollow Knight.

Platforms

The API supports Windows, Linux, and macOS. The latest listed release provides checksums for all three operating systems. Hollow Knight is the only supported game.

Who it's for

This is the right choice for Hollow Knight players whose mods require the API, especially when load order and compatibility between mods matter. Developers can also use its examples and API documentation. It is not the right fit for people looking for a loader spanning several games or a tool with a broader role than supporting Hollow Knight mods.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free and open source under the MIT license, so there is no software fee for a required dependency.
• Pros: Injection-based loading and load-order control support mod setups that need an API layer.
• Pros: Scarab installation, developer examples, and linked API documentation serve both players and mod authors.
• Cons: Its only supported game is Hollow Knight, limiting its usefulness outside that community.
• Cons: The API does little on its own; its value depends on using mods that require it.
• Cons: Removing it through Steam or GOG involves verifying or repairing the game installation.

Alternatives

For a broader choice of mod-loading tools, browse the Game Mod Loaders directory.

• MelonLoader is a free option for Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows; choose it when that platform coverage is a better fit than a Hollow Knight-specific dependency.
• SMAPI is free and requires Stardew Valley 1.6.14 or later on Linux, macOS, Windows, or Steam Deck; pick it for that game rather than Hollow Knight.
• BepInEx is a free, open-source option for Linux, macOS, and Windows with manual installation and stable and bleeding-edge builds; it suits users seeking those build choices.
• ModTek is a free mod loader for the BattleTech PC game; choose it for BattleTech.
• MWSE is free for Linux and Windows under the GNU GPL, with no warranty; it is an alternative for users whose needs match that platform support.
• Satisfactory Mod Loader is free for Linux and Windows, with a Windows client and server and a Linux server; choose it for Satisfactory.
• xOBSE is free for Linux and Windows and offers a downloadable GitHub release; consider it as another game-specific loader.
• Baldur's Gate 3 Script Extender is free to obtain under its published license, whose Commons Clause restricts selling software whose value substantially derives from it; choose it for Baldur's Gate 3.

Verdict

Choose Hollow Knight Modding API when your Hollow Knight mods depend on it: its free, open-source loader provides the compatibility and ordering support that makes those setups possible. Look elsewhere if you need a tool for another game, since this API has no wider game scope.