Instead of MelonLoader
MelonLoader alternatives
MelonLoader is a free mod loader for Unity games using Mono or Il2Cpp. It supports both mods and plugins, with dependency handling and load-order control, and offers installer-guided or manual installation. Its debug mode is intended for developing and debugging the loader, plugins, and mods. Logs go into a folder in the game installation directory. It covers Windows, Linux, and macOS; Android and Oculus Quest support is still a work in progress. Il2Cpp games require the .NET 6.0 Desktop Runtime, which is installed automatically on Windows.
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SMAPI
Free plan AndroidLinuxMac+1Stardew Valley players seeking configuration and performance features — Unlike MelonLoader’s Unity focus, SMAPI is a Stardew Valley loader with in-game configuration and compatibility with GOG and Steam achievements.
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BepInEx
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+1Unity and .NET Framework games needing patching tools — BepInEx supports Unity and .NET Framework games, with built-in configuration, logging, and runtime and in-memory assembly patching.
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Hollow Knight Modding API
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsHollow Knight players managing mod compatibility — Unlike MelonLoader’s broad Unity scope, this API is for Hollow Knight and mainly provides compatibility between mods.
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ModTek
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsBattleTech players needing dependency and load-order management — ModTek targets HBS’s BattleTech and loads self-contained mods while resolving dependencies and enforcing load order.
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MWSE
Free plan LinuxWindowsMorrowind modders building event-driven Lua modifications — MWSE expands Morrowind scripting with Lua event hooks and does not sandbox mods, unlike MelonLoader’s Unity mod and plugin loading.
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Satisfactory Mod Loader
Free plan LinuxWindowsSatisfactory modders focused on multiplayer — Satisfactory Mod Loader provides a framework for Satisfactory mods, with multiplayer support and mod-manager integration.
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xOBSE
Free plan LinuxWindowsOblivion modders seeking expanded scripting capabilities — xOBSE expands scripting for Oblivion and does not modify game executable files on disk, unlike MelonLoader’s Unity-focused injection.
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Baldur's Gate 3 Script Extender
Free plan Open source APILinuxWindows - 9
Cyber Engine Tweaks
Free plan LinuxWindows - 10
Everest
Free plan APILinuxMac+1 - 11
Hell2Modding
Free plan MacWindows - 12
Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE)
Free plan Windows - 13
RED4ext
Free plan Windows - 14
REDmod
Free plan Windows - 15
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Northstar
Free plan LinuxWindows - 17
ScriptHookVDotNet
Free plan Windows - 18
Venice Unleashed
Free plan LinuxWindows - 19
Starfield Script Extender
Free plan Windows - 20
Ultimate ASI Loader
Free plan Windows - 21
xNVSE
Free plan Windows - 22
Hades Mod Importer
Free plan MacWindows - 23
Unity
Free plan - 24
CLEO
Paid iPhoneWindows
A game-specific loader may fit better than a general Unity tool, especially when its game or modding approach differs from MelonLoader’s. The alternatives here range from Stardew Valley support and BattleTech mod management to expanded scripting for Morrowind and Oblivion. Before switching, weigh the game and engine each supports, whether you need plugin compatibility, scripting or dependency management, and the installation steps and operating systems involved. Some choices are narrowly tied to one game, while others support multiple game engines or modding frameworks.