Instead of SMAPI
SMAPI alternatives
SMAPI focuses on loading plugins for Stardew Valley, with support for dependencies, load order, and mod profiles. Version 4.5 adds in-game configuration, performance improvements, automated and attested builds, and malicious-file detection. Its log parser can analyze and share SMAPI logs and suggest fixes for common issues; SMAPI.io also provides a JSON validator and modding resources. The loader is free and supports Android, Linux, macOS, Windows, and Steam Deck, though version 1.6.14 or later is required on Linux, macOS, Windows, and Steam Deck. Its compatibility list is no longer comprehensively updated each month, and its future is in doubt.
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MelonLoader
Free plan Open source AndroidLinuxMac+1Unity game modding across Mono and Il2Cpp — MelonLoader targets Unity games using Il2Cpp or Mono, while SMAPI loads Stardew Valley plugins.
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BepInEx
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+1Unity Mono, IL2CPP, and .NET Framework games — BepInEx adds configuration, logging, and runtime or in-memory patching for Unity and .NET games.
- 3
Hollow Knight Modding API
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsHollow Knight mod compatibility — Hollow Knight Modding API is a game-specific loader used mainly to make Hollow Knight mods compatible.
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ModTek
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsBattleTech mods with dependencies and load order — ModTek dynamically loads BattleTech mods, resolves dependencies, and enforces load order without VersionManifest.csv edits.
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MWSE
Free plan LinuxWindowsMorrowind Lua scripting and event hooks — MWSE extends Morrowind scripting with Lua, event hooks, and patches that raise the mod limit to 1024.
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Satisfactory Mod Loader
Free plan LinuxWindowsSatisfactory multiplayer modding — Satisfactory Mod Loader provides a multiplayer-minded framework for Satisfactory mods written in Blueprint or C++.
- 7
xOBSE
Free plan LinuxWindowsOblivion scripting with existing mod compatibility — xOBSE extends Oblivion scripting and focuses on backward compatibility without modifying game executable files on disk.
- 8
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
The alternatives here serve different games or development environments rather than extending Stardew Valley. Some address Unity or .NET titles broadly, while others center on one game and its modding conventions. Compare the title and operating systems supported, then consider whether you want a loader, a scripting API, developer diagnostics, or tools for dependencies and load order. Installation can range from manual file placement to an installer or manager, and some platforms or build channels have specific caveats. A switch makes sense when the alternative fits the game and workflow you need; it is not a way to keep SMAPI's Stardew Valley support while changing loaders.