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Best Game Mod Loaders in 2026
A game mod loader provides a way to load mods or plugins for supported games. Start by comparing supported games and platforms with the titles and systems you use, then look at mod loading method, dependency handling, and load-order control. Mod profiles and plugin support can help distinguish how loaders organize a setup. Free-plan availability and paid-from pricing are additional points to check. MelonLoader, SMAPI, and BepInEx are among the entries, alongside ModTek and MWSE. Compare the listed details with the games you play and the kind of mod setup you want to manage.
- 26 apps
- Research read 23 Sept 2026
- How the order is worked out
- 1
BepInEx
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+1BepInEx provides mod loading and plugin development tools for several game frameworks. Check the game's compatibility and choose a build carefully, especially where stable support matters.
- 2
Baldur's Gate 3 Script Extender
Free plan Open source APILinuxWindowsThe extender offers scripting, debugging, and logging capabilities for Baldur's Gate 3 modding. Check the game-version requirement and license condition before using or distributing related work.
- 3
MelonLoader
Free plan Open source AndroidLinuxMac+1MelonLoader provides a free route to loading mods and plugins in Unity games, with guidance for Windows and Linux use. Android and Oculus Quest support is still marked as work in progress.
- 4
Cyber Engine Tweaks
Free plan LinuxWindowsCyber Engine Tweaks provides scripting, modding, and developer tools for Cyberpunk 2077. Install RED4ext first, and expect to restart the game after changing its patches.
- 5
Everest
Free plan APILinuxMac+1Everest provides mod loading, installation options, and debugging tools for Celeste across Windows, macOS, and Linux. Check the game-store limitation, and note that Olympus may fail.
- 6
Hollow Knight Modding API
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsHollow Knight Modding API is a focused dependency for Hollow Knight mod setups, with mod loading and ordering support.
- 7
Hell2Modding
Free plan MacWindowsHell2Modding provides a game-specific framework with mod profiles and load-order control.
- 8
ModTek
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsModTek provides startup loading, dependency handling, and load-order control for BattleTech mods.
- 9
SMAPI
Free plan AndroidLinuxMac+1SMAPI provides mod-loading tools and creator resources for Stardew Valley, with a free plan.
- 10
Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE)
Free plan WindowsPick F4SE if you mod Fallout 4 on Windows using a Steam or GOG version and need expanded scripting support.
- 11
MWSE
Free plan LinuxWindowsMWSE gives Morrowind mod authors expanded scripting options, event hooks and diagnostic output. Its unsandboxed mod model and required dependencies are important considerations before installation.
- 12
Satisfactory Mod Loader
Free plan LinuxWindowsChoose SML if you want a free framework for loading Satisfactory mods, with multiplayer support and developer helpers. Use the Satisfactory Mod Manager for installation.
- 13
RED4ext
Free plan WindowsRED4ext provides plugin loading and SDK tools for modders working with Cyberpunk 2077 scripting. Check its Windows focus and plugin build requirements before setting up a plugin.
- 14
REDmod
Free plan WindowsREDmod combines mod creation tools with ways to install, deploy, and manage supported mods for Cyberpunk 2077.
- 15
- 16
Northstar
Free plan LinuxWindowsChoose Northstar if you own Titanfall 2 on PC and want community servers, custom content, or tools for running a server.
- 17
ScriptHookVDotNet
Free plan WindowsChoose ScriptHookVDotNet if you want to build Grand Theft Auto V Story Mode scripts in .NET on Windows PC, with guided APIs and documented common uses.
- 18
Venice Unleashed
Free plan LinuxWindowsChoose Venice Unleashed if you own Battlefield 3 and want community mods, private servers, or a separate environment with everything unlocked.
- 19
Starfield Script Extender
Free plan WindowsPick SFSE if you play Starfield on Windows through Steam and need additional scripting capabilities or plugin support.
- 20
Ultimate ASI Loader
Free plan WindowsChoose Ultimate ASI Loader if you want a free way to load ASI plugins into a supported Windows game. Look elsewhere if you need load-order control, mod profiles, or dependency handling.
- 21
xOBSE
Free plan LinuxWindowsxOBSE offers Oblivion modders expanded scripting without permanent changes to the game executable on disk.
- 22
xNVSE
Free plan WindowsxNVSE provides expanded scripting for supported Windows editions of Fallout: New Vegas without permanent executable changes. Installation and game-version restrictions require careful attention.
- 23
Hades Mod Importer
Free plan MacWindows - 24
Unity
Free planChoose Unity if you want a free Java Edition resource pack that keeps Minecraft’s traditional look while adding subtle visual changes.
- 25
CLEO
Paid iPhoneWindowsCLEO offers script-based modding across a range of listed games, with plugin and scripting tools for developers.
#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price
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