Side by side
BepInEx vs MelonLoader
Both stand on game mod loaders. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+1
BepInEx 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.
Visit BepInEx Free plan Open source AndroidLinuxMac+1
MelonLoader 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.
Visit MelonLoaderThe facts
| BepInEx | MelonLoader | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Mac, Windows | Android, Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | github.com |
| On game mod loaders | #1 of 26 | #3 of 26 |
BepInEx: what it does well
- Supports Unity and .NET Framework game types
- Includes configuration, logging, and patching tools
- Runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS
- Open source under the LGPL-2.1 license
What to know first
- Installation requires manual file placement
- Only Unity Mono has stable releases
- BepInEx 6 documentation is work in progress
- BepInEx 5 plugins do not work with the 6.0.0 pre-release
MelonLoader: what it does well
- Supports Unity games using Mono or Il2Cpp.
- Includes plugin support, load-order control and dependency handling.
- Offers installer and manual installation guidance.
- Linux guide covers WINE, Steam Proton and native use.
- Licensed under Apache License, Version 2.0.
What to know first
- Android and Oculus Quest support is work in progress.
- Windows startup loading uses a Windows-only proxy DLL.
- Il2Cpp games require the .NET 6.0 Desktop Runtime.
Alternatives to BepInEx Alternatives to MelonLoader The whole list