BepInEx
BepInEx: A free, open-source loader for multi-framework desktop game modding. Ranked #2 of 26 in Game Mod Loaders by our editors (9.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for multi-framework game modding.
At a glance
- Editor score9.2 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forMulti-framework game modding
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Plugin supportYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports Unity Mono, IL2CPP, .NET, XNA, FNA, and MonoGame
- Combines plugin loading, Harmony patching, configuration, and logging
- Dependency-aware ordering helps manage plugin load sequences
Where it doesn't
- Injection-based loading depends on compatible desktop game installations
- Unity Mono has stable releases, while broader framework coverage varies
- No built-in AI features
Our verdict on BepInEx
BepInEx is an open-source framework for loading plugins and modifying desktop games built with Unity Mono, Unity IL2CPP, .NET, XNA, FNA, and MonoGame technologies. It is aimed at game mod developers and players installing supported plugins locally on Windows, macOS, and Linux. The framework combines plugin loading with runtime method patching through Harmony, in-memory assembly patching, built-in configuration, and logging for plugins and the framework itself.
Its main strength is breadth across game technologies and mod-loader needs. BepInEx uses injection for mod loading and includes support for both Unity Mono and IL2CPP games, alongside .NET-related frameworks such as XNA, FNA, and MonoGame. Compatibility with several other mod-loader frameworks also makes it relevant where an existing mod setup spans more than one framework. Dependency-aware plugin ordering adds control for installations where load sequence matters, rather than treating every plugin as an isolated file.
The framework is free and open source across three desktop platforms, with no paid tiers separating core features. Its configuration and logging features give plugin developers practical building blocks, while Harmony patching and assembly patching provide deeper ways to alter runtime behavior. BepInEx is a strong fit for users who need one framework across varied Unity and .NET game environments. It is less suitable for anyone seeking a platform-independent loader, a managed service for distributing mods, or built-in AI capabilities.
Your product? Our editors can test BepInEx in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
BepInEx pricing
BepInEx fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported games | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Mod loading method | Injection |
| Plugin support | Yes |
| Load-order control | Yes |
| Mod profiles | Not verified |
| Dependency handling | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to BepInEx
- MelonLoaderA flexible Unity mod loader with plugins, dependencies, debugging, and cross-platform support.9.4
- SMAPIA capable, free loader for Stardew Valley mods, diagnostics, dependencies, and save backups.8.9
- NorthstarA focused, free loader for Titanfall 2 mods, plugins, profiles, and custom servers.8.7
See all BepInEx alternatives →
BepInEx vs the competition
- BepInEx vs MelonLoader
- BepInEx vs SMAPI
- BepInEx vs Northstar
- BepInEx vs Everest
- BepInEx vs UE4SS
- BepInEx vs Satisfactory Mod Loader
Compare BepInEx with any tool side by side →
Used BepInEx? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used BepInEx for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
BepInEx is listed in our Game Mod Loaders directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/bepinex/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/bepinex.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update