MelonLoader
MelonLoader: A flexible Unity mod loader with plugins, dependencies, debugging, and cross-platform support. Ranked #1 of 26 in Game Mod Loaders by our editors (9.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for broad Unity mod loading.
At a glance
- Editor score9.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forBroad Unity mod loading
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Plugin supportYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports Unity Mono and Il2Cpp games
- Offers plugin loading, dependencies, and load ordering
- Runs on Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android
Where it doesn't
- Android and Oculus Quest support is work in progress
- Requires game-installation folder and loader setup
- Focused on Unity games rather than broader game engines
Our verdict on MelonLoader
MelonLoader is an open-source mod loader for Unity games built with Mono or Il2Cpp. It is designed for game modders and plugin developers who need to load mods from a game's installation directory, manage plugins, and control how components start. Mods and plugins use dedicated folders, while configuration is handled through UserData/Loader.cfg. Support covers Windows, Linux through WINE, Steam Proton, or native environments, macOS, and Android, with Oculus Quest included as work in progress.
Its strongest area is the combination of loading control and developer tooling. MelonLoader supports dependencies and priority-based load ordering, which helps organize projects with multiple plugins. It also supports Harmony patching, launch options for debugging and logging, and assembly generation. Automated and manual installation methods provide different setup paths, while proxy or platform bootstrap loading handles how the loader enters the game. These features make it more suitable for structured mod projects than a loader limited to placing files in a single directory.
MelonLoader is free and open source, so the main consideration is technical fit rather than plan selection. It works best when the target game uses Unity Mono or Il2Cpp and the modder is comfortable with installation folders, configuration, logging, and plugin management. Windows, Linux, and macOS users have the clearest documented platform options, while Android and Oculus Quest require allowance for work-in-progress support. Choose MelonLoader for cross-platform Unity mod loading with dependency control and debugging options; choose an alternative when the target game uses another engine or when a more polished, general-purpose mod management workflow is required.
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MelonLoader pricing
MelonLoader fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported games | Unity games using Mono or Il2Cpp |
| Supported platforms | Windows, Linux (WINE/Steam Proton/native), macOS, Android and Oculus Quest (WIP) |
| Mod loading method | Injection |
| Plugin support | Yes |
| Load-order control | Yes |
| Mod profiles | Not verified |
| Dependency handling | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux, macOS, Android |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to MelonLoader
- BepInExA free, open-source loader for multi-framework desktop game modding.9.2
- 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 MelonLoader alternatives →
MelonLoader vs the competition
- MelonLoader vs BepInEx
- MelonLoader vs SMAPI
- MelonLoader vs Northstar
- MelonLoader vs Everest
- MelonLoader vs UE4SS
- MelonLoader vs Satisfactory Mod Loader
Compare MelonLoader with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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