Baldur's Gate 3 Script Extender vs MelonLoader
Baldur's Gate 3 Script Extender
github.comMelonLoader
github.comSide by side
| Figure | Baldur's Gate 3 Script Extender | MelonLoader |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 2 |
| Spec score · Game Mod Loaders | 8.9 (#2) | 8.7 (#3) |
| Debugging | Configuration supports console logging, runtime logs, compilation logs, an Osiris debugger and a Lua debugger. | A debug mode and numerous command-line switches support diagnosing loader, Unity and mod problems. |
| Documentation depth | The Lua API document is about 1,957 lines and includes examples and function behavior details. | The official wiki documents automated and manual installation, launcher detection, Linux environment variables, troubleshooting pitfalls, support contact and launch arguments. |
| Licence | The repository combines an MIT licence with a Commons Clause condition that excludes selling the software or services whose value substantially derives from it. | The repository and installer are licensed under Apache License 2.0. |
| License | The repository license includes the MIT License and a Commons Clause condition that excludes selling the software or substantially derived products and services. | The repository states MelonLoader is licensed under Apache License, Version 2.0. |
| Linux support | The community installation guide documents Windows and Linux/Steam Deck use through Proton, with extra launch options required. | The repository links to a Linux support guide covering WINE, Steam Proton, and native use. |
| Logging | Configuration options can log Osiris activity, runtime output, story compilation, and compilation errors to files. | Runtime logs are written under MelonLoader/Logs in the game installation directory. |
| Purpose | The Script Extender adds Lua and Osiris scripting support to Baldur's Gate 3. | MelonLoader describes itself as a universal mod loader for Unity games compatible with both Il2Cpp and Mono. |
| What it does | Adds Lua and Osiris scripting support to Baldur's Gate 3 for mods. | MelonLoader injects into Unity games using either Mono or Il2Cpp and loads community assemblies. |
Plans
Baldur's Gate 3 Script Extender
- Baldur's Gate 3 Script ExtenderFree
- Baldur's Gate 3 Script ExtenderFree
In their own words
Baldur's Gate 3 Script Extender
Baldur's Gate 3 Script Extender adds Lua and Osiris scripting support for mods in Baldur's Gate 3. A mod can enable Lua with a feature flag and load bootstrap scripts for the client and server. The extender keeps separate Lua states for the game server and each client, and its console can run Lua code and registered console commands. Configuration options provide Lua and Osiris debugger interfaces with configurable listening ports, and logging options can write Osiris activity, runtime output, story compilation and compilation errors to files. An EnableAchievements option can re-enable achievements in modded games. SendCrashReports defaults to true and uploads minidumps to a crash report collection server after a crash. Installation involves extracting DWrite.dll into the game's bin directory. The extender updates when the game launches by downloading and applying an update. It supports Windows and Linux via Proton, but does not run on game versions older than patch 5; new versions target the latest game version. It is free to obtain under a license that includes the MIT License and a Commons Clause restriction on selling the software or substantially derived products and services.
MelonLoader
MelonLoader is a free mod loader for Unity games using Mono or Il2Cpp. It injects mods and supports plugins, load-order control, and dependency handling. Mods and plugins are placed in separate folders in the game installation directory, and game logs are written to a MelonLoader/Logs folder. The project provides an installer guide and manual installation instructions for a release archive. For Il2Cpp games, the listed requirement is the.NET 6.0 Desktop Runtime; the repository says it is installed automatically on Windows. Windows startup loading uses a proxy DLL, a method the project identifies as Windows-only. Linux instructions cover WINE, Steam Proton, and native use, while Android and Oculus Quest support is marked as work in progress. Debug mode is intended for work on the loader, plugins, and mods. Configuration also includes a Mono debug server, and the Il2Cpp Assembly Generator can be set to run without contacting its remote API. MelonLoader is licensed under Apache License, Version 2.0 and listed at free.