BepInEx vs SMAPI

BepInEx is a plugin and modding framework for Unity Mono and IL2CPP games, as well as .NET Framework games such as those built with XNA, FNA, and MonoGame. It provides configuration and logging, runtime method patching, and in-memory assembly patching. Runtime patching uses Harmony, including HarmonyX and MonoMod; in-memory patching uses Mono.Cecil with UnityDoorstop. The installation guide lists Windows, Linux, and macOS, though supported operating system versions and architectures depend on the build and game. Setup is manual: download the appropriate build and put its contents in the game’s root folder. Official binaries are available as stable and bleeding edge builds; the documentation recommends stable in most cases and notes that bleeding edge builds tend to be buggier. The project is open source under LGPL-2.1 and links to guides for users and developers. Compatibility has limits: stable releases are available only for Unity Mono, BepInEx 6 documentation remains a work in progress, and BepInEx 5 plugins do not yet work with the 6.0.0 pre-release.

SMAPI is a mod loader for Stardew Valley, with plugin support, mod profiles, dependency handling, and load-order control. Its listed plan costs nothing. SMAPI supports Linux, macOS, Windows, Steam Deck, and Android, and is compatible with GOG and Steam achievements. The stated requirement is Stardew Valley 1.6.14 or later on Linux, macOS, Windows, or Steam Deck. Version 4.5 adds in-game configuration, performance improvements, automated and attested builds, and detection of malicious files. SMAPI.io also provides modding documentation and source code for creators, plus a mod compatibility list, log parser, JSON validator, and mod stats page. The parser can analyze and share submitted logs and show suggested fixes for common issues. The compatibility list is no longer comprehensively updated each month, and its future is uncertain. Update checks send game, SMAPI, and mod versions as well as platform type, but users can disable them. Log and JSON submissions are stored in obfuscated form for 30 days. The maker says SMAPI can be uninstalled at any time and points users to Discord and Reddit for community help.