Corkscrew vs Stardrop

Corkscrew is a free, open-source mod manager for Linux and macOS. It supports Skyrim and lists Fallout 4 support; Starfield is described as coming soon. Its built-in mod source access includes Nexus Mods downloads using OAuth 2.0 with PKCE, NXM links and Nexus SSO. Users can install Nexus mods with one click, add archives, run FOMOD wizards and reorder mods by dragging. Profiles let users switch between vanilla, lightly modded and large-plugin setups. Plugin tools include LOOT sorting, master validation, conflict detection and dependency views. Corkscrew also supports Wabbajack modlists through a seven-phase installation pipeline. Custom SSE Engine Fixes patches cover more than 60 crash sites and deploy automatically. The project requires no account and uses no telemetry. It is licensed under GPL-3.0, and its page lists a 17 MB download. Support links include GitHub, Issues and Support on Ko-fi.

Stardrop is a free, open-source mod manager for Stardew Valley on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Built with Avalonia UI, it uses SMAPI to manage applicable mods and check for updates. Profiles keep separate mod groups for different gameplay or multiplayer sessions. Stardrop connects to the Nexus Mods API, including in-app mod endorsements, and offers built-in mod-source access and automatic updates. Downloading updates through Stardrop requires a premium Nexus Mods account. The manager uses copy-based deployment, and documentation says uninstalling it leaves SMAPI, Stardew Valley, and the original mod folder unaffected. Downloads are available from GitHub Releases and Nexus Mods; GitHub instructions direct users to choose the ZIP matching their operating system. GitBook covers installation, updates, and usage. The repository is licensed under GPL-3.0.