Everest vs MelonLoader
Everest
everestapi.github.ioMelonLoader
github.comSide by side
| Figure | Everest | MelonLoader |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 0 | 2 |
| Spec score · Game Mod Loaders | 7.9 (#8) | 8.7 (#3) |
| Debugging | Enhanced Debug Mode provides live map reloading, code and asset reload shortcuts, an improved map viewer and console logging. | A debug mode and numerous command-line switches support diagnosing loader, Unity and mod problems. |
| License | The EverestAPI GitHub organization describes Everest as a public repository and identifies its license as MIT. | The repository states MelonLoader is licensed under Apache License, Version 2.0. |
| Purpose | Everest is an open-source mod loader and modding API for Celeste. | MelonLoader describes itself as a universal mod loader for Unity games compatible with both Il2Cpp and Mono. |
Plans
In their own words
Everest
Everest is a free, open-source mod loader and modding API for Celeste. It lets players use mods with custom maps, texture replacements and code-driven additions such as sound effects, graphics, dialogue and campaigns, without changing original game files. An in-game updater and dependency downloader help manage mods. The cross-platform Olympus installer can install mods with one click from its Download Mods section or GameBanana, or from ZIP files and folders; players can also switch between Everest and vanilla Celeste through Olympus or the title screen. Everest supports Windows, macOS and Linux and works with Celeste from itch.io, Steam and Epic Games, but not the Windows Store version. Enhanced Debug Mode offers live map reloading, code and asset reload shortcuts, an improved map viewer and console logging. The project is MIT-licensed and maintained by volunteers. Olympus is actively being worked on and may fail, and the project directs users to the Celeste Discord’s #modding_help channel for bug reports and questions.
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.