Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE) vs MelonLoader

Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE) is a free Windows resource for Fallout 4 modders who need expanded scripting capabilities. It extends scripting without changing the game’s executable files on disk. Listed interfaces include the Papyrus plugin API and hooks for Papyrus, Scaleform, and the classic script system. The homepage lists build 0.7.9 for Fallout 4 runtime 1.11.240. F4SE supports Fallout 4 releases from Steam and GOG, while MS Store, Game Pass, Epic, and other Windows Store versions are unsupported because those applications do not provide required APIs. Native code plugins require updates from their creators for runtime 1.10.980 and later, and plugins must have publicly available source code. Injection loads mods and may trigger poorly written virus scanners. Additional utilities include a command-line BA2 archive extractor and PEX script disassembler. The project is provided as-is and directs installation questions to its subreddit.

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.