Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE) vs ModTek
Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE)
f4se.silverlock.orgModTek
github.comSide by side
| Figure | Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE) | ModTek |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Game Mod Loaders | 7.8 (#9) | 7.7 (#11) |
| Purpose | F4SE is a modder’s resource that expands Fallout 4’s scripting capabilities. | ModTek is a mod loader for HBS’s BattleTech PC game. |
| Security note | The readme says DLL injection can trigger poorly written virus scanners and states that this is not evidence that f4se_loader is a virus. | The Linux instructions describe disabling ASLR through a system-wide sysctl setting as an obsolete, unsecure workaround and provide an environment-variable fix instead. |
Plans
In their own words
Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE)
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.
ModTek
ModTek is a free mod loader for HBS’s BattleTech PC game. It loads mods at game startup when they use the mod.json format, allowing modders to package self-contained changes without overwriting game files. It resolves dependencies and controls load order without requiring edits to VersionManifest.csv. The project says newer versions include DLC support not present in BattleTech’s built-in 1.7 loader. It supports BattleTech installations from Steam and GOG on Windows, Linux, and macOS. Installation uses a downloadable ZIP extracted into the game’s installation folder; the instructions warn that the game should be outside Program Files because Windows UAC protection can interfere. Version 3 and later use UnityDoorstop to load ModTek without modifying game files. The repository documents JSON and DLL mods, advanced JSON merging, manifest manipulation, and HarmonyX support. The project is licensed under LGPL-2.1. Linux instructions describe a system-wide ASLR change as an obsolete, insecure workaround and provide an environment-variable fix instead.