Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE) vs ScriptHookVDotNet
Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE)
f4se.silverlock.orgScriptHookVDotNet
scripthookvdotnet.github.ioSide by side
| Figure | Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE) | ScriptHookVDotNet |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Game Mod Loaders | 7.8 (#9) | 8.1 (#6) |
| Purpose | F4SE is a modder’s resource that expands Fallout 4’s scripting capabilities. | ScriptHookVDotNet is a script runtime that runs under Script Hook V and connects custom .NET code to Grand Theft Auto V Story Mode. |
| Support | The readme directs installation and other problem reports to the F4SE subreddit and says the team cannot help with load order problems. | The FAQ directs users to identify problematic scripts and says the maintainers cannot help with crash logs under the current Script Hook V exception-handling behavior. |
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.
ScriptHookVDotNet
ScriptHookVDotNet is free Windows PC script runtime software for Grand Theft Auto V Story Mode. It runs under Script Hook V and connects custom .NET code to the game, allowing scripts in any .NET language; the FAQ recommends C# for new coders. Object-oriented APIs provide guided interfaces and documentation for common GTA V scripting tasks. Scripts are built as .NET Framework class libraries and can reference the ScriptHookVDotNet3 package, including through NuGet, as well as arbitrary .NET Framework libraries. The runtime and scripts can be reloaded with SHVDN commands, although the runtime cannot currently reload after Script Hook V unloads all loaded ASI scripts. The project says official game versions are supported, while some advanced scripts may fail on certain versions. Requirements include Script Hook V, Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8 or later, and the x64 Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2019 or later. GTA Online requires removing SHVDN and related mods when an ASI loader is installed.