Hollow Knight Modding API vs MelonLoader

Hollow Knight Modding API is a free, open-source API and loader for Hollow Knight modifications. Its primary purpose is helping mods work together; it does little independently, but several mods require it to run. Loading uses injection, and the project provides load-order control. The implementation uses MonoMod. The repository includes examples for mod developers and links to API documentation on a DocFX site. Users can obtain a release or installer, then copy release ZIP contents into the Hollow Knight game folder or install through Scarab. The latest listed release is ModdingAPI v77 for Hollow Knight 1.5.78.11833, with checksums for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The supported game is Hollow Knight, and supported operating systems are Windows, Linux, and macOS. The project is distributed under the MIT license, which supplies the software as-is and disclaims warranties and liability. Steam and GOG users are instructed to verify or repair the game installation when removing it. There are no paid tiers or usage limits stated.

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.