Hollow Knight Modding API vs RED4ext
Hollow Knight Modding API
github.comRED4ext
docs.red4ext.comSide by side
| Figure | Hollow Knight Modding API | RED4ext |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (#10) | 8.1 (#5) |
| Installation | Users can copy the release zip contents into the Hollow Knight game folder or use Scarab. | Installation involves downloading the latest ZIP, extracting it into the game directory, and launching the game. |
| License | The project is distributed under the MIT license. | The GitHub repository lists the project under the MIT license. |
| Purpose | It is a Hollow Knight modding API and loader used mainly for compatibility between mods. | RED4ext is a script extender for Cyberpunk 2077 that lets modders interact with or extend the game's scripting system. |
| Uninstallation | The README instructs Steam and GOG users to verify or repair the game installation to uninstall. | To uninstall RED4ext, remove d3d11.dll, powrprof.dll, or winmm.dll from the game's bin/x64 directory, and optionally remove its red4ext directory. |
Plans
In their own words
Hollow Knight Modding API
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.
RED4ext
RED4ext is a free Windows script extender and plugin manager for Cyberpunk 2077. It gives modders access to the game's scripting system so plugins can add features, alter behavior, add scripting functions, or call existing game functions. RED4ext loads plugins only for supported game runtime versions, while also allowing plugins aimed at the latest defined runtime or independent of runtime versions. RED4ext.SDK exposes the scripting virtual machine, native classes and functions, and reversed game structures. Developers can use any toolchain that produces x86-64 output with the __fastcall calling convention, including CMake, Premake, or Visual Studio. Plugins can attach custom game states around game-system availability and are placed in red4ext/plugins. Each plugin receives a logger, with named logs under red4ext/logs. Configuration is TOML stored in red4ext/config.ini, where plugin loading and individual plugins can be disabled. The MIT-licensed project lists v1.30.0 as its latest release.