Hollow Knight Modding API vs Ultimate ASI Loader
Hollow Knight Modding API
github.comUltimate ASI Loader
github.comSide by side
| Figure | Hollow Knight Modding API | Ultimate ASI Loader |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 7.2 (#21) |
| Installation | Users can copy the release zip contents into the Hollow Knight game folder or use Scarab. | Installation consists of placing the DLL in the game directory, usually as dinput8.dll, or renaming it to another supported DLL name. |
| License | The project is distributed under the MIT license. | The repository lists an MIT license. |
| Purpose | It is a Hollow Knight modding API and loader used mainly for compatibility between mods. | Ultimate ASI Loader is a proxy DLL that loads custom .asi libraries into a game process. |
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.
Ultimate ASI Loader
Ultimate ASI Loader is a free Windows proxy DLL that loads custom .asi libraries into a game process. It supports games using Win32 or Win64 libraries such as Direct3D, DirectInput, audio, and XInput. Installation usually means placing the DLL in the game directory as dinput8.dll, or renaming it to another supported DLL name. ASI files can be stored in the game root, scripts, plugins, or update folder. When needed, global.ini belongs in scripts or plugins, and the selected DLL name can also serve as the INI filename. The update folder can hold replacement game files while originals remain untouched; removing that folder reverses the change. The loader can forward many original DLLs after renaming them Hooked.dll, and d3d8to9 support is available when it is named d3d8.dll. Crash minidumps and logs are created when a CrashDumps folder exists beside the loader. Win32 and Win64 builds are available, including smaller NoPDB archives. The repository lists an MIT license.