MelonLoader vs RED4ext
MelonLoader
github.comRED4ext
docs.red4ext.comSide by side
| Figure | MelonLoader | RED4ext |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · Game Mod Loaders | 8.7 (#3) | 8.1 (#5) |
| Configuration | After first launch, Loader.cfg exposes loader, console, logging, Mono debugger and Unity/Il2Cpp settings. | The configuration file is red4ext/config.ini in the game directory and is automatically created with default values when the game starts if missing. |
| License | The repository states MelonLoader is licensed under Apache License, Version 2.0. | The GitHub repository lists the project under the MIT license. |
| Logging | Runtime logs are written under MelonLoader/Logs in the game installation directory. | Configuration supports global log levels, log flushing, a maximum number of rotated files, and a maximum log file size. |
| Purpose | MelonLoader describes itself as a universal mod loader for Unity games compatible with both Il2Cpp and Mono. | RED4ext is a script extender for Cyberpunk 2077 that lets modders interact with or extend the game's scripting system. |
Plans
In their own words
MelonLoader
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.
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.