MelonLoader vs ScriptHookVDotNet

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.

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.