MelonLoader vs Starfield Script Extender

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.

Starfield Script Extender (SFSE) adds scripting capabilities and other functionality to Starfield on Windows. It supports only the latest Starfield version available through Steam; the Windows Store and Game Pass editions are excluded. The official site lists build 0.2.21 for Starfield version 1.16.244. SFSE supports plugin loading by injection, with a plugin manager, a Scaleform menu plugin interface and preliminary support for custom Papyrus native functions listed in its changelog. Updates to Starfield have sometimes required plugins to be recompiled or their compatibility data changed. Installation uses Steam or the installer, followed by copying the DLL and EXE files into the Starfield folder rather than its Data folder. The game must then start through sfse_loader.exe. SFSE components use a code signature intended to reduce virus-scanner false positives. The software is free, with a listed plan price of free.