Mod Organizer 2 vs Stardrop
Mod Organizer 2
github.comStardrop
github.comSide by side
| Figure | Mod Organizer 2 | Stardrop |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Game Mod Managers | 8.6 (#9) | 8.2 (#20) |
| Spec score · Mod managers | 8.5 (#10) | 8.2 (#23) |
| Automatic updates | Yes | Yes |
| Deployment method | virtual | copy |
| Documentation | The project states that its documentation is sparse and points users to a Mod Organizer 1 wiki for general information with caution about differences. | The maker directs users to GitBook pages for installation, updates, and usage instructions. |
| Downloads | The project provides downloads through GitHub Releases and Nexus Mods, with the installer usually preferred for ease of installation. | The maker links to downloads on GitHub Releases and Nexus Mods. |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Software license | The repository uses the GPL-3.0 license. | The GitHub repository lists the project under the GPL-3.0 license. |
| Mod profiles | Yes | Yes |
| Mod source access | built-in | built-in |
| Purpose | Mod Organizer is a tool for managing mod collections of arbitrary size and installing or uninstalling mods. | Stardrop is an open-source, cross-platform mod manager for Stardew Valley. |
| Supported platforms | windows | multi-platform |
Plans
In their own words
Mod Organizer 2
Mod Organizer 2 is a free, open-source Windows tool for managing game mod collections through a virtualized setup. It supports installing and uninstalling mods, organizing profiles, detecting conflicts, and automatic updates. The project describes it as a tool for people who experiment with mods and says it can handle collections of arbitrary size. Supported games include 64-bit titles such as Skyrim Special Edition and Fallout 4, along with the 32-bit games supported by Mod Organizer 1. Its basic games plugin can detect installations from Steam, GOG, Origin, Epic Games or Legendary, and EA Desktop. A mod data checker can identify and correct archive layouts for automatic installation. Downloads are available through GitHub Releases and Nexus Mods; the installer can also create a portable installation. Version 2.5.0 requires Windows 10 1809 or newer, or Windows 11. The virtual filesystem does not work with Windows Store or Gamepass packaging, so those versions of otherwise supported games are not usable. The community-maintained project is licensed under GPL-3.0.
Stardrop
Stardrop is a free, open-source mod manager for Stardew Valley on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Built with Avalonia UI, it uses SMAPI to manage applicable mods and check for updates. Profiles keep separate mod groups for different gameplay or multiplayer sessions. Stardrop connects to the Nexus Mods API, including in-app mod endorsements, and offers built-in mod-source access and automatic updates. Downloading updates through Stardrop requires a premium Nexus Mods account. The manager uses copy-based deployment, and documentation says uninstalling it leaves SMAPI, Stardew Valley, and the original mod folder unaffected. Downloads are available from GitHub Releases and Nexus Mods; GitHub instructions direct users to choose the ZIP matching their operating system. GitBook covers installation, updates, and usage. The repository is licensed under GPL-3.0.