RED4ext vs SMAPI

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.

SMAPI is a mod loader for Stardew Valley, with plugin support, mod profiles, dependency handling, and load-order control. Its listed plan costs nothing. SMAPI supports Linux, macOS, Windows, Steam Deck, and Android, and is compatible with GOG and Steam achievements. The stated requirement is Stardew Valley 1.6.14 or later on Linux, macOS, Windows, or Steam Deck. Version 4.5 adds in-game configuration, performance improvements, automated and attested builds, and detection of malicious files. SMAPI.io also provides modding documentation and source code for creators, plus a mod compatibility list, log parser, JSON validator, and mod stats page. The parser can analyze and share submitted logs and show suggested fixes for common issues. The compatibility list is no longer comprehensively updated each month, and its future is uncertain. Update checks send game, SMAPI, and mod versions as well as platform type, but users can disable them. Log and JSON submissions are stored in obfuscated form for 30 days. The maker says SMAPI can be uninstalled at any time and points users to Discord and Reddit for community help.