Satisfactory Mod Loader vs Starfield Script Extender

Satisfactory Mod Loader is an unofficial tool for loading mods in Satisfactory. It provides a framework to help mods work with game systems and with one another, along with helper features for mod developers. Mods can be written in Unreal Blueprint or C++, and community libraries also support JSON files. The Satisfactory Mod Manager installs the loader, mods, and dependencies, and connects to the Satisfactory Mod Repository; the project recommends using the manager rather than installing SML manually. The repository says uploaded content is checked for malware before approval for download. SML is designed with multiplayer support in mind, and its developer says it makes no connections to external networks. The project also says uninstalling the loader will not cause loss of items or progression. No required dependencies are listed. The project includes source code, an ExampleMod demonstrating utilities, editor utilities, and the Unreal project used for mod development. Windows clients and servers are supported; Linux support is listed for servers, while Linux client support is marked N/A. Controller support is untested. The project displays a GPL-3.0 license and directs users to Discord for discussion.

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.