MelonLoader for Windows

What this tool does

MelonLoader is a lightweight, free utility that lets you load and run mods for games built with the Unity engine. Rather than juggling different loaders for each title, this tool provides a centralized way to manage custom content for many Unity-based games. Think of it as a single app that can handle mods for games such as Cuphead, Subnautica, Escape from Tarkov, and Cities: Skylines.

Key capabilities

• Built-in debugging tools for inspecting and changing game behavior during runtime.
• Compatibility with both IL2CPP and Mono scripting backends used in Unity projects.
• Small installation footprint so it won’t take up much disk space.
• UI and theme commands that let you tweak the loader’s appearance and some interface behavior.
• Works with games launched through clients like Steam or Epic Games; however, it’s safest to use with single-player titles to reduce the risk of account action.

Community and compatibility

MelonLoader has active support from community modders for many popular games, which can make it easier to find tools, tutorials, and ready-made mods. Its dual support for IL2CPP and Mono makes it applicable to a wide range of modern Unity releases, giving both modders and players substantial flexibility.

How to set up and remove MelonLoader

Installation (quick steps):

1. Download MelonLoader and place the MelonLoader folder together with version.dll and dobby.dll into the game’s installation directory.
2. Make sure the target game is not running and that any listed prerequisites are satisfied before attempting to install.
3. If you are reinstalling, perform a complete removal first, then repeat these steps to ensure a clean setup.

Removal (cleanup options):

• Delete the version.dll file and the MelonLoader folder from the game directory to uninstall.
• For a thorough cleanup, also remove the Plugins, Mods, and UserData folders if they exist.
• After removing all files, you may reinstall by following the installation steps above.

Practical notes and recommendations

• A modest amount of technical familiarity helps; the initial setup can require a few attempts to get everything working correctly, but it becomes straightforward with experience.
• Because MelonLoader can modify game behavior, avoid using it with online or multiplayer titles where third-party modifications could violate terms of service or lead to bans.
• If you’re a creator of mods, MelonLoader’s debugging and customization features make it a convenient environment for testing and distributing your work.

If you want, I can create a step-by-step install checklist tailored to a specific game directory or walk through a sample install/uninstall session.