This guide explains how to manually install MelonLoader on Windows by placing the required files directly in the game folder, no installer interface, no automation. You will learn the prerequisites, correct file placement, architecture selection, verification steps, common issues, and how to cleanly uninstall MelonLoader.
A short summary:
Manual installation requires downloading the correct MelonLoader ZIP file for your game’s architecture, extracting the files, and placing version.dll, dobby.dll (if included), and the MelonLoader folder into the game directory. After that, ensure that Microsoft Visual C++ and the correct .NET runtime are installed, then launch the game and check the log file in MelonLoader/Latest.log.
Preparations Before You Begin
Back Up Your Game Folder
Always create a backup of the entire game directory. Manual installation replaces DLL files, and copying incorrect files can break the game.
Close the Game and Launchers
Ensure the game is not running. Also close Steam, Epic Games Launcher, GOG Galaxy, or any process that may lock game files.
Install Required Runtimes
Most loading failures happen because the required runtimes are missing.
Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
Install both the x86 and x64 versions of the Visual C++ 2015-2022 redistributable. MelonLoader’s native loader depends on it.
.NET Desktop Runtime 6.0
This runtime is required for modern MelonLoader versions, especially for games using Il2Cpp.
Install the version that matches the game’s architecture (x64 for 64-bit games, x86 for 32-bit). If unsure, install both.
Identify the Game Architecture (x86 or x64)
Check whether your game executable is 32-bit or 64-bit:
- Open Task Manager
- Go to the Details tab
- Right-click the game executable and choose “Open file location”
- You can also check the file properties or the game’s system requirements
MelonLoader provides separate downloads for x86 and x64. Install the correct one.
Downloading the Correct MelonLoader Files
Download MelonLoader only from official sources, such as the project’s GitHub releases or the trusted community hub melonloader.pro. Avoid unofficial mirrors.
You will see two ZIP options:
- MelonLoader.x64.zip (for 64-bit games)
- MelonLoader.x86.zip (for 32-bit games)
Inside the ZIP, you will find:
- The MelonLoader folder
- Native files such as version.dll and sometimes dobby.dll
Visit Download Melonloader page to get all files.
Manual Installation Steps
Step 1: Extract the ZIP
Unzip the MelonLoader package into a temporary folder.
Step 2: Open the Game’s Installation Directory
This is the folder that contains the game’s executable (for example GameName.exe).
For Steam: right-click the game > Manage > Browse local files.
Step 3: Copy the Required Files Into the Game Folder
Copy the following from the extracted ZIP:
- The entire MelonLoader folder
- version.dll
- dobby.dll (only if included)
These must be placed in the same directory as the game executable.
Important: If the Game Already Has version.dll
Do not overwrite it without making a backup. Rename the original (for example version_original.dll) before adding MelonLoader’s version.dll.
Example Folder Layout
GameFolder\
GameName.exe
version.dll
dobby.dll (if included in your ZIP)
MelonLoader\
Mods\
Plugins\
UserData\
Step 4: Launch the Game
Run the game normally. If MelonLoader is installed correctly, it will initialize on launch and create log files and configuration files inside the MelonLoader folder.
What Each File Does
version.dll
This is the core loader file. When the game starts, it redirects the loading process and allows MelonLoader to inject its runtime.
dobby.dll
A native helper used by some MelonLoader builds. Only copy it if it is present in the ZIP.
MelonLoader Folder
Contains MelonLoader’s assemblies, the Mods and Plugins folders, runtime components, and log files.
Verifying That MelonLoader Loaded Correctly
Check for Logs
Open MelonLoader/Latest.log.
You should see startup entries such as:
- Using MelonLoader version X
- Loading assemblies
If Latest.log does not appear, MelonLoader did not load.
Check the Mods and Plugins Folders
These should exist inside the MelonLoader directory. If they are missing, the loader may have failed.
Check for Missing Runtime Errors
If .NET 6 or Visual C++ is missing, the logs will show related errors. Install the required runtimes and relaunch the game.
Test With a Simple Mod
Place a simple, verified mod in MelonLoader/Mods and check if it loads successfully.
Common Problems and Solutions
Game Crashes at Startup After Adding version.dll
Possible causes:
- Installed the wrong architecture (x86 vs x64)
- Missing Visual C++ redistributable
- Conflict with an existing version.dll
Mods Not Loading
Check Latest.log for errors such as missing dependencies or incompatible mod versions.
Ensure mods are in the MelonLoader/Mods directory, not the root game folder.
.NET Runtime Errors
Install the .NET Desktop Runtime 6.0 that matches the game’s architecture. Some setups require installing both x86 and x64.
Manual Uninstallation of MelonLoader
To remove MelonLoader:
- Close the game
- Delete version.dll and dobby.dll (or restore the originals you backed up)
- Remove the MelonLoader folder
- Remove the Mods, Plugins, or UserData folders if they were created
- Launch the game normally
After these steps, the game should run without MelonLoader.
Anti-Cheat and Safety Notes
- Do not use MelonLoader in games with anti-cheat systems such as BattlEye, EAC, or VAC unless the developers explicitly allow modding.
- Using injected DLLs in online games can lead to bans.
- Only download MelonLoader from official sources to avoid malicious builds.
Troubleshooting Checklist
Follow this order if MelonLoader fails to load:
- Confirm version.dll and the MelonLoader folder were placed in the correct directory
- Check MelonLoader/Latest.log for errors
- Install Visual C++ redistributables (both x86 and x64)
- Install .NET Desktop Runtime 6.0
- Reboot the PC
- Restore your backup if needed
Final Manual Installation Checklist
- Back up the game folder
- Identify architecture (x86 or x64)
- Download the matching MelonLoader ZIP
- Install Visual C++ and .NET Desktop Runtime 6.0
- Copy version.dll, dobby.dll (if present), and the MelonLoader folder
- Launch the game
- Check MelonLoader/Latest.log