MelonLoader provides extensive control over how your modded Unity game launches. Many users only install the loader and start playing, but its real power comes from the launch options you can add to the game’s command line. These arguments control mod loading, console behavior, debugging output, and compatibility settings, all without modifying the game files.
This article explains the most important and most useful MelonLoader launch options and how to apply them on Steam, Epic Games, and standalone shortcuts.
How To Apply Launch Options
MelonLoader launch options must be added to the command line used to start the game.
Steam (Windows, Linux, Steam Deck)
Location:
Game Properties → General → Launch Options
Format:
[other options] --no-mods %command%
Epic Games Store
Location:
Settings → Select Game → Additional Command Line Arguments
Format:
--hideconsole --melonloader.console.timeout 10
Standalone Shortcut
Right-click shortcut → Properties → Target field
Format:
"C:\Game.exe" --verbose
Important:
All MelonLoader arguments must start with two dashes --.
Core Configuration And Troubleshooting Options
These are the most commonly used and most helpful arguments for managing mods and diagnosing issues.
1. Mod Management
–no-mods
Disables all mods.
MelonLoader still launches, but skips loading any DLLs from the Mods or Plugins folders.
This is the most important troubleshooting option.
–melonloader.no-plugins
Loads mods but skips the Plugins folder.
Useful for isolating issues caused by plugin assemblies.
–melonloader.no-mods.il2cpp
Disables Il2Cpp-specific mods only.
Helpful for games using Il2Cpp where certain mods may break the game early.
2. Console And UI Management
–melonloader.hideconsole
Hides the MelonLoader console window.
Good for stable setups where you no longer need live logs.
–melonloader.console.timeout [seconds]
Sets how long the console remains open after the game closes.
Example:
--melonloader.console.timeout 20
–melonloader.console.title [title]
Sets a custom title for the console window.
Example:
--melonloader.console.title "MelonLoader Test"3. Debugging And Verbosity
–melonloader.debug
Enables debug mode.
Shows more detailed logs in both the console and log files. Recommended when reporting issues.
–melonloader.dumpassemblies
Forces MelonLoader to dump the game’s assemblies to a folder.
Useful for advanced modding work or diagnosing Unity crashes.
–verbose
Enables maximum logging detail.
Use this only when specifically required (can slow down startup significantly).
Advanced System-Level Options
These arguments are used only for specific cases or advanced debugging.
4. Injection And Compatibility Options
–melonloader.ag.force-version [version]
Forces a specific Assembly Generator version.
Example:
--melonloader.ag.force-version 4.2.0
Useful if a newer AG version breaks a certain game.
–melonloader.ag.skip
Skips assembly generation entirely.
Use only if assemblies are already generated and valid.
–melonloader.unity.version [version]
Overrides the detected Unity version.
Example:
--melonloader.unity.version 2021.3.15f1
Useful if MelonLoader mis-detects the Unity version.
5. Runtime And Diagnostic Options
–melonloader.quit-on-assembly-fail
Closes the game immediately if assembly generation fails.
Useful when setting up a new game to avoid partial or corrupted launches.
–melonloader.disable-hooks
Disables internal MelonLoader hooks.
Used only for extreme debugging or when instructed by a developer.
Practical Examples
Scenario 1: Game Crashes After Installing a Mod
Use:
--no-mods
If the game now launches, the issue is caused by one of your mods.
Scenario 2: You Want a Clean Launch Without Console Popups
Use:
--melonloader.hideconsole
Scenario 3: Debugging an Il2Cpp Mod With Detailed Output
Use:
--melonloader.debug --melonloader.console.timeout 30
Conclusion
MelonLoader’s launch options offer deep control over the modding environment. Whether you’re disabling mods for troubleshooting, enabling detailed logs for debugging, or streamlining gameplay by hiding the console, these options help create a stable and optimized modded experience.
Official websites
https://melonloader.pro
https://melonloader.pro/download-melonloader/
GitHub releases: https://github.com/LavaGang/MelonLoader/releases