In-Depth Guide: How to Use MelonLoader

MelonLoader is a universal mod loader primarily designed for games built on the Unity Engine. It allows users to install custom mods, utilities, and enhancements to modify and upgrade gameplay.

🔧 1. Installation & Post-Installation Verification

After installing MelonLoader (either using the automated setup or manual method), you should verify that the installation is successful.

🔹 Launch & Verification

  • Run your game normally.
  • A MelonLoader Console Window (black command prompt box) should appear.
  • This console logs every action and confirms whether mods are loading properly.
  • If you see this window, MelonLoader is installed successfully.

🔹 Key Files & Folders Created Automatically

Once the game is launched for the first time, the following folders appear in the game directory:

Folder / FilePurpose
MelonLoaderCore DLLs & loader configuration files
ModsPlace .DLL gameplay mods here
PluginsLibraries / utility frameworks required by other mods
UserDataGenerated config files (.cfg / .json) for mods and loader settings
LogsContains latest.log for debugging & crash analysis

📦 2. Installing & Managing Mods

A. Installing Mods

  • Download the mod (.dll file) from a trusted source such as:
    • Example mod sites: NexusMods, Thunderstore, GitHub Releases
      (Add URLs here when ready)
  • Verify compatibility:
    • Must match your game version
    • Must support your MelonLoader version
  • Place Mod File Correctly
    • Gameplay mods → Mods folder
    • Utility/framework mods → Plugins folder
  • Launch the Game
    • Check the console window to see if the mod loaded successfully.
  • Config generation
    • If mod has settings, they appear in:
      UserData / <ModName>.cfg or .json

B. Updating Mods

  • Close the game completely.
  • Go to the Mods or Plugins folder.
  • Delete the old .dll file.
  • Place the updated .dll file in the same location.
  • Relaunch the game.

C. Disabling or Uninstalling Mods

Temporarily Disable

  • Close the game.
  • Rename mod file:
    MyMod.dll → _DISABLED_MyMod.dll
  • MelonLoader ignores anything not ending in .dll

Permanently Remove

  • Delete the .dll file.

⚙️ 3. Advanced Configuration & Features

A. Command-Line Arguments

You can modify MelonLoader startup behavior using launch options (Steam / Epic / shortcuts).

ArgumentPurposeExample
--no-modsDisable loading all mods (troubleshooting)--no-mods
--melonloader.debugEnable Debug Mode w/ detailed logging--melonloader.debug
--quitAuto-close after initialization--quit
--melonloader.console.colorChange console text color--melonloader.console.color blue

B. Configuration File

Main config file located at:
UserData / MelonLoader.cfg

Editable Options Include:

  • Console.Enabled → Show/Hide console window (True/False)
  • Console.Title → Custom console window name
  • Game.Type → Force set if auto detection fails (rare use)

🛠 4. Troubleshooting Using Logs

When the game crashes or a mod fails, check:

File location:
MelonLoader / Logs / latest.log

Steps

  • Open the log immediately after a crash.
  • Press Ctrl + F and search for:
    • [ERROR]
    • [CRITICAL]
    • Exception
  • Read the stack trace lines after the error.
  • Common cause examples:
    • Missing dependency (e.g., .NET 6.0 runtime required)
    • Mod conflict showing a specific filename

📌 Final Tips for Smooth Experience

  • Keep mods organized and updated.
  • Always check console for red errors.
  • Only download mods from trusted sources.
  • Always back up your game save files.