MelonLoader is the most widely used mod loader for Unity games, including Bloons TD 6. The automated installer makes setup simple and beginner-friendly. This guide explains every step, including prerequisites, installation, verification, troubleshooting, and best practices.
Prerequisites and Requirements
Supported Game Version
MelonLoader works only with Windows PC versions of Unity games. Make sure your game is up-to-date and not corrupted.
.NET Desktop Runtime
MelonLoader requires Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime 6.0 or higher. Install it from the official Microsoft site if you encounter runtime errors.
Visual C++ Redistributable
Most Unity games require Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable. Install both x86 and x64 versions to avoid errors.
Game Installation
You must have a legally installed copy of the game on your Windows PC. For example, Bloons TD 6 installed via Steam or Epic Games.
Administrator Access
Running the installer as administrator ensures all files are written correctly into the game folder.
Step by Step Installation Using the Automated Installer
Step 1: Download the Installer
Download the official automated installer from: https://melonloader.pro/download-melonloader/
Save the file to a known folder such as Downloads or Desktop.
Step 2: Run the Installer
- Right click the installer file
- Select Run as Administrator
- Accept the Windows permission prompt if shown
Step 3: Select Your Game Executable
The installer will ask you to locate the game executable:
Example Steam path for BTD6:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\BloonsTD6\BloonsTD6.exe
Select the .exe file of the game you want to mod, then click Open.
Step 4: Choose MelonLoader Version
The installer detects whether the game uses Il2Cpp or Mono automatically. For most users, keep the default version selected unless a mod specifically requires a different one.
Step 5: Install
Click Install to start. The installer will add required files to the game folder and generate necessary directories.
Files and folders added:
- version.dll
- MelonLoader folder
- Mods folder
- Plugins folder
- UserData folder
No manual extraction is needed.
Step 6: Launch the Game
Start the game normally from Steam or Epic. On first launch, MelonLoader initializes and creates the Mods and Plugins folders.
Indicators that MelonLoader is working:
- A small console window appears briefly during startup
- MelonLoader folder exists in the game directory
- Mods and Plugins folders are present
How to Add Mods After Installation
Locate the Mods Folder
After the first launch, the Mods folder is automatically created inside the game directory.
Place Mod Files
Add mod .dll files inside the Mods folder. Make sure they are compatible with your game version and MelonLoader version.
Launch the Game Again
MelonLoader automatically loads each .dll mod when starting the game.
BTD Mod Helper Requirement
For Bloons TD 6, most mods require BTD Mod Helper. Place its .dll inside the Mods folder along with other mods.
Updating MelonLoader
- Download the latest automated installer from the official site
- Run it as administrator
- Select the same game folder
- Install over the existing version
- Launch the game once to regenerate any updated configuration files
Uninstalling MelonLoader
To remove MelonLoader completely:
- Close the game
- Delete version.dll from the game folder
- Delete the MelonLoader folder
- Delete Mods and Plugins folders if you want a clean setup
- Verify game files through Steam or Epic to restore original files
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Installer Cannot Detect the Game
- Use Browse to select the folder containing the game executable
- Verify that the executable file exists
MelonLoader Does Not Launch
- Check that version.dll exists in the game folder
- Install required .NET Desktop Runtime and Visual C++ Redistributable
- Temporarily disable antivirus software
Game Crashes or Fails to Start
- Remove all mods from the Mods folder
- Verify game files through Steam or Epic
Black Screen or Infinite Loading
- Conflicting mods may be the cause. Remove mods and add them back one by one.
Antivirus Removed version.dll
- Restore version.dll from the installer folder
- Add the game directory to antivirus exclusions
Verification Checklist
- version.dll exists in the same folder as the game executable
- MelonLoader folder is present
- Mods and Plugins folders exist
- The console window appears on game startup
- Mods load correctly with no errors
Best Practices
- Always download the installer from the official page: https://melonloader.pro/download-melonloader/
- Keep .NET Desktop Runtime and Visual C++ Redistributable updated
- Backup important save files before installing mods
- Use the automated installer unless you need a manual setup
- After game updates, check mods for compatibility
Final Summary
Using the automated installer is the easiest and safest way to install MelonLoader for Bloons TD 6 and other Unity games. It handles all necessary setup steps, creates Mods and Plugins folders, and prepares the game for modding. Once installed, you can start adding mods to enhance your gameplay experience safely and efficiently.
Official download link: https://melonloader.pro/download-melonloader/
MelonLoader GitHub: https://github.com/LavaGang/MelonLoader
BTD Mod Helper GitHub: https://github.com/gurrenm3/BTD-Mod-Helper