Why MelonLoader BTD6 Not Working – [Complete Troubleshooting Guide]

Many players use MelonLoader to mod Bloons TD 6. When MelonLoader stops working, fails to load, or crashes the game, it can be frustrating, especially for new users. This guide explains all the common reasons why MelonLoader does not work for BTD6 and provides accurate step by step solutions.

This article is focused on PC platforms such as Steam and Epic Games. Mobile versions of BTD6 require different methods and are not covered here.

Common Reasons Why MelonLoader Does Not Work With BTD6

Below are the most frequent reasons MelonLoader fails to load with Bloons TD 6. Each section includes a clear solution.

1. Missing or Wrong .NET Runtime

BTD6 uses the Il2Cpp Unity backend. MelonLoader requires the Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime to work properly. If the wrong version is installed or if it is missing, the game will either crash or load normally without MelonLoader.

Solution

Install the latest .NET 6.0 Desktop Runtime or a newer version.

Make sure to install the Desktop version, not the ASP.NET version.

2. Missing Visual C Plus Plus Redistributable

Many users forget to install the Microsoft Visual C Plus Plus Redistributable.
MelonLoader cannot initialize without it.

Solution

Install the Visual C Plus Plus 2015 to 2022 Redistributable package from Microsoft.

3. Incorrect BTD6 Installation Folder

MelonLoader must be installed directly inside the Bloons TD 6 folder. If the user installs it in the wrong directory, the game will launch normally but MelonLoader will not appear.

Solution

For Steam users the correct folder is usually:

C Program Files x86
Steam
steamapps
common
BloonsTD6

Place MelonLoader files such as version.dll and the MelonLoader folder inside this directory.

4. Antivirus Blocking MelonLoader Files

Some antivirus programs delete MelonLoader files or block version.dll.
When this happens, MelonLoader cannot start.

Solution

Add the BTD6 folder to your antivirus exceptions.
Reinstall MelonLoader using your official link.

Download Melonloader

5. Steam or Epic Overlay Issues

Overlays sometimes interfere with MelonLoader launch.

Solution

Disable all overlays such as:

Steam Overlay
Discord Overlay
Nvidia Overlay

Then relaunch the game.

6. Mod Files Are Outdated or Broken

If a mod DLL is outdated or built for an older BTD6 version, the entire loader may fail.

Solution

Remove all mod files from the Mods folder.
Launch the game with no mods.
If MelonLoader works, add mods back one by one.

Also update BTD Mod Helper if you use it.

7. Game Updated and Mods Are Not Compatible

Every time Ninja Kiwi updates BTD6, old mods can break.
MelonLoader itself may still load, but mods will fail or cause crashes.

Solution

Wait for mod updates.
Check the developer GitHub pages:

MelonLoader GitHub
https://github.com/LavaGang/MelonLoader

BTD Mod Helper GitHub
https://github.com/gurrenm3/BTD-Mod-Helper

8. Damaged MelonLoader Installation

A broken or incomplete install can cause errors, missing windows, or failed launches.

Solution

Delete these items from your BTD6 folder:

MelonLoader folder
version.dll
Mods folder
Plugins folder

Then reinstall MelonLoader from your website:

Download Melonloader

9. Wrong File Placement or Manual Installation Errors

Manual installation is more error prone than using the automated installer.

Solution

Use the official automated installer from your website.
It detects the correct game folder automatically and prevents mistakes.

10. Running BTD6 Without Admin Permissions

Some systems block MelonLoader code injection unless run as administrator.

Solution

Right click BloonsTD6.exe
Select Run as Administrator
Try again

11. Using MelonLoader on the Wrong Platform

MelonLoader only works on the Windows PC version of Bloons TD 6.
It does not work on:

Android
iOS
Console versions
Steam Deck without Windows mode

Solution

Only use MelonLoader on Windows PC.

How To Check If MelonLoader Is Working

When MelonLoader works correctly, users will see:

  1. A small black console window when the game starts
  2. A MelonLoader logo window
  3. A Mods folder generated automatically

If the game launches directly without these, MelonLoader is not loading.

Complete Fix Checklist

Here is a simple checklist for users:

  1. Install .NET 6 Desktop Runtime
  2. Install Visual C Plus Plus Redistributable
  3. Reinstall MelonLoader from your official page
  4. Disable antivirus
  5. Disable Steam and Discord overlays
  6. Launch BTD6 as administrator
  7. Remove all mods and test again
  8. Confirm MelonLoader files are inside the correct game folder
  9. Update BTD Mod Helper
  10. Check that the PC version of BTD6 is being used

Following this list fixes most issues.

Final Notes

MelonLoader is stable and widely used. Almost all issues come from incorrect installation, missing dependencies, or outdated mods. Using the correct files from your website and keeping BTD6 updated ensures smooth modding with fewer errors.