MelonLoader uses two separate locations for custom code: the Mods folder and the Plugins folder. Although both use DLL files, they operate at different stages of the game’s lifecycle and serve different technical purposes. Knowing this distinction helps maintain stability and ensures that features load correctly.
What Are MelonLoader Plugins?
A plugin is designed to load at the earliest point in the game’s startup sequence. Plugins execute before game scenes, assets, or gameplay systems are initialized.
Key Characteristics
- Initialization Timing: Plugins load during the application start phase.
- Global Scope: Plugins control system-level tasks such as logging, input handling, hardware communication, or global UI elements.
- Persistence: Plugins remain active for the full duration of the game session, regardless of scene transitions.
MelonLoader Plugins vs. Mods: Technical Comparison
Execution Order
- Plugins: Load first, during pre-initialization.
- Mods: Load second, during or after the game has initialized.
Primary Purpose
- Plugins: Adjust how the loader or Unity engine behaves.
- Mods: Adjust game logic, gameplay systems, items, UI, and other in-game mechanics.
Typical Use Cases
- Plugins: Discord Rich Presence, VR haptic bridges, input remapping, system updaters.
- Mods: God mode, custom maps, fusions, translations, speed modifications.
Base Class
- Plugins: Inherit from
MelonPlugin. - Mods: Inherit from
MelonMod.
How to Install and Manage Plugins
Step 1: Locate the Game Directory
Open the game directory through Steam (Manage > Browse Local Files) or through your file explorer.
Step 2: Open the Plugins Folder
After running MelonLoader once, a Plugins folder will appear in the root game directory. If it does not exist, it can be created manually.
Step 3: Move the Plugin DLL
Place the downloaded plugin DLL file into the Plugins folder.
Step 4: Verify the Load
When launching the game, the MelonLoader console window will show a separate section listing all loaded plugins. This confirms that the installation is correct.
Essential Plugins for 2025
These plugins are widely used across Unity games and are recommended for most setups.
Bonelib Updater
Ensures compatibility between BONELAB and its internal libraries during updates.
Discord Presence
Adds detailed game session information to Discord.
UnityExplorer Components
Some versions include a plugin component that allows memory and object inspection earlier in the runtime.
Haptic Integration
Plugins designed to connect Unity titles with external hardware such as bHaptics devices.
Troubleshooting Plugin Loading Issues
Version Mismatch
Plugins may require specific MelonLoader versions. A plugin built for an older loader version may not load on the latest release.
Duplicate Files
Do not place the same DLL in both the Mods and Plugins folders. This causes conflicts and may prevent initialization.
Missing Dependencies
Some plugins require additional files in the UserLibs folder. Always extract full archives when installing plugins rather than copying only the DLL.
Official MelonLoader Resources
Official links included as requested.
Official Website: https://melonloader.pro
Download Page: https://melonloader.pro/download-melonloader/
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/LavaGang/MelonLoader