In-Depth MelonLoader Troubleshooting Guide

Before starting, always reboot your system (Pc/laptop), if you have just installed any system dependencies (like the .NET Runtime or Visual C++).

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Phase 1: Check Required Dependencies

Most installation problems occur here. If your game does not launch or the MelonLoader console window does not appear, verify these items first.

Issue A: Visual C++ Redistributable Not Installed Correctly

Symptoms

  • Game crashes immediately on launch

  • Windows error pop-ups mentioning missing files such as:

    MSVCP140.dll or VCRUNTIME140.dll

Solution

  • Download the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015–2022 Redistributable from the official Microsoft site

  • Install both x86 and x64 versions to ensure compatibility

  • Restart your PC after installing

Issue B: .NET Desktop Runtime Missing or Incorrect

Required for most modern Unity Il2Cpp games.

Symptoms

  • Console window opens briefly and closes

  • Errors such as:

     
    [ERROR] Could not load file or assembly 'System.Runtime, Version=6.0.0.0'
    il2cpp_init detour failed

Solution

  • Download .NET Desktop Runtime 6.0 or higher

  • Install the version that matches the game executable:

    • x64 for 64-bit games

    • x86 for 32-bit games (shows as “(32 bit)” in Task Manager)

  • Restart your PC after installation

Phase 2: Installation and File Integrity Checks

If all dependencies are correctly installed, issues are usually related to file placement or injection failure.

Issue C: MelonLoader Console Does Not Appear

Symptom
The game launches normally, but no MelonLoader console window appears and no new folders (Mods, Plugins, UserData, Logs) are created.

Fix Steps

  • Verify File Placement
    Go to the main game directory (where the game .exe is located). You should see:

    • version.dll

    • MelonLoader folder

  • Run as Administrator
    Right-click the game executable and choose Run as administrator to avoid permission blocking.

  • Check Antivirus
    Temporarily disable antivirus or Windows Defender. Injection tools are often flagged as threats.
    If it works after disabling, add the game folder as an antivirus exception.

  • Reinstall
    Re-run the MelonLoader Automated Installer and confirm the correct executable is selected.

Issue D: MelonLoader Stopped Working After a Game Update

Symptom
MelonLoader worked previously but stopped functioning after the game received an update.

Fix Steps

  • Re-run the Installer
    Game updates may overwrite version.dll. Reinstall MelonLoader using the automated installer to restore required files.

  • Check Installed Mods
    A recent game update may break one or more mods. Temporarily rename the Mods folder to Mods_Disabled and launch the game:

    • If MelonLoader loads successfully, one of the mods is incompatible.

    • Re-enable mods one by one or check for updated versions.

Phase 3: Mod and Plugin Conflicts

If MelonLoader starts correctly but the game crashes during loading or specific features stop working, the issue is usually caused by a conflicting mod or plugin.

Issue E: Game Crashes During Startup or Gameplay

Symptom
The MelonLoader console opens and begins loading normally, but the game crashes while loading the main menu or shortly after starting.

Fix – Conflict Isolation Method

  1. Move half of the files from the Mods and Plugins folders to a temporary folder outside the game directory.

  2. Launch the game and test.

    • If the crash stops: The problematic file is in the group you removed.

    • If the crash continues: The issue is in the files still inside the folder.

  3. Repeat the process, splitting the remaining group in half again until the exact file causing the crash is found.

  4. Check the identified mod/plugin for version compatibility, update it if possible, or remove it entirely.

Phase 4: Advanced Debugging (Using Log Files)

If you have checked all dependencies and file placement but the problem persists, the Log File is the most reliable source for identifying the exact cause of the issue.

Issue F: Identifying the Root Problem via Logs

Symptom
The console window may close too fast to read, or the game may show a subtle issue without a clear error message.

Fix

  1. Open your game directory and navigate to:
    GameName / MelonLoader / Logs

  2. Open the latest.log file.

  3. Search for key terms that typically indicate a failure, such as:

    • [ERROR]

    • [CRITICAL]

    • System.Exception

    • NullReferenceException (often indicates a broken or incompatible mod)

The lines directly after these entries will show the stack trace and identify which mod or process caused the crash.

If you are unsure how to interpret the log, share the full latest.log file with the official MelonLoader support community or Discord for help.