If your game crashes immediately after launch, often with the MelonLoader console window appearing briefly and then closing, it means MelonLoader or one of its required components encountered a fatal error. These crashes almost never happen randomly. MelonLoader depends heavily on the game version, system runtimes, and mod compatibility.
This guide explains the most common reasons MelonLoader crashes and how to fix them correctly.
Core Dependency Failures
When MelonLoader crashes before any mods are listed in the console, the problem is usually missing or incompatible system dependencies.
Missing or Incorrect Runtime Environment
Unity games use different scripting backends, and each requires specific runtimes.
Il2Cpp Games
Most modern Unity games use Il2Cpp. These require the .NET 6 Desktop Runtime or newer, depending on the MelonLoader version. Installing the wrong architecture, such as x64 for a 32 bit game, will cause an instant crash.
All Unity Games
All games require the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 to 2019 Redistributable that matches the game architecture.
How to fix
- Install the .NET 6 Desktop Runtime from Microsoft and match x64 or x86 with the game
- Install the latest Visual C++ Redistributable from Microsoft
- Restart your system after installation
Incompatible MelonLoader Version
Games frequently change Unity versions or internal structures after updates. If MelonLoader is not compatible with the current game build, injection may fail.
How to fix
- Check the game modding community, Discord, or Nexus Mods
- Confirm which MelonLoader version works with the current game patch
- Reinstall MelonLoader using the correct version
Mod and Plugin Conflicts
If the MelonLoader console starts loading mods and then the game crashes, the issue is almost always mod related.
Mod and Game Version Mismatch
After a game update, older mods may try to access code that no longer exists. This causes runtime exceptions and crashes.
How to fix
- Remove all files from the Mods and Plugins folders
- Launch the game with only MelonLoader installed
- Add mods back one at a time, using updated versions compatible with your game
Missing Mod Dependencies
Many mods rely on shared libraries or framework mods. If a required dependency is missing, the dependent mod will crash during initialization.
How to fix
- Read the mod description carefully
- Download all required dependency files
- Place them in the correct folder, usually Plugins, as instructed by the mod author
Conflicts Between Mods or Plugins
Two mods modifying the same game system can conflict and crash the game.
How to fix
- Use the isolation method
- Remove half your mods and test
- Repeat until the crashing mod is identified
- Avoid running incompatible mods together
Antivirus and Permission Issues
Some crashes are not caused by code errors but by system security blocking MelonLoader.
Antivirus or Windows Defender Blocking Files
Because MelonLoader injects code into a running game, antivirus software may flag it as suspicious and silently remove critical files.
How to fix
- Open your antivirus protection history or quarantine
- Restore any MelonLoader related files
- Add the entire game folder to antivirus exclusions
Insufficient Permissions
Without administrator privileges, MelonLoader may fail to write files or initialize correctly.
How to fix
- Run the MelonLoader installer as administrator
- Run the game executable as administrator
- Avoid installing games inside protected system folders when possible
How to Diagnose MelonLoader Crashes Using Logs
Log files are the most reliable way to identify the cause of a crash.
Locate the Log Files
After a crash, go to
GameName\MelonLoader\Logs
Identify the Latest Log
Sort by date and open the most recent log file.
Read the Bottom of the Log
Scroll to the end of the file. The final lines usually show the fatal error or unhandled exception. Common errors start with System followed by the exception name.
Research the Error
Copy the error message and search for it on:
- MelonLoader GitHub issue tracker
- The game modding community forums
- The mod page related to the error
Final Notes
MelonLoader crashes are usually caused by outdated mods, missing runtimes, incompatible versions, or security software interference. Fixing the root cause requires checking dependencies, confirming compatibility, and reading log files carefully.
Always download MelonLoader from the official source to avoid corrupted or outdated builds.
https://melonloader.pro/download-melonloader/
MelonLoader official website
https://melonloader.pro/
MelonLoader GitHub
https://github.com/LavaGang/MelonLoader