Best Game Mod Loaders in 2026
Updated
In short: MelonLoader is ranked #1 of 25 as of 4 October 2026, ahead of SMAPI and CLEO. The best-ranked option with a free plan is SMAPI.
Choosing a game mod loader starts with compatibility: compare supported games and platforms with plugin support to see whether an option fits the titles and systems you use. Dependency handling, load-order control, and mod loading method show additional aspects to consider when organizing mods, while mod profiles may matter if you want distinct setups. Free-plan availability and “Paid from” details round out the comparison. MelonLoader leads the ranked entries, followed by SMAPI and BepInEx; Northstar, Everest, MWSE, Satisfactory Mod Loader, and Hell2Modding also appear near the beginning. Check the listed compatibility and management features against your own modding needs.
25 game mod loaders ranked on what their makers publish — plans and prices, free tiers, platforms and the facts on their own pages.
Recognised 40% · Phone app 26% · Documented 20% · Free plan 14% of the score
- 1 MelonLoader Android only RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.8Free Supported games: Unity games using Mono or Il2CppSupported platforms: Windows, Linux (WINE/Steam Proton/native), macOS, Android and Oculus Quest (WIP)Mod loading method: injection
- 2 SMAPI Android only RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 7.8Free Supported games: Stardew ValleySupported platforms: Linux, macOS, Windows, Steam Deck, AndroidMod loading method: plugin
- 3 CLEO iPhone only RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.7 Supported games: GTA III, GTA Vice City, GTA San Andreas, GTA IV, Bully, GTA: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition, re3, reVC, GTA Liberty City Stories, GTA Vice City StoriesSupported platforms: Windows PC, iOS, PSP, PS2Mod loading method: script
- 4 Satisfactory Mod Loader No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.4Free Supported games: SatisfactorySupported platforms: Windows, LinuxMod loading method: plugin
- 5 BepInEx No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.3Free Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, LinuxMod loading method: injection
- 6 Hell2Modding No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.3Free Supported games: Hades IISupported platforms: Windows; Steam Deck through ProtonMod loading method: injection
- 7 MWSE No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 6.3Free Supported games: The Elder Scrolls III: MorrowindSupported platforms: Windows; Linux via WineMod loading method: script
- 8 Everest No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.9 Supported games: CelesteSupported platforms: Windows, macOS, LinuxMod loading method: injection
- 9 Northstar No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.8 Supported games: Titanfall 2Supported platforms: Windows; LinuxMod loading method: injection
- 10 Ultimate ASI Loader No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.4 Supported games: GTA San Andreas; Resident Evil 5Supported platforms: Windows (Win32 and Win64)Mod loading method: plugin
- 11 Cyber Engine Tweaks No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.3 Supported games: Cyberpunk 2077Supported platforms: Windows; Linux via ProtonMod loading method: injection
- 12 Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE) No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.3 Supported games: Fallout 4Supported platforms: WindowsMod loading method: injection
- 13 ModTek No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.3Free Supported games: BattleTechSupported platforms: Windows, Linux, macOSMod loading method: injection
- 14 RED4ext No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.3 Supported games: Cyberpunk 2077Supported platforms: WindowsMod loading method: plugin
- 15 ScriptHookVDotNet No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.3 Supported games: Grand Theft Auto VSupported platforms: Windows PCMod loading method: plugin
- 16 Starfield Script Extender No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.3 Supported games: StarfieldSupported platforms: WindowsMod loading method: injection
- 17 Venice Unleashed No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.3 Supported games: Battlefield 3Supported platforms: WindowsMod loading method: script
- 18 xNVSE No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.3 Supported games: Fallout: New VegasSupported platforms: WindowsMod loading method: script
- 19 Baldur's Gate 3 Script Extender No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2 Supported games: Baldur's Gate 3Supported platforms: Windows, Linux via ProtonMod loading method: script
- 20 Hollow Knight Modding API No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2 Supported games: Hollow KnightSupported platforms: Windows, Linux, macOSMod loading method: injection
- 21 REDmod No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2 Supported games: Cyberpunk 2077Supported platforms: Windows
- 22 UE4SS No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2 Supported platforms: WindowsMod loading method: injection
- 23 xOBSE No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.2 Supported games: The Elder Scrolls IV: OblivionSupported platforms: Windows; Linux via Steam ProtonMod loading method: injection
- 24 Sonic No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 5.1
- 25 Unity No phone app RecognisedPhone appDocumentedFree plan 4.9
Is your app on this list?
Numbered spots on this list can be sponsored. They are labelled, and the editorial order and scores never change for payment.
Questions about this list
Which game mod loader is ranked first on Samsung Mobile US Press?
MelonLoader is ranked #1 of 25 with a score of 7.8. SMAPI is second and CLEO third.
How many of these have a free plan?
7 of the 25 on this page publish a free plan on their own pricing pages.
How is this list ranked?
Ranked mobile-first: a phone app alongside the web or desktop product, a free tier and the depth of its documentation. Paid placements never change a rank.