LemonLoader is a powerful modding framework built for Unity-based Android games, most notably on Meta Quest headsets. It allows you to inject “code mods” (.DLL files) directly into your favorite games like Bonelab, enabling custom features, mechanics, and much more.
This guide breaks down the entire mod installation workflow, from finding the right mods to verifying they’re working in-game.
๐ Understanding How LemonLoader Uses Mods
Before you begin, itโs helpful to know how LemonLoader structures mods:
| Folder/File | Description |
|---|---|
Mods/ | Main folder for placing mod .DLL files. Located at: Android/data/com.developer.game/files/Mods/ (Replace with your game’s package name, e.g., com.StressLevelZero.BONELAB) |
.DLL Files | These are the actual code mods compiled as dynamic libraries. |
UserData/ (optional) | Some mods may store configuration files or settings here. Users typically donโt place .DLL files in this folder manually. |
๐ Full Mod Installation Workflow
โ Prerequisite: LemonLoader Installed
Make sure LemonLoader is installed and that you’ve launched the game at least once to auto-generate the necessary folders (like Mods/).
๐ Phase 1: Get the Mods
- Find the Mods You Want
Browse communities, Discords, or sites like Thunderstore.io for your game (e.g., Bonelab). - Use Trusted Sources ONLY
Stick to:- Thunderstore.io
- Modding Discord servers
- Official GitHub/Patreon pages
- Check Compatibility
- Game Version (e.g., Bonelab Patch 3 vs. Patch 4)
- LemonLoader Version
- Dependencies (e.g., BoneLib is required for many Bonelab mods)
- Download the Files
- Mods are usually
.DLLfiles or zipped archives containing.DLLs. - Extract if needed to access the
.DLLfiles.
- Mods are usually
๐ค Phase 2: Transfer Mods to Your Android Device
Option A: SideQuest (Recommended for Quest users)
- Connect your Quest via USB โ Enable USB Debugging.
- Open SideQuest โ Click the file browser icon (folder).
- Navigate to:
Android/data/com.developer.game/files/Mods/ - Drag and drop your
.DLLfiles into the folder.
Option B: ADB Command Line
- Open Command Prompt or Terminal where ADB is installed.
- Use this command: bashCopyEdit
adb push "C:\Path\To\Mod.dll" /sdcard/Android/data/com.developer.game/files/Mods/
Option C: File Manager (On-Device)
- Download the mod directly to your Quest.
- Use a file manager app (e.g., CX File Explorer).
- Extract if zipped, then move
.DLLfiles to:Android/data/com.developer.game/files/Mods/
๐ฎ Phase 3: Launch Game & Verify Mods
- Open the Game
Launch your modded game (e.g., Bonelab). - Observe First Launch
Initial startup might take longer โ this is normal as LemonLoader processes mods. - Look for In-Game Mod Features
- In Bonelab, many mods use BoneMenu, accessed via your in-game watch.
- Other mods may add menu options or work silently in the background.
- Test Your Mods
Try out the new features, weapons, UI changes, or game mechanics added by your mods.
๐งฉ Troubleshooting: When Mods Donโt Work
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Mods not appearing | Ensure .DLL files are in the correct Mods/ folder. |
| Game crash or nothing happens | Check mod compatibility with your game + LemonLoader version. |
| Mods require dependencies | Install required mods like BoneLib. |
| Mod conflicts | Remove mods one-by-one to identify problematic ones. |
| Corrupted mod | Re-download from a reliable source. |
| Still stuck? | Use SideQuest logs or adb logcat to debug LemonLoader errors. |
๐ Example: Installing a Bonelab Mod on Quest 3
- Goal: Add a new custom weapon mod.
- Mods Needed:
CustomGunMod.dll+BoneLib.dll. - Source: Download both from Thunderstore.io.
- Install:
- Connect Quest to PC.
- Use SideQuest to copy both
.DLLfiles to:Android/data/com.StressLevelZero.BONELAB/files/Mods/
- Launch Bonelab.
- Open BoneMenu, enable the mod, and start playing!
โ Best Practices for Safe Modding
- ๐ Back Up Save Files:
Find them atAndroid/data/com.developer.game/files/Saves/. - ๐ Start Small:
Test a few mods first before loading dozens. - ๐ Always Read Mod Instructions:
Some require specific folder paths or extra setup. - โ ๏ธ Avoid Updating Immediately:
New game patches can break mods. Wait for the modding community to catch up. - ๐ฌ Join the Community:
Discord servers and forums are great for support and discovering new mods.
My lemon loader won’t work but I’ve tried melonloader 1.0.0 and melon loader 0.6.1 and every version I see on YouTube and try the same games as the people on YouTube but it never works
You’re not alone โ here’s why your Lemon Loader or MelonLoader might not be working (even if you’re following every tutorial):
Modding Unity games can be more complex than it seems, and even small mismatches in versions, dependencies, or file placements can silently break Lemon Loader or MelonLoader.
I’ve written a full troubleshooting guide that walks through the most common causes โ from Unity version mismatches and system dependencies to antivirus conflicts and mod errors โ and how to fix them step-by-step:
๐ Read the full guide here
Itโs designed specifically for situations like yours where youโve tried multiple versions and followed all the YouTube advice but still canโt get it to work. Let me know if you get stuck anywhere โ happy to help further!
It always says failed to patch