API & Framework Mods

A framework, API, or loader is something you build on top of rather than a mod a player runs for fun. It provides the plumbing - a scripting runtime, a data-patching layer, a mod loader, an engine project - so your mod can skip the fragile reverse-engineering and get to the feature you actually want to make.

This section explains each of the tools worth knowing and, most importantly, when to reach for which.

Which one do I use?

Start from your goal, not from the tool:

Your goal	Reach for	Why
Change game values - stats, recipes, drop rates, spawns, item definitions	PalSchema (or a raw DataTable edit)	Patches game data from JSON without cooking assets or shipping a full .pak.
Runtime behavior - custom logic, hooks into game functions, in-game commands, reading/writing live objects	UE4SS (Lua)	A scripting runtime that loads into the game and lets you hook UFunctions and manipulate objects at runtime.
New Blueprint actors or logic mods	Palworld Modding Kit	The official UE 5.1 project; build Blueprint/C++ content and cook it into a LogicMod .pak.
Swap models / textures / audio	Asset pipeline (not a framework) - see Asset Modding and Packaging	Edit cooked assets and repack; no framework required.
Distribute to players via mod managers / Thunderstore	Unreal Shimloader	A loader shim that lets UE mods be installed and managed like other modded games.
Administer a dedicated server (give items, manage players, anti-cheat)	PalDefender	Server-side admin toolkit with commands and a local REST API.

Many real mods combine several: for example a Pal-overhaul might use PalSchema for data, UE4SS Lua for behavior, and the asset pipeline for new visuals.

The tools

• UE4SS - RE-UE4SS: the Lua/C++ scripting runtime, object dumper and console. The backbone of script mods. Rebuilt per game version - use a build made for Palworld 1.0.
• PalSchema - a data/schema modding framework for adding and patching items, Pals, recipes and translations through JSON.
• Unreal Shimloader - the loader used to distribute and manage UE mods (notably on Thunderstore).
• Palworld Modding Kit - the official Unreal Engine 5.1 project for building Blueprint/C++ logic mods.
• PalDefender - server-side administration and anti-cheat for dedicated servers.

Match the framework to your game build

Frameworks that load into the game (UE4SS, and anything depending on it) are sensitive to the exact Palworld build. After a game patch, wait for the framework to be updated for the new build before relying on it - see Compatibility & updates.