Fix: a plugin won't load or open

You installed a plugin and nothing happens: no window, no toolbar button, the hotkey is dead. Nearly every cause leaves a clear trace in the log, so this is one of the easier things to pin down.

First, read the log

BepInEx/LogOutput.log lists every plugin it loads on startup, and prints an error for any that fail. Open it, search for the plugin’s name, and you’ll usually see the reason right there. If you’re new to this, enable logging and read the output walks through it.

If the plugin’s name isn’t in the log at all, it never loaded, and it’s one of the first three below. If it’s there but errored, the error names what’s wrong (usually a missing dependency).

The usual causes

• Wrong folder. The plugin’s .dll has to be inside BepInEx/plugins (a subfolder is fine). If it’s loose in the game root or in the wrong place, it’s ignored. See installing a plugin.
• BepInEx missing or wrong version. These plugins need BepInEx 5. If BepInEx isn’t installed, or you have the wrong major version, nothing loads.
• A missing dependency. Many plugins need the Modding API (KKAPI) or another plugin to run. The log says exactly which one is missing (“missing dependency”). Install that, then restart.
• Wrong game. A plugin built for Koikatsu or AI-Shoujo will not load in HS2. Check it’s the Honey Select 2 build.
• It only works in one mode. Some plugins are Studio-only and do nothing in the main game (or the reverse). Make sure you’re in the right place.

It loaded, but the window or hotkey does nothing

• Hotkey clash. Another plugin grabbed the same key. Open the plugin config (press F1 for the configuration manager) and rebind it.
• Nothing selected. Some plugins only act on the selected character or item, and sit silent until you pick one.
• Toolbar button, not a hotkey. A lot of Studio plugins add a button to the left toolbar instead of a key. Check there.