RimWorld

RimWorld is a single-player sci-fi colony simulation video game developed by the Canadian studio Ludeon Studios. It focuses on emergent storytelling as players build and sustain a group of colonists stranded on a distant world.

Gameplay centers on constructing a functioning settlement while managing colonists’ needs, moods, and relationships. Each colonist has distinct skills such as construction, mining, farming, medicine, or shooting, which influence tasks and outcomes. Players assign jobs and manage workloads while gathering resources, researching technologies, crafting equipment, and defending the colony from threats. Colonists can experience injuries, illnesses, and mental breaks, leading to dramatic events that shape the colony’s fate.

The game uses procedurally generated worlds with multiple biomes, weather patterns, and changing seasons. A narrative engine, driven by an AI storyteller, injects events to create challenges and opportunities. Default storytellers Cassandra Classic, Phoebe Chillout, and Randy Random offer different pacing and tone. The technology tree and production systems enable unlocking new equipment, buildings, and rituals. Diplomatic interactions with rival factions can yield trade agreements or raids.

Development and reception: RimWorld began as an indie project and entered early access before a wider release. It has been praised for depth, emergent storytelling, and high replay value, while criticized for performance issues in large colonies and a steep learning curve. The title has a large modding community that expands content and mechanics. Official expansions include Royalty and Ideology, along with ongoing updates.

Platforms: RimWorld runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux and uses the Unity engine. It is distributed through digital storefronts such as Steam and GOG.