Mods Gone Wild? Taming RimWorld's Add-Ons & Tools

Just want the basics? Here's a quick step-by-step to get mods up and running:

1. Get Mods (Steam or Manual)

   Steam: Go to RimWorld's Workshop page and Subscribe to mods you want – they'll download automatically when you launch the game.

   GOG/Epic: Download mods from trusted sources like GitHub releases or the Ludeon forum, then place them in your RimWorld Mods folder – usually in RimWorld/Mods or the %appdata%\Locallow\Ludeon Studios\RimWorld directory.

   Steam Workshop Interface

2. Enable Mods in Game

   Launch RimWorld and click Mods from the main menu. You'll see all subscribed/installed mods. Enable the ones you want by clicking the checkbox. RimWorld will auto-restart if any core library mods (like Harmony) were added – that's normal.

3. Order Matters (Sometimes)

   Generally, put core framework mods (Harmony, Core Library mods) at the top of the load order, content mods in the middle, and patches at the bottom. The game's mod menu lets you drag mods up/down. If unsure, don't panic – try using the Auto-sort button (RimWorld 1.4+ has a built-in sort function) or get RimPy (a community mod manager) to sort for you.

4. Check for Dependencies

   Read each mod's description on Workshop. If a mod needs another mod (common for big expansions or libraries), make sure you have those installed and loaded. Missing dependency = mod not working!

5. Start a New Game (or Load Save)

   It's wise to start a fresh colony after adding a bunch of mods, just to ensure everything works. But if you're adding small QoL mods, loading an existing save is usually fine (removing mods is trickier – see Troubleshooting section). Enjoy your modded game – your pawns will thank you for that electric dishwasher mod soon.

Modding RimWorld unlocks infinite replayability. This colony sim is already rich, but maybe you'd love new animals, weapons, or factions? Mods have you covered. Want to streamline the interface or automate tedious tasks? Mods do that too (looking at you, Allow Tool and Pick Up and Haul). In short, mods let you tailor the storytelling experience – from hardcore survival challenges to whimsical additions (yes, you can have pet dragons or make it rain chocolate).

This guide focuses on two things: mods (the content packages themselves) and tools (utilities or techniques to manage and customize mods). We'll approach it gamer-to-gamer – I'll share not just what to use, but how and why, backed by community wisdom and a few cautionary tales. New to RimWorld? Start with our beginner's survival guide before diving into mods. Grab your survival meals and let's dig in.

Even seasoned RimWorld players run into headaches when modding. Let's address the big pain points one by one, so you can spend more time playing and less time troubleshooting.

Everyone's RimWorld experience is different, but some mods have become community favorites because they address common gripes or add amazing content. This section is like walking through a mod market – from Quality of Life improvements to big content expansions. Think of it as a buffet; take what sounds tasty to you.

This section is for players who want to go beyond just downloading mods – maybe you want to tweak mods yourself or use developer tools to further customize your RimWorld. Proceed only if you're comfortable editing files or using dev mode; these are entirely optional but can greatly enhance control.

<ThingDef ParentName="BaseWeapon">
  <defName>Gun_IncendiaryLauncher</defName>
  <label>incendiary launcher</label>
  <description>A modified grenade launcher. Launches incendiary grenades.</description>
  <statBases>
    <MarketValue>1500</MarketValue>
    <Mass>7</Mass>
    <AccuracyTouch>0.75</AccuracyTouch>
    <RangedWeapon_Cooldown>2.5</RangedWeapon_Cooldown>
  </statBases>
</ThingDef>

<Patch>
  <Operation Class="PatchOperationReplace">
    <xpath>/Defs/ThingDef[defName="Gun_IncendiaryLauncher"]/statBases/RangedWeapon_Cooldown</xpath>
    <value>2.0</value>
  </Operation>
</Patch>

Modding isn't just about the mods – it's also about the tools that help you manage those mods and enhance your gameplay. We've referenced a few of these above, but here we'll list the key tools and utilities explicitly, so you know what's available in your toolbox:

Modding RimWorld is like being a kid in a candy store – so many treats, and you might overstuff your basket at first. And that's okay! Part of the joy is experimenting: one day you're managing a gritty save with hardcore combat and permadeath, the next you're herding fluffy Pokémon (yes, there's a mod for that too). The key is to have fun and tailor the experience to your taste.

Think of mods and tools as the instruments in a rich orchestra. At first, you might just want the lead violin (a couple of QoL mods). Over time, you add the drums and brass (big content mods). Eventually, you're conducting a complex symphony of 200 mods – and with the right tools, it's harmonious. Sure, there might be the occasional sour note (error) to troubleshoot, but with this guide and the community resources, you'll know how to resolve it and get back to the story unfolding in your colony.

As you venture forth, remember: every RimWorld colony tells a story. Mods are there to give you more stories, more control, or more chaos as you see fit. Maybe your next run will be a zombie-infested hellscape with elite SWAT pawns (mods can do that), or a peaceful farming village with expanded agriculture and brewing (mods can do that too). The choice is yours.

One last recap: We've covered how to install and manage mods, the top QoL improvements, the major content packs (with Vanilla Expanded and others taking the spotlight), performance tips, troubleshooting, and advanced tweaking. With these tools and knowledge, you are well-equipped to mod RimWorld in 2025 and beyond. So get out there and make your colonists' lives both better and more interesting with your new mods & tools!

Happy modding, and may your storyteller always give you just the right amount of challenge.