Yeah, sometimes you want to play single-player. I get that. But every now and then, booting up a game specifically for multiplayer, especially co-op, sounds too enticing to pass up. But what if your favorite genre is strategy or colony sim? The latter is complicated. So, is RimWorld multiplayer?
Does RimWorld Have Multiplayer?
The base game of RimWorld does not have multiplayer. It’s designed as a single-player game that strongly focuses on the stories you craft through interactions and events. Depending on your perspective, a second player can muddy or enhance those stories, but Ludeon decided not to pursue a cooperative mode.
Does a colony sim need multiplayer? Personally, I don’t think so. I’ve destroyed the lives of my pawns for nearly 1,000 hours now and never once felt the need to introduce a second player.
But I’m not everyone; you may have different feelings about the topic!
Related: What’s New in RimWorld Update 1.5
How to Play RimWorld Multiplayer
While vanilla RimWorld doesn’t offer online support, the modding community produced a solution! If you download Multiplayer from the RimWorld Workshop, specifically the one by Zetrith, you’ll find a functional cooperative experience. It works with Update 1.4, along with a handful of mods,
The mod allows you to:
- Create multiple colonies
- Build independent player factions
- Connect via LAN, Steam, or direct connection
- Download and use supported mods
- Play with numerous people (8 is recommended!)
The Guide Hall prefers its colony sim games solo, but there’s always room for the occasional partner in RimWorld. Keep an eye out for more guides from somewhere along the rim!