Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run Scan×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

RimWorld Review: Is the Colony Sim Worth Playing in 2026?

RimWorld is a single-player colony sim built around emergent stories. Here’s what to expect from the base game, Odyssey, and the free 1.6 update.
World2026? Length4 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Yes—RimWorld is worth playing if you enjoy managing a colony and watching its people, environment, and crises combine into unpredictable stories. It is a single-player sci-fi simulation, not a fixed campaign: the appeal is shaping a settlement while an AI storyteller sets events in motion. The free 1.6 update is separate from the paid Odyssey expansion, so you do not need Odyssey to play the updated base game.

What kind of game is RimWorld?

RimWorld is a colony-management simulation built around systems that interact rather than a scripted plot. Ludeon Studios describes it as “A sci-fi colony sim driven by an intelligent AI storyteller.” Colonists have psychological and social needs; weather, terrain, wildlife, medicine, trade, diplomacy, and combat all affect whether a settlement thrives. The result is a game about responding to situations and living with their consequences, not following one authored story from beginning to end. Steam’s RimWorld listing describes the simulated systems, while Ludeon’s official blog presents the developer’s framing.

Why the storyteller matters

The AI storyteller shapes the rhythm of events, but the story comes from how those events collide with your colony’s circumstances. A crisis can be a practical test of food, shelter, defenses, or medical care—and a source of character drama. This makes each settlement feel less like a checklist of missions and more like a chain of decisions whose outcomes are not fully predictable.

What playing involves

You oversee a settlement and its colonists while managing the systems that keep it functioning. The Steam description specifically names psychology, ecology, gunplay, melee combat, climate, biomes, diplomacy, relationships, art, medicine, and trade. That breadth is the game’s defining strength, but it also means RimWorld is best suited to players who like learning interconnected systems and adapting when plans go wrong.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
8Bitdo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller for Windows PC and Android, with 1000 Hz Polling Rate, Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers, and Remappable L4/R4 Bumpers (Green)
  • Compatible with Windows and Android.
  • 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
  • Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
  • Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
  • Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.

Is RimWorld worth playing?

For players drawn to open-ended management and emergent storytelling, RimWorld offers a clear reason to keep playing: the same broad simulation can produce different situations as colonists, surroundings, and events interact. It is a weaker fit if you want a tightly directed plot, a conventional action campaign, or a game that asks little of you between major story beats. The central question is whether you enjoy making decisions for a colony and seeing what follows.

What player reviews indicate

When checked in 2026, Steam displayed “Overwhelmingly Positive” for both recent and English-language reviews. One captured listing showed 96% positive from 1,449 recent reviews and 97% positive from 119,493 English reviews. These are changing Steam user-review figures, not a professional critics’ score; counts and percentages can shift over time. Check the live Steam listing for the current figures.

Rank #2
Sale
ManbaOne Interactive Screen Wireless Gaming Controller (Black)
  • Supported Multi-Platform:Switch/Switch 2 (NO support wake-up function)/iOS/Android/Windows PC (Notice:Not compatible with Xbox, PlayStation or GeForce Now, For game platforms not mentioned, please consult customer service before buying)
  • Connection modes:Wired/Bluetooth/Wireless Dongle(Connect to PC via Bluetooth : Select iOS (phone) mode, but it's not recommended; Dongle is more stable)
  • 【Innovative Intelligent Interactive Screen】Manba One V2 wireless game controllers create a new era of controller screens; Equipped with a 2-inch display, no App & software needed, you can set the pc controller directly through the screen visualization, More convenient operation
  • 【Micro Switch Button】Manba One wireless controller has Micro Switch Button and ALPS Bumper; The 6-axis gyroscope function makes switch games more immersive
  • 【Customize Your Own Controller】The intelligent interactive screen allows you to easily set vibrations, buttons, joysticks,lights, etc., without the need for complex key combinations; 4 configurations can be saved to unlock your own gameplay for different games; The 4 back keys support macro definition settings, and you can activate the set character's ultimate move with one click

What does Odyssey add?

Odyssey expands RimWorld beyond the traditional single-map focus by adding travel across the planet. Ludeon’s July 11, 2025 Odyssey announcement describes building a gravship, visiting new biomes with varied landforms and wildlife, taking quests, raiding ancient cryptosleep bunkers, and scavenging technology from orbital locations such as space stations and asteroids. The announcement also teases an ancient machine mind.

In practical terms, Odyssey’s distinctive change is broader exploration layered onto colony management. It is the expansion to consider if moving between locations and pursuing planetary or orbital opportunities sounds more appealing than keeping play centered on one settlement. The official sources cited here establish Odyssey’s features, but do not provide enough detail to rank it against every other expansion.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
GameSir G7 Pro Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Wireless Gamepad for PC&Android with TMR Sticks, Hall Effect Analog Triggers, 1000Hz Polling Rate, 3.5mm Audio Jack - Black
  • Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
  • TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
  • Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
  • 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
  • GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.

Do you need Odyssey to play RimWorld 1.6?

No. Ludeon’s July 11, 2025 announcement says the 1.6 update is free and does not require Odyssey. The developer highlighted performance improvements, reworked map generation, flying animals, and quality-of-life changes as part of 1.6; these are base-game update changes, not a reason to buy the expansion. Read Ludeon’s announcement for the update and expansion distinction.

The latest dated official update located for this article is version 1.6.4850, posted June 8, 2026. Ludeon said that update should be compatible with saves and mods. That statement is specific to the cited update; mod compatibility can depend on individual mods and later changes. Ludeon’s official blog is the place to check for newer patch information.

Rank #4
GameSir Nova Lite 2 Wireless PC Controller Hall Effect Sticks
  • Multi-Platform PC Gaming Controller: Working with Switch, PC, Android, and iOS devices via Bluetooth, wired, and wireless dongle connections.
  • Hall Effect Joysticks: Delivering enhanced recentering performance for smoother control and superior anti-drift capability. Plus, with anti-friction rings.
  • 2-Way Trigger Lock: With trigger stops, gamers can toggle between short and long pull positions. Additionally, gamers can activate hair trigger mode by pressing M+LT/RT (triggers must be in the long pull position).
  • 1000Hz Polling Rate: This ensures that your inputs are registered almost instantaneously, minimizing lag and maximizing your performance during competitive play.
  • Mechanical Circular D-pad: Designed for quick reactions and accuracy in every direction, this D-pad elevates your gaming experience with superior responsiveness.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Which platform and storefront details matter?

The Steam listing identifies RimWorld as single-player and lists Steam Workshop, Steam Cloud, Remote Play on Tablet, and Family Sharing. Those are Steam-specific storefront features; the listing does not establish feature parity on other platforms or stores. It gives the game’s release date as October 17, 2018. See the Steam store page for its current platform and feature details.

Steam’s RimWorld page also lists Royalty, Ideology, Biotech, Anomaly, and Odyssey, alongside soundtrack products and name-in-game access. Prices, bundles, and review totals can change by date, region, and storefront, so check the store where you plan to buy rather than relying on an old price or bundle description. The available official information here does not support a complete feature-by-feature ranking of the expansions.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
EasySMX X15 Wireless PC & Steam Gaming Controller, Hall Effect, Black
  • Platform Compatibility: This PC controller is designed for Windows PC, Steam, Switch, Android, and iOS. Xbox-style asymmetric stick layout for PC gamers. Three modes cover all your devices. Please check your device compatibility before purchase
  • Three Connection Modes: 2.4G wireless, Bluetooth, wired USB-C. PC gets native XInput/DirectInput. Switch pairs via Bluetooth, no adapter. This gaming PC controller switches devices seamlessly. Stable wireless minimizes random disconnects during gaming
  • Hall Effect Precision: Hall effect joysticks and triggers eliminate stick drift. This gaming controller for PC delivers smooth, responsive input with no dead zones. Built for FPS, racing, and action games. Long-term precision for competitive PC gaming
  • Back Buttons & Battery: Two programmable back buttons map combos and shortcuts. Textured grips with dual vibration. 1000mAh battery delivers up to 20H playtime. RGB can be turned off. A solid PC controller for gaming with custom back buttons
  • ABXY Layout Switch: Press B + Minus + Plus to swap between PC and Switch modes. Features: 1000Hz polling rate, RGB lighting, turbo. Note: designed without mic jack or gyro sensor

Is RimWorld still being updated?

The official update record cited here includes version 1.6.4850, posted June 8, 2026, after the 1.6 update announcement in July 2025. This establishes ongoing official updates through that dated post, not a guarantee about future release timing. Check Ludeon’s official blog for announcements after that date. Visit Ludeon’s official blog.

Should you buy the base game or an expansion?

If you are new to RimWorld, the base game is the straightforward way to find out whether its colony-management and emergent-story approach suits you. The free 1.6 update does not require Odyssey, so expansion ownership is not a prerequisite for the updated base game. Consider Odyssey if gravship travel, new places to explore, quests, and orbital scavenging are the specific additions you want. For Royalty, Ideology, Biotech, or Anomaly, consult their current official store descriptions before choosing: the official sources cited here list them but do not establish enough detail for a reliable comparative ranking.

Verdict

RimWorld is a strong choice for players who want a flexible colony sim where interacting systems generate stories instead of delivering a fixed campaign. Its appeal depends on enjoying management, adaptation, and emergent outcomes. Odyssey adds a clear exploration-and-travel direction, while the free 1.6 update remains available without buying that expansion.

More official information

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. How to Turn On Vibrant Visuals in MinecraftMinecraftBlog3min
  2. Best Multiplayer Games for Low-End PCsBlog4min
  3. Minecraft: How To Use And Install OptiFineBlog5min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.