What Will RimWorld’s Next DLC Bring?
RimWorld is one of my favourite games. Even vanilla, it is an excellent colony management sim. But, it’s one of those rare beasts of a game where every DLC bring something new and enjoyable. The worst DLC is probably Royalty, but that only feels lacklustre due to the size and quality of what came after it.
Based on previous releases, the next RimWorld DLC is likely due sometime around October. Ludeon Studios has never provided a roadmap, and they only ever provide updates about a month before new DLC launches. So, any guess regarding what’s next, is exactly that – a guess.
With that said, forums and groups have put forward their ideas of what Ludeon might release.
Diplomacy
Current diplomacy mechanics in the game are quite limited. Completing quests, helping downed faction members, trading with factions, or giving them gifts will improve relationships with those factions. With a high enough rating, factions become allies and will fight alongside you, in exchange for goodwill. If your relationship falls below a certain level, a faction will become hostile and may send raids to attack your base.
The system is functional, but it’s limited, especially when compared to the depth and complexity of other mechanics.
Users on Reddit, the Steam community page, and elsewhere have been calling for expansion to the diplomacy system. But, it’s difficult to see how it could really be improved enough to justify a full DLC. Some improvements may be included.
Marine Exploration
RimWorld has a ton of water spaces on the map. It has also added gravships that allow some limited space exploration. Putting two and two together, it’s possible Ludeon may make the move to the ocean.
A marine exploration DLC would likely bring boats and other forms of marine transport, and may offer the ability to build on or extend over water.
Land Transport
Moving on land means walking or taking animals like horses or muffalos. It’s slow, tedious, and my least favourite part of the game.
Considering we now have access to gravships, it is kind of weird, lore-wise, that there aren’t more vehicular options open to us.
Previous DLCs have added multiple functions, and this could be the case with marine exploration and land vehicles being added in a single run.
Improved Defences
Another area that hasn’t really been developed is colony defences. Yes, you have colonists. And, yes, you have traps and a few turrets, and they can all be turned into killboxes and trap corridors.
But, some of those tactics are considered cheesing the game – there is definitely room for improvement and expansion in this area.
Multiplayer
Multiplayer is another popular call from the community. It could enable players to build settlements together, or rid one another’s bases.
There are multiplayer mods that do a decent job, but they tend to have heavy restrictions. And all of Ludeon’s previous DLCs have concentrated on single player, so there’s not really anything to suggest official MP is coming.
Z Levels
RimWorld is played on a single level. One possible route for new DLC would be the addition of z levels – i.e. the ability to build and move up and down.
The general consensus is that z levels aren’t possible in the existing RimWorld code. Ludeon event trolled players with an April Fools’ Day post, announcing the launch of the feature. Z levels would likely require a complete rebuild. Or possibly even the launch of RimWorld 2. Neither of those outcomes seem likely.
No More RimWorld DLC?
It is possible Ludeon won’t release any more DLC, but every addition has brought new players to the game.
Diplomacy feels like the least developed element of the game. Coupled with players’ demands for an improved diplomacy system, this seems one of the more likely possibilities. Alternatively, we could see an expansion to quests and missions, the addition of new storytellers, or even new world types.
