Common mistakes in Rimworld Multiplayer

RimWorld Multiplayer comes with its fair share of hiccups. Desyncs, lag spikes, or poor connections make these mistakes so common that even pro players can encounter them.

To find out the most common pitfalls, we spoke with experienced multiplayer survivors and surveyed our community. Read this guide to explore the common Rimworld Multiplayer mistakes and how to avoid them without losing your mind.

Common technical mistakes in Rimworld Multiplayer

From mismatched mods to servers that crumble under pressure, these problems often waste more time than raids or infestations ever could. Below are a few common technical mistakes and how to avoid them.

Mod-related issues

Mods in RimWorld are addictive. You start with one or two “must-haves,” and before you know it, you’re running a hundred. That’s when the trouble starts. Random crashes, constant desyncs, and the occasional unexplainable disaster, like the sky catching fire for no reason. Even great mods can break things when they’re all piled together.

Multiplayer makes it even trickier since every player needs the same mods, DLCs, and load order. One mismatch and you’re locked out while everyone else is already building a fortress. And if you’re running an old version of a multiplayer mod, expect connection errors to crash the party.

Careless installs lead to wild surprises like a “harmless” weapon mod that suddenly detonates inside your base. Other times, you just make the early game a slog by stacking overly complex or incompatible mods without testing them first. And yes, using outdated setups without simple quality-of-life helpers (like “Show Draftee Weapons”) is just self-sabotage.

How to avoid Mod-related issues in Rimworld multiplayer?

Keep mods minimal, compatible, and tested for multiplayer. Make sure everyone matches exactly on mods, DLCs, and versions. Update often. Skip mods that overcomplicate the early game. Adjust your list as you play.

Desynchronization (desync) problems

Desyncs happen when the game can’t keep everyone on the same page. This happens due to mods, network hiccups, or bizarre gameplay events.

How to avoid desync problems in Rimworld multiplayer?

Run a lean mod list, avoid known troublemakers, and match game versions. If the issue persists, try manually syncing XML files or just restarting the game before frustration sets in.

Server setup and hosting issues

A bad server setup is like building your base on swampy ground. It might hold up for a while, but sooner or later it’s going to fail. Misconfigured servers can drop connections mid-game and turn hosting into a constant headache.

How to avoid server setup and hosting issues in Rimworld multiplayer?

Use a reliable server host, follow a trusted server setup guide, and double-check that everyone can connect without issues. Stable hosting keeps your game running smoothly and saves you from troubleshooting in the middle of a raid.

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Common gameplay mistakes in Rimworld Multiplayer

Gameplay mistakes like poor resource planning, neglecting defences, or ignoring colonist needs are common. And one small oversight can snowball into disaster in multiplayer.

Here are the most common gameplay mistakes and how to avoid them.

Poor coordination among players

When everyone tries to do everything, the key jobs are getting neglected, like when your only cook gets downed mid-raid.

Also, more workstations mean more output. Two stoves will cook meals faster than one, and three workbenches will keep more colonists busy than a single bench everyone has to share.

How to avoid poor coordination among players in Rimworld Multiplayer?

Assign players clear roles so the colony runs efficiently. Always have backup cooks in case of emergencies, and build enough production stations to match the number of colonists working.

Ineffective resource and zone management

Stockpiles and zones act as the colony’s traffic system, and poor planning forces colonists to travel farther than they need to.

A cluttered or poorly designed base layout also slows work and movement. Forgetting to store enough food, medicine, or warm clothing can leave your colony hungry, sick, or unprepared for winter. Without proper defences, predators can wander in, heat can escape, and your freezer can quickly become useless.

How to avoid ineffective resource management in Rimworld Multiplayer?

Place stockpiles close to work areas, keep base layouts organized, check resource levels often, and wall in your base to keep wildlife out. In extreme climates, build double walls to help maintain temperature so colonists can sleep comfortably.

Ignoring game mechanics and tactics

RimWorld rewards careful planning and punishes neglect. Ignoring injuries or mood debuffs can push colonists into destructive behavior. Recruiting pawns with poor traits often leads to conflict and sabotage.

Building entirely from wood leaves your base vulnerable to fire, and an unbalanced mix of ranged and melee fighters makes it easy for raiders to exploit your defences. Underestimating raids or traps usually ends in heavy losses.

Mistakes happen outside of combat, too, like mining inside mountains without supports, removing walls before the roof, or leaving dead animals to rot in traps. Focusing only on research while leaving weak walls in place can also invite disaster.

How to avoid ignoring game mechanics?

Learn the basics of pawn needs, combat, and construction early on, and build habits around checking them regularly. Use the in-game alerts as reminders, review pawn traits before recruiting, and think ahead about resources, defences, and environmental hazards so small issues don’t snowball into colony-ending problems.

Not managing difficulty and risk properly

Expanding too quickly or taking on fights you’re not ready for often leads to unnecessary losses. The more territory you have, the more you need to defend, feed, and maintain, which gives problems more room to grow.

Hunting large herds for “easy” meat can quickly turn into a medical crisis if things go wrong. Ignoring mental breaks or the hidden costs of certain actions can slowly undermine your progress. Sticking to outdated tactics, like relying on the same weapons for every situation, can make late-game combat harder and less efficient.

Performance issues, such as keeping huge animal populations, can also slow the game to a crawl.

How to manage difficulty and risk in Rimworld Multiplayer?

Choose a difficulty that’s challenging but manageable. Evaluate risks before committing to them, adjust your tactics to match changing threats, and keep the game running smoothly by avoiding unnecessary performance drains, like hoarding animals or items you don’t actively use.

Multiplayer-specific social and communication mistakes

Multiplayer RimWorld is a blast, but it also opens the door to some communication slip-ups. Let’s take a look at the most common ones and how to avoid them.

Poor communication

When players aren’t clear about plans or priorities, tasks get duplicated, important jobs get missed, and responses to threats become uncoordinated. One person might be preparing for a raid while another is still debating where to place the kitchen.

How to avoid poor communication issues?

Keep communication consistent, whether through voice chat, text, or any method that works for the group. Agree on how updates will be shared and make planning a regular part of the game.

Conflicts over control

Giving the same colonist two different orders from two different players causes delays and confusion. This can result in wasted time, abandoned jobs, or poor responses to urgent situations.

How to avoid the conflicts?

Use multiplayer-friendly mods that help manage pawns without overlap, or assign zones so each player has a clear area of responsibility.

Unintended consequences from poor planning

Poorly placed traps can injure traders or colonists. Misunderstanding how certain items or mods work can cause dangerous accidents. Even well-meaning rescue attempts can fail if they’re poorly timed, triggering chain reactions of new problems.

How to avoid unintended consequences in Rimworld Multiplayer?

Place traps away from common paths, learn the details of your mods before using them, and plan rescue missions carefully, only attempting them when conditions are safe.

Tips to avoid common Rimworld Multiplayer mistakes

Mistakes are easy to make because RimWorld throws so many moving parts at you. With a little caution and planning, you can avoid the most common ones. Here are a few tips to help you keep your colony running smoothly:

• Synchronize mods and game versions carefully: One mismatched mod can cause instant desyncs. Check that everyone is running the same game version and mod list before starting.
• Assign distinct player roles and specialize tasks: Divide responsibilities so each player focuses on specific areas like cooking, building, or animal handling. Specialization keeps production steady and prevents shortages.
• Organize base layout and resource management: Keep stockpiles close to work areas, label storage zones, and avoid clutter in crafting spaces to save time and reduce confusion.
• Maintain open and effective communication: Share plans before making big changes. If someone is building defences, avoid placing structures that block their design.
• Manage difficulty and risk carefully: Avoid overextending or taking on fights you can’t win. Plan raids, expansions, and major projects as a group to reduce losses.
• Update mods regularly and fix issues quickly: Outdated mods can break multiplayer sessions. Keep them updated and address desyncs promptly.
• Pay attention to mechanics and small details: Understand how traps, roofs, pawn behaviors, and ideology systems work to prevent accidents and missed opportunities.

Keep Rimworld Multiplayer mistakes at bay

No matter how pro you are at RimWorld, common mistakes are easy to make because the game constantly throws new events, mechanics, and chaos your way. But with these tips, you can dodge the worst mistakes playing RimWorld, keep your colony stable, and make the experience fun for everyone.

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