Video Tips

Master RimWorld's ship combat! Learn about the Bridge, distance, defending your ship with shields and turrets, managing heat, and weapon types like Rail Guns and Plasma Cannons.

Hey there! So, you've found yourself in a bit of a pickle in space, huh? Don't worry, we've all been there. Ship-to-ship combat in RimWorld can be a bit daunting at first, but with a few pointers, you'll be navigating these cosmic dogfights like a pro. ## The Bridge Think of the Bridge as your ship's command center. It's super important! From here, you can toggle shields, manage all your weapons, adjust your ship's position, and even make a hasty retreat if things get too hairy. Heads up: if the Bridge gets destroyed, your ship is toast and will crash. Any colonists in auto-ejector caskets will be sent to the surface, but not all of them might make it if they aren't inside one. ## Distance Matters Keep an eye on that distance meter on the right side of your screen. It's not just for show; it actually affects how accurate your weapons are and whether you can even use them. Plus, if you manage to get far enough away from an enemy ship, you'll get the option to flee combat. Sometimes, a tactical retreat is the best offense! ## Defending Your Ship When you're out in the void, it's a good idea to give your ship a bit of extra protection. Try double-hulling your ship for starters. Then, slap on a Shield Generator and make sure you've got plenty of heat sinks. It's best to dedicate a room just for heat sinks. Set it up with 3x3 empty squares surrounded by 8 ship radiators and an airlock. Remember, ship radiators need about 3 tiles to work properly, so this setup helps maximize their effectiveness. You can also attach security turrets to the outside of your hull using Hard Points (they come in 4 sizes). These are great for fending off boarders. Just a word of caution: these turrets won't last long if your shields are down, so try to place them where they have overlapping fields of fire and are a good distance apart. Watch out for mechs and raiders; they'll sometimes drop onto your ship in shuttlepods. ## Take the Heat When your shields are busy absorbing incoming fire, they generate heat. This heat gets transferred to your heat sinks. Now, here's the tricky part: if your heat capacity gets overloaded, your shield generator will break, leaving you vulnerable. You'll need a component to repair it. Also, keep in mind that ship radiators can't vent heat while the shield is active. This can turn your ship into a real oven, so manage that heat wisely! ## Shoot Them Right Back! When it's time to dish out some damage, you've got a few options: 1. Rail Guns 2. Plasma Cannons 3. Laser Batteries 4. Torpedoes And that's the basics of ship combat! It might seem like a lot, but you'll get the hang of it. Good luck out there!