These are short answers to the questions people ask most about RimWorld Open World servers on PlayNHost. The most important one: Open World was made for RimWorld 1.4, and your server's Player Version must be 1.3 before anyone can join. Each answer links to the full guide.
Before you start
What is RimWorld Open World?
A free community multiplayer mod for RimWorld by D12 and Primate Prime. Each player runs their own colony on a shared world map, and players can see each other's settlements, trade, gift, form factions and send black market events to each other. The server stores the accounts, colony saves, settlements and the world.
Is the Open World mod still updated?
No. Its Steam Workshop page is titled "[ABANDONDED] Open World", and its authors open sourced it. The last mod update was on 23 July 2023 and the last server release, v1.0.4, on 5 May 2023. PlayNHost runs that release. See Which RimWorld version does a RimWorld Open World server need?
Which RimWorld version do players need?
RimWorld 1.4, not the current 1.6. On Steam, players pick the version-1.4.3901 branch under the game's Properties, Betas. The mod was never released for 1.5 or 1.6. Full steps: Which RimWorld version does a RimWorld Open World server need?
Does every player need to own RimWorld?
Yes. Open World is a mod, so each player needs their own copy of RimWorld on PC and the Open World, Harmony and HugsLib mods from the Steam Workshop. The mods are free.
Can console players join?
No. RimWorld mods from the Steam Workshop run on PC only, and Open World is one of them.
Is it the same as RimWorld Together?
No. RimWorld Together is a different multiplayer mod, and PlayNHost offers it as its own server type. Open World players need an Open World server; RimWorld Together players need a RimWorld Together server.
Setting up
Which Player Version should the server have?
1.3, the last Open World mod version. A new server is already set to 1.3. If yours says anything else, set it back to 1.3 under Settings, Game Settings and restart, or every player is refused: How to start your RimWorld Open World server for the first time.
Who makes the world?
The first player who connects, with only Open World, Harmony and HugsLib active and Royalty, Ideology and Biotech off. Do it yourself before you invite anyone: How to generate the world on your RimWorld Open World server.
How do players connect?
Multiplayer on the RimWorld main menu, then Direct Connect, with the IP and port from your Server Address, then Register: How to join your RimWorld Open World server.
Can I set a join password?
The panel has no join password for Open World. Use a whitelist of usernames: How to use a whitelist on your RimWorld Open World server.
Can I use mods?
Yes. Players install them in their own RimWorld. With Enforce Mods off (the default) any mods are allowed. To require or limit mods, upload the mods' DLL files to Mods enforced or Mods whitelisted: How to add mods to your RimWorld Open World server.
Can I bring my world from another host?
Yes. Copy the Players, Saves, Settlements, Factions and Data folders: How to move your RimWorld Open World server to PlayNHost.
Running the server
How many players can join?
As many at once as your plan includes: 10, 20 or 40. Change it within that limit on Overview: How many players can a RimWorld Open World server have?
How much RAM does it need?
Little: colonies run on the players' PCs. A PlayNHost server with no players used about 57 MB: How much RAM does a RimWorld Open World server need?
Does the server run when I am offline?
Yes. The server is hosted by PlayNHost, not on your PC, so friends can join while your PC is off. It keeps every account and colony save until players come back.
How do I become admin?
Type op and your username in the Console: How to become admin and ban players on your RimWorld Open World server.
Which commands are there?
23, from help and list to invoke and wipe: How to use the Console and commands on your RimWorld Open World server.
Is my world backed up?
Yes, twice over: the panel's Automatic backup every night when your plan has backup slots, and the game's own copy under Backups every 6 hours: How to back up and restore your RimWorld Open World server.
Do I need scheduled restarts?
Nothing in Open World needs one. If you want a daily restart anyway, schedule Send Restart on Quick Tasks: How to schedule tasks and automatic backups.
How do I start over?
Type wipe twice in the Console. One player can reset only their own colony with Reset Progress: How to wipe or reset a colony on your RimWorld Open World server.
Will the server get updates?
There is nothing newer than v1.0.4 to install, because the mod is no longer developed. If a new release ever appears, click Update and reinstall under Settings, Game Settings: with Open World Version on latest it installs the newest one. The panel takes a backup first and keeps Data, Saves, Players, Settlements and Factions.
Something not working? See RimWorld Open World server problems and fixes.
