How to Set Up Mods on Your RimWorld Together Server

RimWorld Together shares one world between everyone, and that world is bound to a mod list. Getting the list right before you start saves a great deal of pain later.

The rule that matters most

The first player to connect generates the world along with its mod list. So decide what you are running before anyone joins, connect yourself first, and only then invite others.

Everyone needs the base mod

Every player, including you, needs the free RimWorld Together mod from the Steam Workshop, at the same version. This is separate from any content mods.

Setting the server's mod list

The server keeps its mod list in the Config folder beside the executable, in its own file. Stop the server before editing it, because the config is written back on shutdown.

An admin can also change the mod list from inside the game once the world exists, which is usually easier than editing the file by hand.

Keeping players in sync

Every player needs:

• The same RimWorld version.
• The same RimWorld Together version.
• The same content mods, at the same versions, in the same load order.

Publish the list somewhere your group can read it, including version numbers. A Steam Workshop collection is the simplest way to do this, because everyone can subscribe to it in one click.

Adding a mod to a running server

1. Announce it, so nobody is surprised.
2. Stop the server and take a backup of the world from Files.
3. Add the mod to the server's list.
4. Have every player add it and match the load order.
5. Start the server and have someone join before you announce it is ready.

Removing a mod

Removing a content mod from a live colony leaves buildings, items and pawns referencing things that no longer exist. RimWorld tolerates some of this and not all of it. Back up first, and expect to lose whatever the mod added.

When a player cannot join

A mod mismatch is the most common cause and the server console names it. Ask the player to check:

• Their RimWorld Together version against yours.
• That they have every mod on the list, and nothing extra that affects the world.
• That their load order matches.