Terrain issues in RimWorld can be a major headache, especially if you’re trying to build a base or farm. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to fix terrain problems and get your colony back on track. First, try using the “Smooth Terrain” tool to smooth out any rough or uneven areas. This can make it easier to build and move around your base.
If you’re having trouble with water, you can use the “Dig Waterway” tool to create a new water source. This can be especially helpful if you’re in a desert or other arid environment. You can also use the “Pump Water” tool to pump water from a nearby source into your base. Finally, if you’re having problems with trees, you can use the “Chop Tree” tool to cut them down. This can make it easier to clear land for building or farming.
With a little patience and effort, you can fix terrain problems in RimWorld and create a thriving colony. So don’t give up if you’re having trouble with the terrain. Just follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to a successful colony in no time.
Identifying Terrain Issues in RimWorld
Terrain issues in RimWorld can manifest in various ways. Here are some common indicators to look for:
Unstable or Collapsing Ground:
Terrain modifications, such as building structures or mining resources, can destabilize the surrounding ground. This can lead to cave-ins or ground collapses, damaging or destroying buildings and causing injuries to pawns. Look for areas with crumbling rockfaces, shifting sand, or excessive digging, as these may indicate potential instability.
Flooding and Waterlogging:
Improper drainage or heavy rainfall can result in flooding or waterlogging. This can hinder pawn movement, damage crops, and attract disease-carrying insects. Pay attention to areas with low elevation or poor drainage. Consider building levees or digging drainage channels to mitigate flooding.
Impassable Terrain:
Natural obstacles such as mountains, rivers, and dense forests can block pawn movement and limit accessibility to resources. Identify these impassable areas and plan construction projects or explore alternative routes to overcome them.
Temperature Extremes:
Certain terrain types, such as deserts or icy biomes, can create extreme temperature conditions. These conditions can negatively impact pawn health and survival. Monitor temperature levels and take appropriate measures, such as building shelters or providing protective clothing, to mitigate the effects of extreme heat or cold.
| Terrain Issue | Indicators | Potential Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Unstable Ground | Crumbling rockfaces, shifting sand, excessive digging | Cave-ins, ground collapses, damage to buildings and pawns |
| Flooding/Waterlogging | Low elevation, poor drainage, heavy rainfall | Hindered pawn movement, crop damage, disease |
| Impassable Terrain | Mountains, rivers, dense forests | Limited pawn movement, restricted access to resources |
| Temperature Extremes | Deserts, icy biomes | Negative impact on pawn health and survival |
Understanding Terrain Types and Modifiers
Terrain Types
RimWorld offers a diverse array of terrain types, each with unique properties that significantly impact gameplay. These types include:
- Soil: Encompasses fertile soil, stony soil, and desert terrain, providing varied growth rates and resources.
- Rock: Consists of granite, limestone, and marble, offering durability and limited plant growth.
- Water: Ranges from shallow water to deep water, affecting colonist movement, resource availability, and combat tactics.
- Vegetation: Includes trees, shrubs, and grasslands, providing food, shelter, and environmental benefits.
- Synthetic: Encompasses concrete, metal, and plastic, presenting artificial surfaces with varying properties.
Terrain Modifiers
Terrain modifiers are powerful tools that enable players to shape and customize their RimWorld world. These include:
| Modifier | Effect |
|---|---|
| Elevation: | Alters temperature, plant growth, and colonist movement. |
| Steepness: | Hinders colonist movement and influences building placement. |
| Fertility: | Enhances or diminishes plant growth rates. |
| Beauty: | Provides mood bonuses to colonists within a certain range. |
| Smoothed: | Reduces terrain roughness, facilitating colonist movement and building construction. |
Understanding the mechanics of terrain types and modifiers is crucial for creating a successful RimWorld colony. By strategically manipulating these elements, players can optimize resource utilization, enhance colonist well-being, and establish a sustainable and thriving settlement.
Building and Modifying Terrain
Constructing Terrain Features
To create new terrain features in RimWorld, select the “Build” tab and choose the desired feature from the menu. Available options include walls, fences, floors, and tables. Once selected, click on the desired location on the map to begin construction. You can adjust the size and shape of the feature by dragging the mouse or using the arrow keys.
Modifying Terrain Elevation
The “Raise/Lower Land” tool allows you to alter the elevation of the terrain. To use it, select the tool from the “Build” tab and click on the desired location. You can adjust the elevation by dragging the mouse up or down. This tool can be used to create slopes, cliffs, and other custom terrain formations.
Terraforming with Construction Tools
Terraforming is the process of modifying the terrain extensively to achieve a desired effect. RimWorld provides several construction tools that can assist with terraforming, including:
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Smooth Land | Averages the elevation of a selected area, resulting in a smoother terrain surface. |
| Smooth Dig | Similar to Smooth Land, but also digs away the top layer of soil or rock, creating a more shallow area. |
| Level Land | Sets the elevation of a selected area to a specified height, creating a flat surface. |
| Dig | Removes the top layer of soil or rock from a selected area, creating a hole or trench. |
| Mine | Extracts minerals or other resources from a selected area, leaving behind a hole or ditch. |
| Fill | Adds soil or rock to a selected area, raising its elevation and filling in holes or trenches. |
Using Terrain Tools
RimWorld provides a set of built-in tools for shaping your terrain. To access these tools, select the “Terrain” tab on the right-hand side of the screen. The tools include:
- Smooth: Levels out uneven terrain, creating a gentler slope.
- Level: Raises or lowers the ground to a specified elevation.
- Lower: Digs the terrain down to a lower elevation.
- Raise: Builds up the terrain to a higher elevation.
- Smooth Steep: Similar to “Smooth,” but it maintains steep slopes.
- Create Mountain: Raises the terrain to create a mountain.
- Create River: Carves a river into the terrain.
- Create Lake: Creates a lake by flooding an area of terrain.
- Brainstorm: Generates ideas for modifying the terrain.
Mods
The modding community has created a wide range of terrain-related mods for RimWorld. These mods can enhance the functionality of the built-in tools, add new terrain types, or provide additional landscaping options.
Here are some popular terrain mods:
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| More Terrain | Adds dozens of new terrain types, including beaches, deserts, and forests. |
| Terraform++ | Enhances the built-in terrain tools with additional features, such as smoothing brush sizes and elevation gradients. |
| Realistic Terrain | Overhauls the terrain generation and sculpting system, creating more realistic and diverse landscapes. |
| Colony Manager | Includes a terrain sculpting module that allows for large-scale terrain modifications. |
| Terrain Ramp Generator | Generates ramps and slopes that connect different elevations on the terrain. |
Note: Installing mods can add complexity and potential bugs to your game, so it’s recommended to carefully research and select mods that are compatible with your playstyle and version of RimWorld.
Advanced Terrain Manipulation Techniques
Leveling
Leveling involves smoothing out terrain to create flat surfaces. To level terrain, select the “Level” tool and click on the ground. The tool will automatically level the area, removing any slopes or bumps. You can also use the “Level” tool to create ramps or stairs by clicking on the ground and dragging the mouse in the desired direction.
Smoothing
Smoothing involves blending the edges of terrain features to create a more natural appearance. To smooth terrain, select the “Smooth” tool and click on the ground. The tool will automatically smooth the area, blending the edges of any slopes or bumps. You can also adjust the smoothing strength by clicking on the “Radius” slider in the tool options.
Curving
Curving involves bending terrain to create curves or slopes. To curve terrain, select the “Curve” tool and click on the ground. The tool will automatically create a curve, which you can adjust by dragging the mouse in the desired direction. You can also adjust the curve strength by clicking on the “Radius” slider in the tool options.
Painting
Painting involves changing the texture of terrain to create different types of surfaces. To paint terrain, select the “Paint” tool and click on the ground. The tool will automatically change the texture of the area, which you can select from the texture options in the tool options. You can also adjust the paint strength by clicking on the “Intensity” slider in the tool options.
Sculpting
Sculpting involves creating custom terrain features using the “Sculpt” tool. To sculpt terrain, select the “Sculpt” tool and click on the ground. The tool will automatically create a new terrain feature, which you can adjust by dragging the mouse in the desired direction. You can also adjust the sculpt strength by clicking on the “Radius” slider in the tool options.
| Terrain Manipulation Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Leveling | Smooths out terrain to create flat surfaces. |
| Smoothing | Blends the edges of terrain features to create a more natural appearance. |
| Curving | Bends terrain to create curves or slopes. |
| Painting | Changes the texture of terrain to create different types of surfaces. |
| Sculpting | Creates custom terrain features using the “Sculpt” tool. |
Optimizing Terrain for Base Building
Smoothing and Leveling
Flattening and leveling terrain provides ample space for constructions and facilitates smooth vehicle navigation. Utilize the “Smooth” tool to remove elevation changes and create a level foundation.
Creating Structures on Hills
Hilltop locations offer defensive advantages. Build structures on slopes to exploit higher ground and unobstructed sightlines. Utilize the “Raise Ground” and “Lower Ground” tools to shape the terrain to accommodate buildings.
Managing Height Differences
Terraforming can resolve height discrepancies. Use the “Raise Ground” or “Lower Ground” tools to adjust terrain elevation. This can create ramps for vehicles, improve access to resources, or provide strategic vantage points.
Clearing Obstructions
Remove trees, rocks, and other obstacles that hinder base construction. Utilize the “Remove Thing” or “Deconstruct” tools to clear the terrain and create a clean slate for building.
Creating Moats and Embankments
Moats and embankments serve as defensive barriers. Use the “Remove Thing” and “Raise Ground” tools to create trenches around your base or elevate the surrounding terrain.
Detailed Terrain Editing
Precise terrain manipulation is possible with the “Terrain Edit” tool. Adjust specific elevation points, create slopes, or sculpt intricate features to enhance your base’s aesthetics and functionality.
| Tool | Function |
|---|---|
| Smooth | Flattens and levels terrain |
| Raise Ground | Elevates terrain |
| Lower Ground | Lowers terrain |
| Remove Thing | Removes objects from the terrain |
| Deconstruct | Removes structures from the terrain |
| Terrain Edit | Precisely manipulates terrain elevation |
Fixing Terrain Issues Caused by Expansion
Terrain issues can arise after expanding your base or altering the landscape in RimWorld. Here are specific steps to address these issues:
1. Regenerate the Map
Select “Generate Map” from the main menu. This will create a new map with the same seed, regenerating the terrain while preserving your buildings and pawns.
2. Smooth Terrain
Use the “Smooth” tool (hotkey: ‘Q’) to level out uneven terrain. This can fix issues with pawns pathfinding or structures not placing properly due to jagged surfaces.
3. Raise or Lower Terrain
Select the “Raise/Lower Terrain” tool (hotkey: ‘W’ or ‘S’). Adjust the “Units” slider to determine the amount of elevation change. Use the mouse to paint areas where you want to raise or lower the ground level.
4. Mine or Quarry Terrain
Use the “Mining” or “Quarrying” tools (hotkeys: ‘M’ or ‘Q’). Select the “Mine Only” or “Quarry Only” options to prevent pawns from creating new piles of resources.
5. Clear Trees
Use the “Clear” tool (hotkey: ‘C’). Select the “Clear Trees” option to remove all trees in a designated area. This can improve visibility and provide open space for building or planting.
6. Forbid or Deconstruct Structures
If structures are causing terrain issues, such as blocking access or disrupting pathfinding, you can forbid them temporarily or deconstruct them altogether.
7. Manually Modify Terrain
For fine-tuning terrain adjustments, you can use the “Inspect” tool (hotkey: ‘I’) and the “Terrain” tab. This allows you to manually modify the terrain’s height, roughness, and materials. It is recommended to use this option with caution, as it can lead to unintended consequences.
Terrain Selection
Select the terrain you want to work with using the Terrain Editor.
Terrain Generation
Use the Terrain Generator to create new terrain.
Terrain Editing
Use the Editing Tools to modify the terrain’s shape and height.
Terrain Painting
Use the Paint Tools to apply textures and colors to the terrain.
Terrain Sculpting
Use the Sculpting Tools to create more detailed and realistic terrain.
Terrain Smoothing
Use the Smoothing Tools to reduce sharp edges and create smoother transitions.
Terrain Erosion
Use the Erosion Tools to simulate natural erosion processes and create more rugged terrain.
Terrain Clipping
Use the Clipping Tools to cut or trim the terrain to fit specific shapes or create sharp edges.
| Clipping Tool | Description |
|—|—|
| Cut Terrain | Cuts a section of terrain away |
| Trimming Tool | Trims the edges of the terrain |
| Boolean Operators | Combines or subtracts different terrain shapes |
| Extrude Tool | Extrudes a selected area of terrain |
| Subtract Tool | Subtracts one terrain shape from another |
| Intersect Tool | Keeps only the overlapping area of two terrain shapes |
Tips and Best Practices for Terrain Editing
Understand the Terrain System
Familiarize yourself with the different terrain types and their properties, such as elevation, fertility, and resources. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions about how to modify the terrain.
Utilize the Terrain Edit Tools
The game provides various tools for terrain editing, including the raise/lower tool, smooth tool, and terrain paint tool. Experiment with these tools to find the techniques that suit your needs.
Consider the Weather Effects
Remember that the weather can affect the terrain. For instance, rainfall can erode soil, while snow cover can conceal obstacles. Plan your terrain modifications accordingly.
Plan Ahead
Before making any major changes to the terrain, take some time to consider the potential consequences. Think about how the modifications will impact visibility, movement, and resource availability.
Use Smooth Terrain
While steep slopes can be visually appealing, they can also hinder movement and make building difficult. Use the smooth tool to create gradual slopes and avoid sudden drops.
Create Natural Barriers
Incorporating natural barriers like rivers, mountains, or forests into your terrain can add strategic depth to the game. These features can provide cover from enemies and influence their movement patterns.
Experiment with Terrain Types
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different terrain types. Each type has unique characteristics that can influence gameplay. For example, marshes provide defensive bonuses, while deserts offer challenges with temperature extremes.
Landscape with Purpose
Consider the purpose of your terrain modifications. Do you want to create a defensive position, enhance visual aesthetics, or improve resource availability? Understanding your goals will guide your terrain editing decisions.
Use Reference Images
If you’re struggling to visualize how you want to shape the terrain, try using reference images from real-world landscapes. This can help you develop ideas and create more realistic-looking terrain.
Import Terrain Maps
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can import external terrain maps to create custom worlds with unique geographical features. This option allows for endless possibilities and can add a new level of depth to your gameplay.
| Terrain Type | Properties |
|---|---|
| Soil | Fertile, easy to dig |
| Sand | Sandy, low fertility, high permeability |
| Rock | Impassable, unfertile |
| Water | Impassable, prevents construction |
| Foliage | Reduces visibility, provides cover |
10. Smooth vs. Rough Terrain
Smooth terrain offers several advantages. It reduces travel time for pawns and animals, making it easier to manage your colony. Additionally, smooth terrain is easier to build on, as structures will not incur movement penalties. However, smooth terrain can also be more vulnerable to erosion, so it is important to protect it with flooring or vegetation.
Rough terrain, on the other hand, provides natural cover from enemies and can slow down raiders. It is also less vulnerable to erosion. However, rough terrain can make it more difficult for pawns to move around, and it can be more challenging to build structures.
| Terrain Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth | Reduced travel time, easier to build on | More vulnerable to erosion |
| Rough | Provides natural cover, less vulnerable to erosion | Difficult to move around, challenging to build on |
How to Fix Terrain in RimWorld
RimWorld is a sandbox strategy game that gives players a lot of freedom to build and manage their own colonies. One of the most important aspects of the game is the terrain, which can affect everything from crop growth to enemy movement. Unfortunately, the terrain in RimWorld can sometimes be buggy, which can lead to problems with gameplay.
There are a few different ways to fix terrain bugs in RimWorld. One way is to use the dev mode. To do this, press the ~ key to open the console, then type “dev mode”. This will enable you to use a variety of commands to edit the game world, including the terrain.
Another way to fix terrain bugs is to use a mod. There are a number of mods available that can fix specific terrain bugs or improve the overall terrain generation. You can find mods on the RimWorld workshop.
Finally, you can try to fix terrain bugs by editing the game files. This is a more advanced solution, and it is not recommended unless you are familiar with modding RimWorld.
People also ask about how to fix terrain in RimWorld
How do I fix terrain bugs in RimWorld?
There are a few different ways to fix terrain bugs in RimWorld. One way is to use the dev mode. To do this, press the ~ key to open the console, then type “dev mode”. This will enable you to use a variety of commands to edit the game world, including the terrain.
Another way to fix terrain bugs is to use a mod. There are a number of mods available that can fix specific terrain bugs or improve the overall terrain generation. You can find mods on the RimWorld workshop.
Finally, you can try to fix terrain bugs by editing the game files. This is a more advanced solution, and it is not recommended unless you are familiar with modding RimWorld.
Why is my terrain flat in RimWorld?
There are a few reasons why your terrain might be flat in RimWorld. One reason is that you may have chosen a flat map when setting up your game. Another reason is that the terrain may have been flattened by a natural disaster, such as a volcanic eruption or a meteor impact.
You can check the terrain settings by going to the “Options” menu, then selecting the “Gameplay” tab. Under the “Map Generation” section, you can choose the “Terrain Flatness” setting. You can also use the dev mode to edit the terrain.
How do I change the terrain in RimWorld?
There are a few different ways to change the terrain in RimWorld. One way is to use the dev mode. To do this, press the ~ key to open the console, then type “dev mode”. This will enable you to use a variety of commands to edit the game world, including the terrain.
Another way to change the terrain is to use a mod. There are a number of mods available that allow you to change the appearance of the terrain, add new terrain types, or remove terrain altogether. You can find mods on the RimWorld workshop.
Finally, you can also change the terrain by editing the game files. This is a more advanced solution, and it is not recommended unless you are familiar with modding RimWorld.
