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TheRimWorldDLC,Odyssey, introduced one of the mostenjoyable mechanics in the game so far, giving players the ability to build their own ships, called Gravships, to travel across the map. Through this vehicle, pawns can also visit new biomes and locations that were previously inaccessible, such as the planet’s orbit where the game unfolds, further expanding what can be accomplished.
Although colonists can start with a Gravship by default when selecting the scenario added with the DLCOdyssey, they can also create a new one later, letting any colony gain access to this item. So, for those unsurehow to build a Gravship inRimWorld— or when it’s the best time to do so — this guide offers everything needed to get started.
How to Get a Gravship in RimWorld
The easiest way to obtain this craft inRimWorldis through thescenario introduced in the DLCOdyssey, The Gravship, which grants technology and items to the characters and sends players running from several mechanoids. For anyone unfamiliar with the game’s mechanics, this challenging start can make surviving the first few in-game hours considerably more difficult than one might expect.
At the same time, it lets players experience the mechanics added by theRimWorldDLC right away, without other preparations or building a Gravship from scratch, a process that can take some time before the vessel lifts off from the initial colony. Thus, it serves as an interesting alternative while adding another layer of challenge, chiefly becausemechanoids are tough opponents.
How to Build a Gravship in RimWorld
Playerswho want to build a Gravshipfrom scratch inRimWorld, using only the resources and tech available in their starting colony, can absolutely do so in theOdysseyDLC. After a few in-game days, once the pawns are settled, a new quest will appear calledMechanoid Signal. Accepting this quest is the first step in constructing a Gravship for the colony.
The Mechanoid Signal is a quest thatdoes not have a deadline, so players are free to complete it whenever they choose.
Once accepted, theGrav Engine, a crucial component for building the ship, will spawn somewhere on the map,along with mechanoid troops, scrap chunks, and limited resources like Gravlite Panels. These are essential for construction, so players must secure the site. Selecting a pawn to investigate the Grav Engine completes this stage and unlocks the next phase.
After interacting with the engine, a new option becomes available in the Research Table:Basic Gravitech. This researchunlocks the core components required to builda Gravship. However, it has a technology prerequisite (Electricity), which may not be available, depending on the starting scenario that you choose. If that’s the case, players will need to unlock that technology first.
Completing the Basic Gravitech research unlocks the following items needed for a functional Gravship:
WhileRimWorld: Odysseyintroduces many new components and other items to build, only afew are truly required to get a Gravship airborne: the Thruster, Fuel Tank, and Pilot Console. Once players finish the Basic Gravitech research, they can start building the ship by placing Gravship Substructure tiles, which serve as the base for other structures. Each tile costs 1x Gravlite Panel and 4x Steel, so resource planning is important.
Although not mandatory for flight,researching Biofuel Refining is strongly recommended. The ship’s Fuel Tank runs on Chemfuel, and one of the most efficient ways to produce it is by refining rawmaterials such as wood or plants,which can be easily found in several biomes across the colony map.
Once the Thruster, Fuel Tank, Pilot Console, and Substructure have been placed around the Grav Engine, players can interact with the console to initiate flight. In the beginning, due to the limited fuel capacity, theship can only travel a few hexes at a time. Still, this early mobility is perfect for colonies looking to adopt a nomadic lifestyle, opening up new opportunities for exploration, resource gathering, and temporary settlements across the world map.
How to Get Gravlite Panels in RimWorld
Gravlite Panels are arguably one of the most important resources introduced inRimWorld: Odyssey, especially forplayers aiming to build their own Gravships. These items function as special floor tiles, and without them, players cannot expand the ship’s structure, making early travel limited and forcing tight space management during initial flights.
Fortunately,it’s possible to obtain this resource through colony quests. After accepting the Mechanoid Signal mission, Gravlite Panels begin appearing as rewards in many quest events. This provides a steady, if sometimes limited, supply to help expand the ship without relying solely on research. Additionally, it’s also possible to craft Gravlite Panels, but doing so requires players to unlockAdvanced Grav Tech, a late-game research that can take a considerable amount of time and effort. Because of this, focusing on completing quests is usually the best way to obtain Gravlite Panels in the early and mid-game.
When Should You Build a Gravship in RimWorld?
There’s no single right answer to when a Gravship should be built inRimWorld: Odyssey. Although the Mechanoid Signal quest becomes available fairly early, that doesn’t mean it must be completed right away. Even if building the ship doesn’t require an overwhelming amount of materials, the game’s unpredictable nature meansit’s crucial to have solid stockpiles, especially of Steel, before starting the project.
In the early stages, space for building is also limited. A good strategy for players looking to build a Gravship is to first unlockComplex Furniture, allowing the construction ofShelves. These helporganize stockpiles more efficientlyaboard the ship, freeing up space for vital utilities like beds or workstations.
Another factor to consider is the ship’s intended purpose. If the colony is adopting a nomadic lifestyle focused on ground travel, oxygen and vacuum gear might not be essential. But if the goal is to explore space or visit orbital locations, pawns will needVacsuits and Vacsuit Helmetsto survive. Additionally, installing Gravship Walls, Barriers, and Oxygen Pumps becomes necessary to maintain breathable environments in low-oxygen areas.
