While Dwarf Fortress is probably the most significant progenitor of the base-building colony sim, Rimworld certainly deserves similar recognition. Built by Tynan Sylvester and Ludeon Studios, it helped to define the unique blend of management and survival games that has given us other hits such as Oxygen Not Included and Frostpunk. Already rated 97% positive by Steam users, it’s now set a new record player count on the Valve store as its just-launched spacefaring expansion Rimworld Odyssey takes us into orbit for the first time.
Rimworld Odyssey transforms the beloved, base-building survival game into a contender for a spot on our best space games list. The most dramatic feature is the ability to build your very own gravship from scratch, starting with just the basics and gradually developing it into a flying colony in its own right. With it, you can reach out to the stars and discover all manner of new resources and tools across asteroids and abandoned orbital platforms. It’s been out for less than a day, yet already holds a 95% Steam rating from over 1,000 early reviews.
The ship might be the headliner, but there’s a lot more to be excited about in Odyssey, whether you’re a Rimworld veteran or a complete newcomer looking for an even more substantial first playthrough. There are five extra biomes to discover, along with improved map generation. More than 40 new animals have been introduced, many of which can be tamed and used for resources, as workforce, or to fight alongside you. There are even powerful unique weapons to discover, amplifying the Rimworld arsenal greatly.
Spurred by this new release, the Rimworld Steam player count has soared far beyond any past high. Its previous peak came with the launch of the Anomaly DLC in April 2024, hitting a maximum of just over 62,000 active users at once. Right now, as I write this, there are more than 80,000 people playing Rimworld, nearly a 30% increase over its old record, and it’s still climbing. That pushes it past the likes of Elden Ring Nightreign and Dead by Daylight, an impressive feat.
Nearly 12 years since it launched in early access, and seven on from 1.0, it’s safe to say Rimworld is still very much worth your time, and Odyssey is quickly proving an excellent way to step that experience up to the next level. If you’re tempted to join the crowd, you can even jump on a Steam sale discount to get the base game cheaper.
Rimworld is 20% off until Thursday July 24, so you’ll pay $27.99 / 22.79. The Rimworld Odyssey DLC is out now, priced at $24.99 / £19.99. Get them both here and discover why it’s stood the test of time so well.
For even more options in a similar wheelhouse, take a look through the best sandbox games and the best building games on PC in 2025.
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