How To Deal With Infestations In Rimworld

Infestations can be one of the most challenging threats you’ll face in Rimworld. When bugs suddenly tunnel up through your floorboards, you need a solid strategy to eliminate them before they cause serious damage to your colony. This guide will walk you through the most effective methods for handling infestations, from creating defensive choke points to using environmental tactics.

Understanding Infestations

When an infestation occurs in Rimworld, bugs will emerge from underground and begin attacking your pawns and structures. The key to surviving these encounters is preparation and tactical positioning. Having a plan in place before bugs appear can mean the difference between a successful defense and a colony disaster.

Method 1: The Choke Point Strategy

The most reliable method for dealing with infestations is to create a choke point using a long corridor. This defensive approach works by funneling the bugs into a narrow space where your pawns can concentrate firepower and eliminate them efficiently.

Setting Up Your Choke Point

Start by walling off the area where you expect infestations might occur. If you haven’t already secured the space, do so immediately when an infestation begins. The ideal setup is a long, narrow corridor that forces bugs to advance in a linear formation rather than attacking from multiple angles.

Positioning Your Pawns

Draft all available pawns and position them strategically along the corridor. Spread them out so they can concentrate fire on the advancing bugs. The narrow corridor layout means you’ll create an “absolute frenzy of bullets” that will mow down the insects as they advance toward your positions.

Adding Melee Support

Position at least one pawn with melee weapons behind your ranged fighters. As the bugs push forward and get weakened by the barrage of fire, your melee fighters can move in from behind to finish off any remaining threats and prevent the insects from breaking through your defensive line.

Method 2: The Firebomb Containment Strategy

An alternative approach uses environmental hazards to eliminate infestations. This method requires more preparation but can be highly effective when executed properly.

Preparing the Trap Room

Fill a large room with wooden furniture. Wood is highly flammable and will help create the extreme temperatures needed to kill the bugs. Make sure the room is completely sealed to trap the heat and insects inside. Do not leave any exits that would allow bugs to escape.

Triggering the Trap

Once bugs are in the room, use a Molotov cocktail or a pawn with the fire spew ability to ignite the wooden furniture. The fire will spread rapidly through the wood, causing the room temperature to climb to lethal levels. The bugs will burn to death and overheat from the extreme temperatures.

Important Caution

Be aware that bugs can tunnel through walls to some degree. If you use the firebomb method, ensure your room is properly sealed and positioned away from critical colony structures. The bugs may attempt to escape by creating new tunnels, so monitor the situation carefully.

Recommended Strategy

Between these two methods, the long corridor choke point is the recommended approach for most situations. It’s more reliable, doesn’t risk spreading fire to unintended areas, and gives you direct control over the engagement. Position your defenses carefully, concentrate your firepower, and the infestation will be eliminated quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion

Infestations in Rimworld don’t have to be catastrophic if you’re prepared. Whether you choose to create a defensive corridor choke point or use the firebomb containment method, the key is planning ahead and executing your strategy with confidence. Practice these tactics, and you’ll be able to handle any infestation your colony encounters.

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