RimWorld Odyssey Best Start Guide
Written by Andrew Hammel
The best start in RimWorld: Odyssey is the Gravship scenario, which gives you a functional ship, three colonists, and access to basic gravtech right away. It lets you explore the DLC’s features from the first minute without waiting for quests or research.
You also skip the early-game grind, since you start with everything you need to survive and launch.
Here’s why it’s the best option and how to make it even better.
Why Gravship Is the Best Start
You get a prebuilt gravship with working parts
Basic Gravtech is already researched
Your crew has gear and supplies to launch quickly
You’re pushed into mobile gameplay early, which is the whole point of Odyssey
Mechanoid threat adds pressure without overwhelming you immediately
Compared to classic starts, this gives you faster access to the DLC’s travel, tech, and events.
How to Use the Start Effectively
Grab all nearby loot immediately
The map starts with salvage around your ship. Haul it in fast before mechanoids arrive.Don’t try to build a full base
You’re meant to move soon. Use the gravship as your home, not the planet.Install hydroponics early
You won’t have time to build farms on every map. Use hydroponics inside your ship to grow rice or healroot fast.Prioritize batteries and fuel
You’ll need chemfuel for travel and power. Build a Biofuel Refinery and keep a supply ready before jumping.Watch your gravity limit
Your starting gravship can only support 500 tiles of structure. Don’t build too big too fast. Upgrade later with a Gravcore.
What to Research First
Solar Generator
Space has no wind. Solar is the most reliable early-game power.Batteries
You’ll need to store energy while traveling and settling.Vac barriers and oxygen systems
Space travel becomes dangerous without sealed rooms and breathable air.Hydroponics and cooking
Keeps your crew alive when food maps run dry.
Final Blurb
The Gravship start is built for RimWorld: Odyssey. It gives you instant access to the DLC’s core systems and pushes you into a nomadic style right away. Don’t waste time building a home you’ll have to leave. Treat the ship as your base, keep it light, and stay ahead of the mechs.
FAQ
Q: What’s the best starting scenario for Odyssey?
The Gravship start is the best for learning and long-term success.
Q: Do I need to settle a base in this start?
No, the ship is your base. Use it to move often.
Q: How do I avoid getting overwhelmed?
Launch quickly, gather salvage fast, and stay mobile.
Q: What’s the first tech I should research?
Solar power, batteries, oxygen systems, and hydroponics.
Q: Can I upgrade my ship later?
Yes, but you’ll need a Gravcore to expand its build limit.
More RimWorld
