RimWorld 3D&VR mod moves the colony simulator into full three-dimensional space and virtual reality
A modder using the handle leopoko has published a substantial modification called RimWorld 3D & VR on the Steam Workshop that converts the game’s flat, top-down presentation into a volumetric three-dimensional environment both on-screen and in virtual reality. The mod lets players freely rotate the camera by keyboard or by holding the right mouse button, and it adds a first-person view that uses conventional movement controls so you can walk through your colony.
To build true 3D scenes, the author imported more than 400 three-dimensional models of buildings and objects, replaced the default backdrop with a volumetric sky dome, and implemented distant terrain rendering that reflects the active map data. The global map has been reworked as an interactive three-dimensional globe. The mod is non-destructive to saves — it does not overwrite system save data — so it can be turned on or off during an ongoing playthrough.
The mod also includes full support for virtual reality headsets via the SteamVR and OpenVR platforms. When a headset is detected the game launches in stereoscopic 3D and accepts input from motion controllers such as Meta Quest manipulators. In VR players can move with analog sticks, summon a circular action menu with the right hand, hide interface elements with a left-hand wave, and “embody the colonists’ bodies” by pressing a single button.
Moving to genuine 3D exposed significant performance challenges. According to the creator, while the mod runs acceptably on a standard monitor, hitting even 30 frames per second per eye in VR is an achievement; the CPU is the main performance bottleneck, and very large bases with dozens of colonists will cause frame drops. To help, the developer added a lightweight profile that turns off sky rendering, distant mountains, and vertical plants.
Visually the project remains a work in progress and contains technical compromises and bugs. The engine’s built-in water did not render correctly in 3D, prompting custom liquid shaders that currently look out of place. Some ancient structures use basic geometry, many original items remain flat, and graphical assets from third-party mods can appear at incorrect heights or even float. To address these issues the author plans to release a dedicated editor so players can create or adjust three-dimensional assets themselves.
Running the modification requires the original RimWorld version 1.6, a 64-bit Windows operating system, DirectX 11 support, and the Harmony system utility from the Workshop. The project includes a Russian interface and remains compatible with the seamless global mod RimExodus.