Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

If RimWorld became slow or started crashing after an update, first identify the exact version and branch you installed, then determine whether the problem occurs in an unmodded game or a modded save. In the October 12, 2026 update announcement, Ludeon Studios said RimWorld 1.7 was on the Steam unstable beta branch while the main branch remained on 1.6. That distinction matters: a symptom in an experimental build should not automatically be treated as a regression in the stable release.

Players commonly ask, “Why is RimWorld crashing after the update?”, “Why is RimWorld running slowly after the update?”, and “Where do I find the RimWorld Player.log?” Record the failure, preserve a fresh Player.log and named mod list, and reproduce the issue in a controlled way before changing several settings at once. This gives you evidence for deciding whether the update, a mod change, a particular save, or an unrelated installation problem is involved.

Start by identifying the build that actually changed

Open Steam and check RimWorld’s installed branch and version before troubleshooting. In Ludeon’s October 2026 snapshot, the normal main branch was version 1.6 and version 1.7 was available through the unstable beta branch. Branch status can change, so write down what Steam shows on your machine rather than relying on a guide written for an earlier patch.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  • Branch: main/stable or unstable beta.
  • Exact version: record the number shown by the game or Steam.
  • Platform: Windows, macOS or Linux.
  • Failure stage: startup, save loading, map or world generation, or active play.
  • Reproduction: whether it happens every time, only with one save, or only after a particular action.
  • Save origin: whether the save was created on another game version.
  • Mod changes: whether a mod, load order or Workshop download changed at the same time.

Also note whether Steam updated the game and any Workshop items in the same session. A game patch and a mod update can arrive together, making one event look like the cause of the other. This record prevents a common mistake: treating every problem that appears after an update as proof that the game update caused it. Timing is a clue, not a diagnosis.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Compressed Air Duster,130000RPM Super Power Cordless Air Duster,Rechargeable Brushless Blower,3 Gear Adjustable Blower with LED Light,Dust Remover for Computer/House/Outdoor/Car
  • Powerful Turbo Fan:CAGIWIRU Electric Air Duster have reached speed up to 130000RPM,Can efficient remove dust and debris.With LED light and Three Adjustable Speed to meet with different cleaning tasks.
  • With Attached USB C Fasting Charging cable.Charing 3 hours,Enjoy up to 240 minutes of use on the lowest setting, For third speed can use for 25mins.with four charging options to meet with your needs.
  • Wide Application: attached 5 different nozzles,making it suitable for a variety of scenes, such as car,pet, pc, keyboards, and other electronic devices. It also serves for office and home clean duster.
  • Handy Design & Portable:Cordless air duster electric nozzle is Light weight and small size, design and comfortable to hold and space saving, convenient to carry around. You can put it in your room or inside the car without taking up space.
  • Economical &Reusable: Built durable materials with a long-lasting battery,our CAGIWIRU air duster it's a sustainable alternative to disposable air cans.

What Ludeon says about RimWorld 1.7 performance and compatibility

Ludeon describes the 1.7 build as a move from Unity to its in-house Waylith Engine. Its October 12, 2026 announcement reports faster startup, large-mod-list loading, map and world generation, and ticks-per-second in the company’s own tests. Those figures are useful context, but they are not independent benchmarks and do not promise the same result on every computer or mod list.

Test reported by Ludeon Result Qualification
Late-game colony performance 2.2 times better Ludeon Studios test comparing 1.7 with 1.6
1,500-mod pack loading 6 minutes on 1.7 versus 14 minutes on 1.6 Ludeon Studios test; individual systems and mod collections may differ
Overall performance statement 2–4 times improved performance Broad result from Ludeon’s tests, not an independent measurement

Ludeon says these are its results and that individual improvements vary with the specific PC and mods. A player whose heavily modded colony remains slow has not disproved the announcement, and the announcement does not prove that a particular installation will improve. Compare like with like: the same save, map, speed setting and mod list are more informative than comparing a new vanilla map with a mature colony.

Ludeon also states that 1.6 savegames load on 1.7 and that 1.7 saves work when returning to 1.6. This is the developer’s announced compatibility position, not a guarantee for every modded save. Keep a backup before switching branches, especially when a save depends on mods. Do not save over your only copy while testing a different branch.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The announcement says the vast majority of mods should work on 1.7 without author changes. A yellow “potentially unsupported” label can appear simply because the game version number changed. Do not assume that warning identifies the cause of a crash; check the mod author’s current notes and test a reproducible case. A warning is a reason to gather evidence, not a verdict.

Why RimWorld may run slowly after the update

The game is on a different branch than expected

An unstable build can contain unfinished changes or regressions that are not present on the main branch. Confirm the branch before comparing performance with older reports or with another player’s results. If you intentionally joined the beta, record that fact in any support request. If you did not intend to use it, return to the branch you normally use only after backing up saves and documenting the original state.

A large or recently changed mod list is involved

Loading time, map generation and simulation speed depend on the game build, the save and the active mods. A mod that downloaded an update at the same time as RimWorld can make the timing look like a game regression. Preserve the exact load order and mod names before removing anything. Include framework mods and libraries, not just the content mods visible in your colony.

Rank #2
EVEO® Screen Cleaner Spray Kit (Streak-Free) TV Screen Cleaner for Smart TV, Lcd, LEd, Oled | Computer Screen Cleaner Spray and Wipe Microfiber Cloth - TV, Monitor, Laptop, iPad, Car - 6.7oz 1 Pack
  • Screen Cleaner is Your Screen’s New Bestfriend! - EVEO is proud to present a screen cleaner that’s perfectly suited for your TV. Meet your new screen cleaner, computer screen cleaner, laptop cleaner, iPad cleaner, Macbook,tv cleaner or any other electronic device. Our screen cleaner spray and wipe along with the included plush microfiber cloth, easily removes dust, fingerprints & other smudges on the screen’s surface. Clean effectively for a streak-free screen
  • Gentle on your Screens - Our screen cleaner spray and wipes is compatible to be used even for the most sensitive LCD, LED, CRT, and OLED screens in proper use. Be at ease knowing that this product is compatible with all the major brands: LG, SONY, Samsung, Sharp, iPad, iPhone, Android screens, Kindle, PC monitors - we’ve got you covered! Can be used as LCD screen cleaner, tv cleaner, smart tv screen cleaner, and more
  • Premium Super Soft Plush Microfiber Cloth - Included in this efficient screen cleaning kit. This screen cleaner spray and wipe has our signature plush microfiber cloth specially designed to comply with screens and monitors and leave them streak-free. Has been shown to effectively absorbs stubborn stains, zero streaks, and no fiber shedding. Always use this together with our screen cleaner for the best results
  • Easy-to-Use Screen Cleaner Kit + microfiber cleaning cloth - The EVEO Screen Cleaning Kit will easily be your new favorite tool when it comes to taking care of the things you love most, quick and easy solution for a streak-free screen. Simply screw on the sprayer gun on the screen cleaner bottle. Spray the cleaning liquid onto the microfiber cloth, then wipe the screen until desired cleanliness & shine is achieved.
  • Quality Screen Care Kit Worth Purchasing - Enjoy a convenient Screen Cleaner anytime, anywhere you need it. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We stand behind the quality of our products and that’s why, you shouldn’t be worrying at all. We manufacture the Best Screen Cleaner. and can be used for laptop cleaning kit, laptop screen cleaner, tv screen cleaner for smart tv. MacBook screen cleaner, monitor cleaner or screen cleaner spray for electronic devices with microfiber cleaning cloth

The slowdown is limited to a late-game save

A late-game colony is a different test from a new vanilla map. Reproduce the slowdown with the same save, note the colony size and the action that triggers it, and compare only after documenting the original state. Record whether the slowdown affects every speed setting or only high speed, whether pausing immediately restores responsiveness, and whether it occurs at the same in-game time. Do not infer a general performance result from one heavily modded colony.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Generation or loading is slow rather than active play

Startup, a large-mod-list load, map generation and ticks-per-second are separate symptoms. State which one is slow. Ludeon’s published figures cover all of these areas broadly, but they do not establish a fix for a particular installation. A long first launch after a branch change may not represent normal play; measure repeated attempts and note whether the delay occurs before the main menu, while loading a save, or while generating a world.

The comparison itself is inconsistent

Changing the map size, storyteller, scenario, population, resolution or mod order between tests can hide the real difference. Use a copied save or a fixed test scenario and write down the exact steps. If a new unmodded map is fast but one old colony is slow, that narrows the issue to the save, its content or its mod interactions rather than proving that every game session is affected.

Why RimWorld may crash after the update

Use the failure stage to narrow the investigation without declaring a culprit prematurely. Note whether RimWorld closes to the desktop, freezes, returns to Steam, displays an error, or remains on a black screen. Each description belongs in the report.

Crash or black screen before the main menu

Record whether the game closes, hangs, or shows a black screen. Capture the log immediately after reproducing it. For startup and black-screen problems, Ludeon’s support page directs players to a solutions thread; use the current destination shown on that page because support links can change. A startup failure is not automatically a graphics-driver problem, so do not jump straight to a driver change or reinstall without evidence.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Crash while loading a save

Write down the save’s game version, branch and mod list. A save made on another version may load successfully, but compatibility is not guaranteed for every mod combination. Test a copy and keep the original untouched. If only one save fails while a new game opens, include that contrast in the report; it is more useful than simply saying the update broke the game.

Rank #3
Sale
BladeHawks RGB Gaming Mouse Pad Extra Large Extended 31.5x12 Inch-Black | LED mouse pad with 14 lighting modes, covers keyboard & mouse, anti-slip rubber base, waterproof surface, USB powered
  • 【Large size】:Measuring 800 x 300 mm/ 31. 5×12 inches, which is wider and taller than others. Large mouse pad can perfectly fit your keyboard and mouse of any size, and there is also ample space for peripherals such as phones, tablets, etc.
  • 【LED backlight mouse pad】:Blade Hawks RGB mouse pad provides 7 static modes and 7 dynamic modes will give you the options you are looking for. Power-off memory function remembers the last lighting mode you selected. The super glow fiber Chroma will give you a colorful gaming setup that you want.
  • 【Anti-slip rubber base】:Made from Natural rubber, this gaming mousepad will firmly grip your desktop, allowing you to enjoy the ultimate precision in the games you are most passionate about. It also comes with a texture that enhances this ability even further.
  • 【Smooth and waterproof surface】: Micro-textured cloth surface, for extremely precise mouse control and a smooth movement. When liquid splashes on the gaming mouse pad, it forms water droplets and slides down. Will not delay your work or gameplay.
  • 【Plug and play】: This mouse and keyboard pad is powered by USB, plug and play, no driver required. One button control light modes. Press one time to change the lighting mode, press twice to change the brightness, press and hold about 3 seconds turn ON/OFF.

Crash during map or world generation

Note the storyteller, scenario, map settings and whether the failure occurs on every new world or only with one configuration. Reproduce with the same settings and preserve the resulting log before launching again. If changing one setting makes the crash disappear, record precisely which setting changed rather than changing several at once.

Crash during active play

Record the in-game action, approximate time or date in the save, selected pawn or object, and whether pausing or changing speed affects reproduction. A precise sequence is more useful than “it crashes randomly.” Mention whether the crash follows a bill, quest, raid, caravan, construction job or other repeatable event, but do not label a mod as responsible until a controlled comparison supports that conclusion.

Find and preserve the RimWorld Player.log

Reproduce the problem once, close the game if it remains open, and copy the log before launching RimWorld again. A subsequent launch can replace the evidence from the failing run. If the game never reaches the menu, note how it was started and look for the file immediately after the failed attempt.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Platform Player.log location
Windows %userprofile%AppDataLocalLowLudeon StudiosRimWorld by Ludeon StudiosPlayer.log
macOS Users/<YourUserName>/Library/Logs/Unity/RimWorld by Ludeon Studios/Player.log
Linux /home/<YourUserName>/.config/unity3d/Ludeon Studios/RimWorld/Player.log

Older macOS guidance used Users/<YourUserName>/Library/Logs/Unity/Player.log. If that folder is empty, check the newer RimWorld-specific subfolder. On Linux, the official forum guidance says the log may be created only when the game is launched from a console; otherwise look for /tmp/rimworld_log. Use the current official instructions if the directory layout differs on your installation.

Keep the original file, note its timestamp, and attach the complete log when a support channel requests it. Avoid editing out lines that look irrelevant; the surrounding entries can establish where the failure began. If you must redact personal information, say that you redacted it and preserve an untouched local copy.

Build a useful reproduction record

Before disabling anything, create a short incident record containing:

Rank #4
Sale
Vaydeer Wrist Rest for Keyboard and Mouse, Computer Ergonomic Wrist Support Pad, Soft Memory Foam Arm Cushion for Desk, Palm Hand Office Laptop Typing
  • 【Softer and More Comfortable】Vaydeer wrist rest has unique diamond pattern, which is the combination of softness and aesthetics. The materials of wrist rest are improved into higher quality memory foam and covered with silky smooth lycra. The computer wrist rest makes you as comfortable and cushiony as like rest your wrists on clouds.
  • 【Ergonomic Wrist Saver】The wrist rests for keyboard and mouse comes with a 17.32×3.15×0.83 inch keyboard wrist pad and a 5.94×3.15×0.83 inch mouse wrist support. Based on ergonomic design, the unique concave shape is the perfect fit for your wrist joints. The wrist rest pad fits most computer keyboards and laptops, improve hand and wrist posture, release your wrist and arm stress.
  • 【Non-Slip Rubber Bottom】Featuring an anti-skid silicone base on the bottom, this wrist keyboard support stays firmly in place on your desk, preventing the padding from sliding around, ensuring stable and consistent wrist support during extended computer sessions.
  • 【Better Experience & Pain Relief】Our keyboard arm rest is beneficial to alleviate the soreness caused by direct contact and friction between your arm and a hard desk surface, reducing the risk of wrist fatigue or carpal tunnel. The soft texture of memory foam can evenly distribute the pressure around your wrists and provide good support with just enough give.
  • 【Helpful in Multiple Scenarios】Whether you're working, studying, writing, typing, gaming, this keyboard and mouse rest combo is an essential accessory to add comfort and support to your hands and wrists. It’s also a great gift for men, women, family, friend, coworker, gamer, teacher, etc.
  • Game version and branch, including whether it is main or unstable.
  • Operating system and whether the failure is repeatable.
  • The exact save, scenario or map settings involved.
  • What you expected to happen and what happened instead.
  • The action immediately before the slowdown, error or crash.
  • The complete named mod list and load order, including recently updated mods.
  • The fresh Player.log from the failing run.
  • Whether the issue appears in a new unmodded test and whether the original save remains safe.

Ludeon’s mod-bug guidance specifically asks for the circumstances, the observed result, the expected result, a log and a mod list. It warns that Workshop IDs alone may not help readers identify the mods, so include names rather than only numeric identifiers. A concise report can state: “On main 1.6, Windows, this save crashes every time when I open the world map after loading; I expected the map to open; the attached log is from the failing run; these are the active mods in order.”

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Separate vanilla and modded cases without destroying the evidence

For a modded save

  1. Save a copy of the current save file and export or write down the active mod list and order.
  2. Reproduce the issue once and preserve the resulting log.
  3. Change one factor at a time where practical: for example, test the same action with one recently changed mod removed from a copied setup.
  4. Record whether the same save and steps still fail after each controlled change.
  5. Check the mod author’s current compatibility notes, especially after a version change.
  6. Restore the original setup after each test so the experiment does not silently become the new save state.

Disabling all mods can be a useful comparison, but it is a diagnostic experiment rather than a repair. A modded save may require its original mods, and continuing it without them can create additional problems. There is no universal, guaranteed isolation procedure for every mod collection, so preserve the original setup and treat each result as evidence. If a vanilla test works, report that fact alongside the modded failure; it narrows the field but does not identify one specific mod.

For an unmodded game

Confirm that no mods are active, reproduce the smallest possible case and provide the log with exact steps. If the issue is reproducible in an unmodded setup, report it through the current official channel named by Ludeon. The 1.7 announcement directs unmodded bug reports to the official RimWorld development Discord; Ludeon’s support page also lists a Support forum and email support. Verify the current destination when you submit because channels can change.

Ludeon’s older mod-bug guidance says official support is not provided for mod-related bugs unless an underlying vanilla issue can be confirmed, while mod authors and community volunteers may still help. Present that as a limitation of the guidance, not as proof that a particular mod is responsible. Include the same evidence even when asking a mod author, since the author needs the version, reproduction steps and log to investigate.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Check update notes before making broad system changes

Compare your exact build with the official update notes and look for a matching fix or known regression. The material available for this troubleshooting case includes the 1.7 announcement and 1.6.4850 update notes, but it does not establish that changing drivers, buying hardware, reinstalling the game or deleting configuration files will fix an unknown RimWorld problem.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Use those actions only when the symptoms and platform-specific instructions justify them, and change one variable at a time. A clean reinstall or hardware purchase cannot substitute for a log, version number and reproducible steps. There is no supported troubleshooting purchase to recommend here; merchandise, generic accessories and a new PC are not fixes for an undiagnosed crash.

Best Value
Sale
Under Desk Cable Management Tray No Drill, Metal Mesh Cable Management Under Desk with Clamp Mount, 2 Hole Cable Tray with Wire Management and Cord Organizer for Home Office Standing Desk
  • 【No Drill Mounted】Cable management tray can be assembled in as little as 3 minutes or less-simply. Side clips easily clampe the edge of desk, pass through the holes on the sides, and secure excess cables with baskets. Desk cable management supports inward or outward installation to meet your needs in different scenarios, and provides you with great convenience when collecting and organizing wires.
  • 【Rubber Pad Protects Desk】Wire organizer under desk built-in soft rubber pads on the clamp protect your desk from scratches, so you will not damage your furniture or office.
  • 【Sturdy and Beautiful】Cord management under desk is made of high-quality carbon steel and holds about 15 lbs. The wire basket has 2 holes on each side of the tray to enable your cables to pass freely. Cable baskets are suitable for desk thickness use from 0.4" to 2.4".
  • 【Space Saving & Keep Organized】Desk cable management tray holds all your power cords, outlet strips, USB hubs and computer transformers hidden from your feet, and the data cables will not enter the vacuum cleaner to keep your desk clean and tidy. Desk wire organizer is also suitable for use in the kitchen and outdoors.
  • 【Reduce Safety Risks】Cable tray under desk keeps all plugs away from your kids, no more worry about tripping. Using 2 holes wire tray saves extra space, helps you easily cabling and wire protection. The mesh design is not easy to accumulate dust, but avoids safety accidents caused by messy wires.

A decision path for common symptoms

  1. Confirm branch and version. If you are on unstable 1.7, say so; if you are on main 1.6, compare against 1.6 notes.
  2. Classify the symptom. Mark startup, save loading, generation or active-play slowdown/crash.
  3. Classify the installation. Decide whether the same behavior occurs with no mods, using a copied test setup where appropriate.
  4. Reproduce once. Write the exact action and whether it happens every time.
  5. Preserve evidence. Copy Player.log immediately and retain the named mod list.
  6. Test one controlled change. Compare the same save and steps, not a different colony or map.
  7. Report with context. Include version, branch, platform, circumstances, expected result, observed result, log and mod names.

What not to conclude from the first symptom

  • A crash after a game update does not by itself prove the game update is defective.
  • A yellow “potentially unsupported” mod label does not by itself prove that mod caused the failure.
  • A successful vanilla test does not prove a modded save is safe to continue without its dependencies.
  • Ludeon’s 2–4x and 2.2x figures are developer tests, not a promise for your PC.
  • Reported save compatibility between 1.6 and 1.7 does not guarantee compatibility for every modded save.
  • Launching the game again before copying the log can overwrite the most useful failure details.
  • Changing several mods, settings and branches together makes the result impossible to interpret.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is RimWorld crashing after the update?

First identify the exact branch, version, platform and failure stage. A game update, a mod update, a save-specific problem or a beta regression can all coincide with the timing. Reproduce the crash, copy the fresh Player.log, preserve the named mod list and test one controlled change before assigning blame.

Why is RimWorld running slowly after the update?

Separate startup, mod-list loading, map generation and in-game ticks. Compare the same save and settings, and check whether the installation is on main or the unstable beta branch. Ludeon reported 2–4x overall improvement in its 1.7 tests, including 2.2x on a late-game colony, but says individual results vary with the PC and mods.

Where do I find the RimWorld Player.log on Windows?

Look at %userprofile%AppDataLocalLowLudeon StudiosRimWorld by Ludeon StudiosPlayer.log. Copy it immediately after reproducing the issue and before launching the game again.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Where is Player.log on macOS or Linux?

The newer macOS path is Users/<YourUserName>/Library/Logs/Unity/RimWorld by Ludeon Studios/Player.log; older guidance used the parent Unity folder. Linux uses /home/<YourUserName>/.config/unity3d/Ludeon Studios/RimWorld/Player.log. If Linux does not create it, launch from a console or check /tmp/rimworld_log.

Will a 1.6 save work in RimWorld 1.7, or can I return to 1.6?

Ludeon says 1.6 saves load on 1.7 and 1.7 saves work when returning to 1.6. That is the developer’s general compatibility statement, not a guarantee for every modded save. Back up the save and verify the mods before switching branches.

Does the yellow “potentially unsupported” mod warning mean the mod caused my crash?

Not necessarily. Ludeon says the label may appear only because the version number changed, and that most mods should work without author changes. Check current author notes and reproduce the issue before treating the warning as evidence of causation.

Should I disable every mod to fix the problem?

Disabling all mods is a comparison, not a guaranteed repair. Save a copy, record the original load order and test a reproducible step in a controlled copy. A modded save may depend on its original mods, so do not continue the only copy without them.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Where should I report an unmodded RimWorld bug?

Ludeon’s October 12, 2026 announcement directs unmodded 1.7 bug reports to the official RimWorld development Discord. Its support page also lists a Support forum and email support. Check the current Ludeon announcement or support page because destinations can change, and include the version, branch, steps, log and expected result.

The Bottom Line

The fastest reliable route is evidence-first triage: identify the exact branch and version, classify the failure stage, preserve a fresh Player.log and named mod list, then reproduce the issue with one controlled change at a time. That process separates a beta-build regression from a mod or save-specific problem without risking the only copy of your colony.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.