The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →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
RimWorld 1.7 changes the game engine from Unity to Ludeon Studios’ in-house Waylith Engine, but it is not presented as a visual or gameplay overhaul. In its October 12, 2026 announcement, Ludeon says the game looks and plays exactly the same, while its own tests show faster startup, loading, world and map generation, and simulation ticks. The studio also says 1.6 and 1.7 saves work in both directions and that the vast majority of mods work without author changes.
The important qualifications are release status and evidence. At announcement time, 1.7 was on Steam’s unstable beta branch, the main branch was still 1.6, and no stable-release date had been announced. Performance figures are Ludeon’s internal results, not independent benchmarks, and the studio warns that results vary by computer and mod list.
What changed in RimWorld 1.7?
Update 1.7 is the RimWorld release that moves the game from Unity to Waylith, an engine Ludeon Studios describes as its own in-house technology. The announcement, posted by Tia Young for Ludeon on October 12, 2026, does not describe Waylith’s architecture, renderer, threading model, file formats, or migration code.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
For players, that means the engine replacement is intended to be an underlying change rather than a new art direction or ruleset. Ludeon’s exact public position is that “the game looks and plays exactly the same.” That is a developer statement, not an independent visual or gameplay assessment, so it should be read as the intended 1.7 experience rather than proof that every setup will appear identical.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
| Concern | What Ludeon says about 1.7 | What the announcement does not establish |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | RimWorld moves from Unity to the in-house Waylith Engine. | Waylith’s internal architecture and technical design. |
| Presentation and gameplay | The game looks and plays exactly the same. | Independent testing of visual parity or every modded setup. |
| Performance | Startup, large-mod-list loading, generation, and general ticks per second are reported faster. | A universal speed increase or third-party benchmark. |
| Saves | 1.6 saves load on 1.7, and 1.7 saves work when returning to 1.6. | Compatibility for every individual save combined with every mod combination. |
| Mods | The vast majority work without changes; a yellow warning can reflect the version-number change. | A guarantee that every mod has been tested or will behave identically. |
| Release channel | 1.7 was on Steam’s unstable beta branch on October 12, 2026; the main branch remained 1.6. | A date for the stable/main-branch release. |
Does Waylith make RimWorld look or play differently?
Not by design, according to Ludeon. The engine switch is not announced as a graphics redesign, content expansion, balance revision, or new game mode. Existing interfaces, simulation rules, art direction, and player-facing behavior are intended to remain familiar.
That statement does not mean every technical side effect is impossible. A renderer or timing change can expose an issue in a particular driver, mod, save, or hardware configuration even when the intended game behavior is unchanged. The announcement gives no independent compatibility audit, so players should distinguish between the studio’s goal of parity and the behavior of their own installation.
How much faster is RimWorld 1.7?
Ludeon reports a broad 2–4× performance improvement in its summary of internal test results. The studio names several areas: starting the game, loading games with large mod lists, generating maps, generating worlds, and general ticks per second. These figures are not laboratory results published by an outside tester. They are Ludeon’s measurements, and the studio explicitly says individual improvements vary with a player’s PC and mods.
| Internal example reported by Ludeon | Reported result | How to interpret it |
|---|---|---|
| Overall summary | 2–4× faster in the studio’s tests | A range from Ludeon’s own test summary, not a promise for every computer. |
| Late-game colony | 2.2× better performance in one test | One named colony scenario; it does not define every late-game colony. |
| 1,500-mod pack loading | Loading time fell from 14 minutes to 6 minutes | A specific internal mod-pack comparison. Mod count, hardware, and setup details beyond the stated example are not provided. |
What those numbers mean in practice
A faster startup is most noticeable when you frequently restart after changing a load order. Faster large-list loading matters to players who maintain extensive mod collections. Better map and world generation can shorten the wait before a new colony begins, while higher ticks per second may make a heavily populated or late-game colony feel less sluggish.
The 14-minute-to-6-minute example is a reduction of eight minutes in that particular 1,500-mod test, but it should not be converted into a personal expectation. A smaller list may show a smaller absolute saving, and a different processor, storage device, operating system, mod mix, or save state can change the result. Ludeon’s 2–4× language has the same limitation: it describes the studio’s tests, not an entitlement attached to the 1.7 version number.
What has not been independently measured
No named third-party benchmark, regulator statistic, or independent study accompanies the announcement. There is therefore no established outside figure for average FPS, average ticks per second, loading time on a particular processor, or performance across a representative mod collection. Treat the official numbers as useful signals about Ludeon’s target and test cases rather than a guarantee.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Will your old RimWorld save work in 1.7?
Ludeon says that 1.6 savegames load on 1.7 and that 1.7 saves also work if you return to 1.6. This is the studio’s announced cross-version compatibility policy. It does not describe the engineering method used to preserve compatibility, and it does not constitute evidence that every save, mod, and combination of versions has been individually tested.
A cautious way to test the unstable build
- Make a separate copy of any important save before changing branches. Keep the original file untouched so you can return to your previous setup if a particular combination behaves unexpectedly.
- Check the current 1.7 branch status in Steam. Branch availability and labels can change after the October 12 announcement.
- Load a copy of the 1.6 colony on 1.7 before overwriting your normal save. Look for the expected map, pawns, inventories, quests, and mod-dependent content.
- Play long enough to test the parts of the colony that matter to you, especially systems supplied by major mods. The public announcement gives a broad compatibility claim, not a save-by-save certification.
- If you return to 1.6, use the separate 1.7 test save first. Although Ludeon says 1.7 saves work in 1.6, keeping branch-specific copies avoids confusing a test result with your primary colony.
The practical message is reassuring: Ludeon does not require a special conversion procedure. The sensible precaution is still to preserve a backup when testing an unstable build, particularly for a colony that would be difficult to recreate.
Do RimWorld mods need to be updated for Waylith?
Ludeon says the vast majority of mods work on 1.7 without changes from their authors. A mod may nevertheless display a yellow “potentially unsupported” label. According to the announcement, that warning can appear simply because the game version number changed; the warning alone does not prove that the mod is broken.
What players should do about the yellow label
- Read the mod’s description and recent author notes before assuming failure.
- Test a copy of the relevant save rather than your only working colony.
- Pay attention to behavior, errors, and missing content instead of treating the yellow label as a diagnosis.
- Remember that “vast majority” is not “every mod.” A specific mod can still have a real incompatibility even though the general transition is intended to be compatible.
What mod authors are being asked to do
Ludeon asks authors to test their projects on 1.7 and publish a version marked 1.7-compatible after testing. That metadata removes the warning for players. If an author finds behavior that differs from 1.6, the announcement directs them to the official development Discord for discussion and reports.
This workflow separates two issues: the warning is a version-status signal, while actual compatibility is determined by testing. The announcement does not say that every listed mod has already been tested, nor does it guarantee that all mod interactions remain unchanged.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
What does Waylith offer modders?
Ludeon describes Waylith as opening possibilities rather than publishing a detailed migration specification. The studio says modders can use the latest C# language features, write complex mods more easily without negatively affecting game performance, and make large visual changes and complex custom effects more accessible.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Latest C# language features
The statement that modders can use the latest C# language features is significant for authors who want modern language capabilities, but the announcement does not list a compiler version, target framework, supported APIs, or project template. Modders should not infer a specific toolchain or assume that every modern C# feature is available until Ludeon documents it in technical guidance.
More ambitious systems and effects
The promised benefits cover two broad areas: performance-conscious complex gameplay mods and larger visual or effect changes. In practical terms, that could lower the friction of building ambitious projects, but the public post does not provide implementation examples, benchmark thresholds, rendering hooks, or an exhaustive API reference. It is accurate to describe these as Ludeon’s stated opportunities, not as a complete technical tutorial.
How the engine migration preserved compatibility
The community question “How did you change the engine and made it mod/save compatible” is reasonable, but the announcement does not answer it. It confirms the compatibility result without explaining whether it came from an abstraction layer, compatibility shims, serialized-data handling, API preservation, automated conversion, or another method. Any specific explanation would be speculation unless Ludeon publishes a later technical account.
Will older computers run RimWorld 1.7?
Ludeon warns that computers more than 10 years old may not run 1.7 and asks affected players to report problems through the development Discord. This is an age-based caution, not a universal minimum-hardware rule. The announcement supplies no minimum or recommended specifications, no processor or graphics-card requirement, no memory target, and no component-level upgrade advice.
That limitation matters because “10 years old” describes a broad range of machines. Two computers of the same age can have different processors, graphics hardware, drivers, storage, and operating systems. The studio also does not identify which operating systems or hardware components are affected. If your machine falls into that age range, treat 1.7 as a compatibility test rather than assuming either success or failure.
A sensible older-PC test
- Keep the 1.6 installation and saves available until you have tested 1.7.
- Try a small, representative save before opening your largest colony.
- Test startup, loading, generation, and ordinary play separately; a computer can behave differently in each phase.
- Record your operating system, hardware, mod list, and the exact symptom if 1.7 fails, then include those details in a development Discord report.
Do not buy a particular component based only on the announcement. It does not identify a bottleneck or establish that an upgrade will solve a 1.7 problem.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Where can you play RimWorld 1.7 right now?
On October 12, 2026, Ludeon said 1.7 was available through Steam’s unstable beta branch while the main branch remained on 1.6. The announcement did not give a date for moving 1.7 to the stable/main branch. Because Steam branch status can change, verify the current label before following these instructions.
Opting into the unstable branch
- Open your Steam Library and locate RimWorld.
- Open the game’s Properties.
- Open the Betas section.
- Choose the current unstable or 1.7 beta option if it is still listed.
- Allow Steam to update the installation, then confirm the game reports the expected version before loading a test save.
Returning to the main branch
- Open RimWorld’s Properties and return to Betas.
- Select the default or no-beta option shown by Steam.
- Wait for Steam to finish changing files before launching.
- Use the separate test save first, even though Ludeon says saves are compatible in both directions.
The menu wording and available choices may change as development progresses. If 1.7 has reached the main branch, you will not need the unstable-branch procedure described above.
Waylith versus Unity: a player-focused comparison
| Area | Unity-era 1.6 | Waylith-based 1.7 | Decision relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine ownership | Uses Unity. | Uses Ludeon’s in-house Waylith Engine. | The principal technical change is beneath the game’s established presentation. |
| Intended look and play | Existing 1.6 experience. | Ludeon says it looks and plays exactly the same. | Do not expect an engine-driven visual redesign. |
| Startup and loading | Baseline for Ludeon’s comparisons. | Reported faster in internal tests. | Potentially valuable for large mod lists and frequent restarts. |
| Generation | Baseline for map and world-generation comparisons. | Reported faster in internal tests. | May reduce waiting before a new colony, subject to hardware and setup. |
| Simulation ticks | Baseline for the reported late-game comparison. | One Ludeon test showed 2.2× better performance. | Useful signal for heavy colonies, not a universal result. |
| Save direction | 1.6 saves load on 1.7; Ludeon says 1.7 saves return to 1.6. | Same announced cross-version behavior. | Backups remain prudent when testing an unstable build. |
| Mod status | Existing 1.6 compatibility labels. | Most mods should work; yellow warnings can reflect the version change. | Check behavior and author testing rather than the warning alone. |
| Modding capabilities | Not detailed in the announcement. | Latest C# features and more accessible complex systems and visual effects are promised. | Useful for authors planning new work, but technical details are not yet published. |
| Hardware requirements | Existing 1.6 requirements. | Detailed 1.7 requirements are not stated; PCs over 10 years old may have trouble. | Older systems should test before committing. |
| Stable availability at announcement | Main branch. | Unstable beta branch. | No stable-release date was announced. |
What remains unknown about Waylith?
The announcement answers the practical headline questions but leaves several technical questions open:
- Waylith’s architecture, rendering approach, threading model, and memory behavior are not described.
- The method used to preserve save and mod compatibility is not explained.
- No complete mod API, migration guide, compiler or target-framework specification is supplied.
- No minimum or recommended 1.7 system requirements are published.
- The affected operating systems and hardware components are not identified.
- No independent performance results are available in the announcement.
- No date is given for leaving the unstable branch.
These are genuine information limits, not evidence that the transition will fail. They simply mark the boundary between what Ludeon has announced and what players or modders would need a later technical document to know.
Who should switch to 1.7 now?
Players who want to test performance
Players with large mod lists, long startup waits, slow generation, or late-game tick pressure have the clearest reason to try the unstable build. The reported improvements target exactly those workloads, but your result can differ from Ludeon’s tests.
Recommended Free Tools
Players with irreplaceable colonies
If a colony is your only copy or depends on a complicated mod stack, wait until you can make a backup and test a duplicate. The announced save compatibility is broad, but the unstable channel and individual mod interactions justify a cautious rollout.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Players on older hardware
If your computer is more than 10 years old, test rather than assume. Ludeon specifically warns that such machines may not run 1.7, while providing no detailed specification that would let you predict the result from a component list.
Mod authors
Authors should test on 1.7, investigate behavior that differs from 1.6, and mark a release 1.7-compatible after testing so players no longer see the version warning. The development Discord is Ludeon’s stated place for reporting differences.
Common situations and the safest response
A mod has a yellow “potentially unsupported” label
Do not treat the label alone as proof of failure. The warning can be triggered by the version-number change. Check the mod’s actual behavior and look for an author-marked 1.7-compatible release.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Your large mod list still loads slowly
Ludeon’s 14-minute-to-6-minute result came from one 1,500-mod internal test. A different list or computer can produce a smaller improvement. Compare the same setup before and after the branch change rather than judging against the studio’s number.
Your old computer will not start 1.7
Keep using the main 1.6 branch while documenting the failure. Include hardware, operating system, mod list, and symptoms in a development Discord report. The announcement does not identify a particular upgrade that will resolve the issue.
You want to return from 1.7 to 1.6
Switch Steam back to the default/no-beta branch, wait for the files to update, and open a copy of the save first. Ludeon says the versions are cross-compatible, but separating test saves from primary saves makes recovery easier if a specific mod combination behaves differently.
Bottom line for players and modders
RimWorld 1.7 is an engine transition, not a promised change to the game’s look or rules. Ludeon reports substantial performance gains, including a 2.2× late-game result and a 14-minute-to-6-minute loading example for a 1,500-mod pack, but those are internal tests whose results vary by PC and mods. The studio says saves work across 1.6 and 1.7 and that most mods need no code changes, while asking authors to test and mark compatibility. For now, the main practical choice is whether to test an unstable build with backups or remain on 1.6 until 1.7 reaches the main branch.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteQuick Recap
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.
