Pillagers
Opportunistic scavengers who prey on the weak and isolated.
The Pillagers are a ubiquitous hostile faction found across the Rimworlds, operating as loose bands of scavengers and raiders who target isolated colonies for resources, prisoners, and supplies. Unlike organized empires or ideological groups, they lack central command but thrive on opportunism and the chaos that follows planetary collapse. They represent the constant threat of human predation in this setting, often appearing early in a colony's timeline to test defenses. Their presence serves as a reminder that civilization is fragile and that survival requires vigilance against those who would strip it away for their own gain.
- Faction Type
- Hostile Raider Group
- Tech Level
- Low to Mid-Range
- Primary Motivation
- Resource Acquisition & Slavery
- Common Equipment
- Scavenged Firearms and Melee Weapons
- Threat Profile
- Early to Mid-Game Antagonist
- Organization Structure
- Loose Bands or Clans
Lore & Background
In the harsh environment of the Rimworlds, order is fragile. Pillagers emerge from the chaos where law does not reach, often comprising former colonists turned desperate or individuals born into a life of raiding. Their gear reflects their scavenging nature—patched armor and mismatched weapons taken from previous victims. They are not driven by grand conquest but by immediate needs: food, medkits, and labor. While they lack the industrial might of the Mechanitors or the political power of Empires, their numbers and unpredictability make them a dangerous foe for unwary settlements. Their existence highlights the brutal social Darwinism that defines life on many Rimworlds.
In Their Own Story
Dust kicked up by heavy boots echoed in the silence before the scream. A group of ragged figures crested the hill, eyes fixed on the smoke rising from a new settlement below. No flags flew above them, only the promise of loot. One checked his rifle, another gripped a jagged knife. They did not want territory; they wanted what you had built to survive their next winter.
Reader's Guide
The Pillagers serve as one of the primary antagonists for new colonies establishing themselves on volatile planets. Unlike the Mechanitors or Empires, they lack grand ideological goals and instead focus purely on immediate survival through theft. Their raids are frequent and unpredictable, often targeting settlements that appear vulnerable due to low defenses or recent activity. Players must be prepared to defend against their opportunistic attacks, which can range from small skirmishes to large-scale assaults involving prisoners. Despite their hostile nature, Pillagers sometimes operate trade caravans, adding a layer of complexity to interactions where diplomacy might temporarily ease tensions. Their presence underscores the lawless reality of the Rimworlds, where technology is often scavenged and trust is scarce. Managing relations with them requires vigilance, as they can quickly turn from neutral traders into violent enemies if provoked or if opportunity arises.
Did You Know?
- Pillagers do not send trade caravans; this function is exclusive to the Merchant faction in standard gameplay.
- Their equipment often includes scavenged items taken from previous raids on other settlements.
- They are a core faction present in almost every world generation within the game.
More in Factions & Ideologies
Elsewhere in the RimWorld universe
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