The Old World

Lore & Background

Following the collapse, humanity on Earth regressed into tribalism and superstition, losing access to their own history and technology. Those who managed to escape boarded generation ships, fleeing the dying planet for distant systems where they established new colonies. Over centuries of isolation, these colonists diverged culturally and genetically, creating the diverse factions seen today. The Old World is now remembered only through the scattered ruins left behind on Earth and the ancient data caches that occasionally wash up on RimWorlds, serving as both a warning and a treasure trove for those brave enough to decipher them.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled across the rusted skeleton of a skyscraper, its glass long since turned to dust. An old scavenger brushed away centuries of grime from a wall panel, revealing a faded image of blue skies and green fields—a world that no longer existed. He whispered the forbidden words his grandmother had taught him: 'The Old World.' In his hand, he held a cracked data drive, its lights flickering with the ghost of a civilization that once reached for the stars before falling back to earth.

Reader's Guide

Understanding the Old World is essential to grasping the depth of RimWorld's setting. It represents the 'before' in a narrative defined by loss and survival. The technology found in ancient ruins, such as mechsuits or advanced medical bays, are remnants of this era, often repurposed or misunderstood by current inhabitants. The societal collapse was so complete that even the concept of Earth is largely mythological to many colonists. Knowledge was fragmented, leading to a world where high-tech weapons sit alongside primitive stone tools. This disparity drives much of the conflict and exploration in the universe. For players and lore enthusiasts, the Old World serves as the ultimate mystery box. Every ancient ruin discovered hints at a grander history that is slowly being pieced back together through the struggle of colonists trying to survive on the edge of known space.

Did You Know?

• The term 'Old World' specifically refers to Earth prior to its collapse, distinguishing it from the current state of the planet or other colonies.
• Many advanced technologies currently utilized by factions like the Empire, or classified under Ancient Tech, are reverse-engineered scraps from Old World infrastructure.
• The genetic divergence between modern RimWorld colonists and their ancestors is a direct result of centuries spent isolated on generation ships after leaving Earth.
• Ancient ruins containing Old World data are often dangerous, as they may contain corrupted AI or hostile automated defenses.

Plot Overview

The narrative follows Alex, a grieving and reclusive teenager who reluctantly attends a summer camp in Southern California following his father's death. There, he bonds with two other outcasts: Zhen Zhen, a non-verbal orphan from China, and Dariush, a wealthy boy whose family is facing financial ruin. Their isolation turns to survival when alien ships invade the valley while they are separated from the main group. After witnessing the camp's evacuation and the death of their counselor Conrad, Alex receives a critical key from a dying astronaut who claims it can destroy the extraterrestrial threat. The trio must journey to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, evading hostile aliens and their canine-like companions along the way.

Character Dynamics

The film centers on the evolving relationships between four distinct youths forced together by catastrophe. Alex struggles with trauma and fear of heights, while Zhen Zhen communicates without speech but demonstrates exceptional mechanical aptitude. Dariush hides his family's impending bankruptcy behind a wealthy facade, and Gabriel, a runaway from juvenile detention, reveals he was wrongly accused due to undiagnosed dyscalculia. Their journey is complicated by the introduction of Lou, an escaped inmate Alex mistakenly frees out of empathy. Lou eventually betrays the group, attempting to steal the alien key for profit before being killed by the creatures they are fleeing. These interactions highlight themes of trust and redemption as the children overcome their personal demons to save humanity.

Production History

Directed by McG with a screenplay by Zack Stentz, this project was conceived as a modern homage to the kid-centric action films of the 1980s. Development began in earnest around 2017, with the official deal for Netflix greenlit in March 2018. Principal photography took place over a rapid forty-day schedule starting in June 2018, primarily filmed in Los Angeles, California. The production assembled a young cast including Jack Gore, Miya Cech, Benjamin Flores Jr., and Alessio Scalzotto to portray the group of misfits.

Reception and Release

Upon its release on Netflix, Rim of the World achieved significant viewership success despite mixed critical reception. It became the most-watched content on the SVOD platform in the United Kingdom during its debut week, surpassing popular series like Dead to Me and Riverdale. However, professional critics were largely unimpressed, with Rotten Tomatoes reporting a 31% approval rating from thirteen reviews. The critical consensus noted that while the film referenced 80s teen adventures, it was often too bland to honor those inspirations and relied heavily on clichés that prevented it from standing out. Despite these critiques, its massive streaming numbers indicate a strong resonance with general audiences seeking high-concept sci-fi adventure.