Good RimWorld prisoner management turns captured raiders into colonists. Here's the full workflow for the current 1.6 / Odyssey version.
Prisoner Setup
- Cells: 1 bed + 1 door minimum; a comfortable cell boosts recruitment speed.
- Medical: patch wounds first — healthy prisoners recruit faster.
- Food: deliver meals manually or via a prisoner stockpile.
- Security: doors on prisoners, keep weapons out of reach.
Recruitment Workflow
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Capture | Down raiders, rescue and imprison the useful ones |
| 2. Treat | Patch injuries, feed regularly, keep warm |
| 3. Negotiate | Assign your highest-Social pawn to recruit |
| 4. Convert (if needed) | Ideology conversion aligns beliefs before recruiting |
| 5. Release or sell | Unwanted prisoners can be sold or released for goodwill |
Prisoner FAQ
Why won't my prisoner recruit?
Check that a negotiator is assigned, resistance is dropping, and the prisoner is fed and healthy.
Should I sell prisoners?
Yes — slaver traders pay well for healthy prisoners, or release them for faction goodwill.
Estimate time with the Recruitment Calculator.