How to build a basic killbox in Rimworld Killbox design ideas

Parts of the killbox

There are three main components of a basic killbox:

Entry labyrinth – A narrow maze-like corridor that snakes its way for a few bends before opening into the…
Killing field – a long stretch of clear, deforested, and defenseless land, facing the…
Bunker – strong entrenched position for your colony to defend from.

Building

A basic killbox can be built in a simple rectangular shape of about 12 to 24 tiles in width and 18 to 24 tiles in depth. The width is determined by the number of defenders that you can muster, while the depth is determined by the average range of weapons your colonists will use to defend the colony. It is paramount that no trees are allowed to grow there, or that there are no rocks laying around — they can both serve as cover for the raiders.

The entry is constructed so that it allows clear entrance into the killbox — no doors or walls should bar the way for your foes. You can place sandbags and traps along the corridors to slow them down, but that is optional. Make sure to build at least three bends and that the final corridor opens into the middle point of your killing field.

The bunker should be constructed in a 2-1-2 pattern of walls and sandbags for the full width of the killbox, with a roof added to protect your colonists.

Materials

The bare minimum material to construct your killbox should be any stone blocks that you have available on your map. Ideally, you would use granite blocks, the toughest among them. For very late game, parts of the killbox can be constructed out of plasteel. For sandbags, you can start with any that you have available, and aim to replace them with ones made out of devilstrand.

Equipment

Your colonists will initially be equipped with whatever is available, but for your killbox, you should plan to equip them with long and short-ranged guns at a 2-1 ratio. The best rule of thumb is to build your killbox with such depth as to allow your average range to reach the funnel coming from the labyrinth.

Positioning

With instances of one sandbag between two walls, you can position your colonists in such a way to allow three of them to fire from behind one sandbag whilst being protected from return fire.

Advanced considerations

Basic killboxes can take you far, but there are advanced ideas to consider when you get more comfortable:

The shape of the bunker can be made into a semi-circle, allowing a much wider field of fire.
You can incorporate auto-turrets to one or both flanks to augment your firepower.
You can incorporate a sally-port on one side close to the funnel, with a colonist armed with EMP grenades ready to chuck them in case of a mechanoid raid or your enemies using shield-belts.
You can add a row of doors through the middle of the maze, to allow your colonists a quicker way out if needed.

About the author

Miljan Truc

I have been into gaming since the days of Sega Mega Drive and Amiga. Over the years in gaming, I have raided at a high level, completed rare achievements, coached other players, and written about games since 2016. Whether it’s been clicking heads; developing cities, colonies, and empires; or commanding parties of adventurers; I’ve always prided myself on being able to understand the underlying mechanics of games. Outside of gaming, I enjoy a variety of activities and hobbies, including playing with my pup Astra, working out, as well as crafting, painting, and leatherwork.