Quick answer
What to do first
Check the whole flight system: grav engine, pilot console, thruster, fuel tank and connected substructure. Enough fuel does not automatically provide enough range or carry every object you built nearby. Before launch, inspect the launch screen and exactly what will leave with the ship.
Match your symptom
| Symptom | Likely cause | Check | Next action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cannot launch | An essential flight component or condition is missing | Inspect engine, console, thruster, tank and launch warnings. | Satisfy the displayed requirement before adding more fuel. |
| Plenty of fuel but destination is out of reach | Range is a separate constraint | Read current range, thrust and route. | Choose a reachable stop or improve the relevant flight capacity. |
| Part of the base will stay behind | It is outside valid connected substructure | Inspect the ship footprint and limits. | Move essentials onto the carried footprint before launching. |
| Pawns or animals are left behind | Passenger selection or location is wrong | Review launch selection and all intended travelers. | Confirm the roster and belongings before committing. |
Check the minimum flight system
Odyssey’s gravship is a system, not just an engine with a stockpile of fuel. Establish the engine, pilot console, at least the required thrust and fuel storage, and valid connected substructure. Then use the game’s launch checks to identify what is still missing.
Resolve launch, fuel and range blockers
Treat fuel and range as separate questions. A full tank cannot overcome every range restriction. Plan a reachable route using the current launch interface instead of relying on an old formula or assuming every destination uses the same flight cost.
Audit what will travel
Audit the carried footprint before departure. Structures outside valid substructure or beyond its supported limits do not become portable because they touch the ship visually. Check storage, medical needs and every intended traveler, including animals and mechs where relevant.
Before leaving the old map
Leaving without a grav anchor can delete the old map and lose pawns left there. Confirm the anchor arrangement and everyone on the carried footprint before accepting departure. For a trip into space, complete the separate pressure, oxygen and equipment checks first; a successful launch is not proof that the colony can survive there.
Version & sources
Sources & what may change
- Applies to
- Core + Odyssey · PC 1.6.4850.
- Last verified
- 2026-09-04
- When to check again
- Recheck after a relevant game patch, DLC change or source correction. Mods can change these conditions.
Documentation reviewed; not an in-game test report. RimWorld Wiki is community-maintained, not Ludeon documentation.
Portions of the materials used to create this content/mod are trademarks and/or copyrighted works of Ludeon Studios Inc. All rights reserved by Ludeon. This content/mod is not official and is not endorsed by Ludeon.