Defensive Network

Defensive Network is the core module of a large-scale defense expansion designed to provide new turrets, combat equipment, and support systems throughout every stage of the game.

However, Defensive Network is not simply a collection of additional turrets.

As you progress through its research tree, you will gradually unlock fire-control systems, logistical equipment, target-designation devices, ammunition support, and tactical facilities. These structures interact with one another, transforming a group of isolated turrets into a complete defensive network.

Colonists who are unsuitable for frontline combat can operate a global fire-control console to improve turret accuracy. Detection and targeting equipment can extend the effective range of your defenses. Large-caliber smoothbore cannons can be supplied with gun-launched missiles, while target designators, automated ammunition systems, and tactical support facilities allow different weapon platforms to work together.

The way you design your defensive positions, configure your equipment, and assign your colonists will directly determine the effectiveness of the entire network.

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Drone Warfare System

In addition to expanding the conventional firepower available to your colony, Defensive Network introduces a new category of defensive unit: drones.

Drones can leave the safety of your defensive line and carry out patrol, interception, assault, bombing, and fire-drawing missions in place of your colonists.

Different drone models are designed for different roles:

* Some are inexpensive expendable units intended to delay and suppress enemy infantry.
* Some specialize in patrol and pursuit, automatically searching for enemies around your colony.
* Some can operate at high altitude and conduct bombing missions or precision strikes against priority targets.
* Heavy unmanned platforms can withstand enemy fire on the frontline and break through hostile formations.

Drones are not intended to replace conventional turrets. They are an extension of your defensive network beyond the limits of a fixed position.

Producing, configuring, and commanding different types of drones is one of the major components of Defensive Network.

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## More Than 17 New Turrets

When machine guns and conventional cannons are no longer enough to protect your colony, Defensive Network provides at least 17 new turrets and weapon platforms across several different weapon families:

* Automatic machine guns and high-rate-of-fire autocannons
* Large-caliber smoothbore cannons
* Rocket artillery and missile weapons
* Electromagnetic weapons
* Laser weapons
* Intelligent tracking weapons
* Anti-aircraft and point-defense systems
* Tactical support weapons

Each weapon is designed for a particular target type and combat environment.

Some weapons are intended to suppress massed infantry, while others specialize in destroying heavy armor. Some can attack targets behind walls, while others protect your colony from missiles and airborne enemies.

Experiment with different combinations and build a defensive position with specialized roles, overlapping fields of fire, and the ability to engage enemies at different ranges and armor levels.

Alternatively, you can ignore complicated tactical planning, construct an entire field of missile launchers, and reduce every attacking force to debris.

The choice is yours.

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## New Enemies and Threats

Defensive Network introduces two new enemy types and one boss-level war machine.

The new airborne enemies can fly over walls, lakes, and difficult terrain. Conventional defensive barriers cannot prevent them from entering your colony. You will need to prepare anti-aircraft defenses and dedicated interception weapons around important areas.

These airborne units will not actively attack colonists who are protected beneath complete roofing. Careful use of buildings, roofs, and anti-aircraft positions can significantly reduce the threat they present.

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## Boss Unit: The Landwhale

The Landwhale is a massive heavy ground-effect fire-support platform and one of the most distinctive boss enemies in Defensive Network.

It carries several independent weapon systems. Attempting to defeat it through a simple frontal exchange of fire is unlikely to end well.

Destroying its main cannon should be your first priority, as doing so will greatly reduce its long-range firepower. However, the Landwhale is also protected by a point-defense system capable of intercepting incoming heavy projectiles, making missiles and large-caliber shells difficult to use effectively.

Before launching your most important ammunition, use inexpensive explosives, light rockets, or decoy projectiles to exhaust and overload its point-defense system. Once its defenses are occupied, your heavy weapons will have an opportunity to strike.

After defeating the Landwhale, you can investigate its wreckage, unlock new research, and recover valuable materials.

Under the right conditions, you may even restore this enormous war machine and place it under your colony’s command.

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Q: How compatible is Defensive Network with other mods?
A: Only a small number of Harmony patches were used during development, and most systems are implemented independently. It should therefore avoid serious conflicts with most conventional content mods. However, RimWorld mod lists can be extremely complex, and complete compatibility with every large mod or specialized framework cannot be guaranteed.

Q: Can this mod be added to an existing save?
A: In theory, yes. However, starting a new save is still recommended to ensure that research, quests, and world events are generated correctly. Please back up your save before adding the mod to an ongoing game.

Q: Can this mod be removed from an ongoing save?
A: Removing it from an active save is not recommended. If your map already contains buildings, units, items, or quests added by this mod, removing it may cause errors, missing content, or save-file instability.

Q: What are the future update plans?
A: A small incremental update is planned shortly after release. It will introduce ideas that could not be completed during development, improve unfinished features, and make balance adjustments based on player feedback. Larger future updates will preferably be released as separate chapters or expansion modules rather than continuously increasing the size of the core package.

Q: CE?
A: No. Combat Extended is not currently supported. A CE compatibility patch may be considered in the future, but I have limited experience with CE compatibility work, and Defensive Network is currently being developed by one person. Additional time and technical support would therefore be required. If you have experience creating CE patches and would like to help, feel free to contact me.

Q: How can I build my own Landwhale?
A: After approximately 60 in-game days, your colony may receive a quest to hunt a Landwhale. After defeating it, you can investigate its wreckage and unlock the corresponding research project. Depending on the outcome of the quest and the condition of the wreckage, you may either salvage it for materials or attempt to restore it for your own use.

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Defensive Network was created to let players enjoy the process of building, expanding, and commanding defensive positions throughout a RimWorld playthrough.

You can carefully plan firing arcs and weapon roles until your colony becomes a precisely coordinated war machine. Alternatively, you can ignore efficiency, cover the map in missile launchers, and solve every problem with overwhelming explosions.

Whichever approach you choose, if you enjoy building your defenses, configuring your equipment, coordinating your firepower, and holding back the enemy, then Defensive Network has fulfilled its purpose.