How to recruit prisoners is one of the most common RimWorld questions. Here's the reliable method for the current 1.6 / Odyssey version.
Quick Answer
Capture an enemy pawn, keep them fed and healthy, reduce their resistance to zero, then recruit them repeatedly until they join.
Step-by-Step
- Capture — Down an enemy without killing them, then assign them to a prisoner bed (Medical tab).
- Keep them fed — Prisoners need food and medical care or they'll try to escape.
- Reduce resistance — The Warden will chip away resistance over time. Higher Social skill and a better warden speed this up.
- Recruit — Once resistance is 0, order your warden to recruit; keep trying if it fails.
- Watch mood — Unhappy prisoners recruit slower. Keep their cell clean and their needs met.
Why Prisoners Won't Recruit
- Resistance still above zero.
- No assigned Warden or prisoner bed.
- Prisoner is injured or starving.
- Low Social skill on the warden.
RimWorld Recruit FAQ
Can I recruit prisoners faster?
Raise the warden's Social skill, keep the prisoner's needs full, and consider traits that improve mood.
Do prisoners escape?
Yes — prisoners may break out when mood drops low. Good food, care and a secure cell help.
Build a balanced crew with the Pawn Planner.