Vanilla Expanded Framework — A Foundation for RimWorld Mods

Vanilla Expanded Framework (VEF) provides shared systems used by many Vanilla Expanded mods and other community projects. Install it when a mod lists VEF as a requirement: dependent features need the framework to function.

Its main purpose is to support other mods rather than introduce a standalone collection of items or factions. Centralizing common code lets developers build complex mechanics without including separate copies of the same systems.

What the framework supports

• Custom action buttons, toggles and mode switches.
• Additional interface elements and inspection tabs.
• Health effects and dynamic condition behavior.
• Extended animal behaviors.
• Tools for gene-related Biotech features.
• Custom object behaviors.
• Utilities for events, quests, storytellers and world generation.

VEF also removes the base game’s 12-faction limit and includes faction discovery functionality.

Load order and compatibility

Enable Vanilla Expanded Framework before mods that depend on it, placing it close to Core while respecting other dependency requirements.

The description lists compatibility with Faction Control, Empire and Combat Extended. Requirements and known issues for individual dependent mods still apply.

For mod authors

Community developers can use VEF as a dependency for their own projects. Reference the framework instead of copying its code into another mod.

The official documentation explains available systems and provides implementation examples.