In the world of Kenshi, a post-apocalyptic sandbox RPG filled with samurai, slavers, and scavengers, traditional weapons like katanas and polearms dominate the battlefield. However, for players seeking a new layer of excitement, the ‘Somewhat Immersive Guns’ mod introduces a fresh dynamic without compromising the unique flavor of the game. This mod brings a selection of firearms into the Kenshi universe in a way that feels balanced, lore-aware, and engaging for both newcomers and veteran players. Rather than turning the game into a first-person shooter, it weaves ranged weapons naturally into the existing combat mechanics and storytelling.
Introduction to Somewhat Immersive Guns
What the Mod Adds
The Somewhat Immersive Guns mod is not about overpowering firepower or turning Kenshi into a modern warfare simulator. Instead, it adds a curated selection of handmade, steampunk-inspired firearms that fit within Kenshi’s gritty, survivalist tone. These weapons range from primitive muskets to more advanced rifles cobbled together from scrap and salvaged parts. They use custom ammo types, have unique reload mechanics, and are integrated into factions, shops, and loot tables.
Why Somewhat Immersive?
The name of the mod is a wink to its intentional balance between realism and fun. It doesn’t pretend these weapons would function perfectly in Kenshi’s harsh, dystopian world, but it also doesn’t break the immersion with futuristic laser guns or overly polished weaponry. Firearms are rare, unreliable, and require specific skills to use effectively just like other elements in the game.
How Guns Work in Kenshi
Ranged Combat Mechanics
Guns in Kenshi operate differently from crossbows but follow a similar ranged-combat logic. They require ammo, have limited range, and must be reloaded. Unlike crossbows, which are common among certain factions, guns are rare and often controlled by tech-hunting groups or rogue scientists. Some models may jam or misfire, especially when used by characters with low skill levels. This adds a risk-reward element to using guns in combat.
- Firearms use custom weapon slots and ammo
- Reloading takes time and interrupts combat actions
- Each shot has armor penetration and stagger effects
- High damage but slow firing rate balances power
Skill Progression
To master firearms, players need to train specific skills added by the mod. These may include Gunnery, Reloading, and Aiming Accuracy, depending on the mod version. This means that a swordmaster won’t automatically be a sharpshooter, and building a capable gunner takes time and investment adding meaningful depth to character roles and team composition.
Types of Guns Available
Crude Pistols and Hand Cannons
These early-tier weapons are suitable for ambushes and quick skirmishes. They’re often found in ruins or sold by shady merchants. They do moderate damage but have high recoil and short range, making them more suitable for backup weapons rather than primary arms.
Jury-Rigged Rifles
These rifles are more powerful and accurate but require time to reload. They are built from scrap parts, making them a common choice for tech scavengers or factions that favor old-world relics. Their long range makes them excellent for setting up ambushes or providing overwatch.
Special Prototype Weapons
Rare and often guarded in high-tech bunkers, prototype weapons might include automatic rifles or experimental railguns. These are very rare, require advanced knowledge to repair and maintain, and are generally held by powerful NPCs or factions with access to lost technology.
Balancing the Game
Not a Power Fantasy
The Somewhat Immersive Guns mod does a great job of balancing firepower with risk. While guns offer great range and armor penetration, they are slow, loud, and often unreliable. Players can’t just mow down enemies with bullets; smart positioning, skill, and tactics are still necessary to survive.
Ammo Crafting and Scarcity
Firearms require ammo that is difficult to manufacture and rarely available in shops. Players must hunt for blueprints, build crafting stations, and gather rare materials to sustain their arsenal. This maintains Kenshi’s survivalist tone and discourages players from overusing guns.
- Scrap metal and gunpowder needed for ammo crafting
- Blueprints found in high-risk areas like ancient labs
- Ammo has weight, limiting how much you can carry
Factions and Gun Culture
Gun-Wielding Factions
Some factions in the game world have adopted firearms, especially those focused on technology or rogue experimentation. For example, a new faction called The Iron Flame may be introduced through the mod, featuring units armed with rifles and flame-launchers, offering players new challenges and recruitment opportunities.
Player Recruitment and Training
Players can recruit NPCs who already have basic firearm skills, or they can train up their squad members from scratch. The training process takes time and resources, encouraging long-term investment in a firearm-based strategy. Some new NPC dialogues and interactions are added to reflect the rarity and danger of using guns in Kenshi.
Immersion and Roleplaying
Storytelling Opportunities
Adding guns to Kenshi opens new narrative possibilities. A lone wanderer with a stolen rifle becomes a legend in the wasteland. A gun-toting merchant caravan offers protection for a price. A hidden tech cult guards the secrets of black powder. The mod encourages creative roleplaying without deviating too far from Kenshi’s harsh, mysterious tone.
Visual and Audio Design
Although Kenshi doesn’t support advanced graphical modding, Somewhat Immersive Guns does a decent job with visuals. The firearms are modeled to look crude, rusted, and hand-made, matching the existing art style. Sound effects are gritty and loud, adding weight to each shot fired. There’s a raw satisfaction in hearing a musket go off during a raid on a slaver camp.
Compatibility and Installation
Mod Load Order
This mod plays well with most popular Kenshi mods like Reactive World, Genesis, and Dark UI. However, it’s important to place it below overhaul mods in the load order to avoid conflicts. Some additional patches may be required if you’re using custom faction overhauls or new weapon packs.
Performance and Stability
Even though the mod adds new mechanics and assets, it’s surprisingly lightweight and doesn’t cause noticeable performance issues. Just be cautious of large battles involving many gun users, as the extra ptopic effects can cause a slight drop in frame rates on lower-end machines.
Kenshi Somewhat Immersive Guns is a thoughtful, well-balanced mod that enhances the gameplay without ruining what makes Kenshi unique. It introduces guns in a way that respects the game’s world-building and difficulty, adding strategic depth, lore-friendly content, and endless new ways to experience the wasteland. Whether you’re looking to arm your squad with rifles or simply add a bit more danger to your exploration, this mod is a solid addition to your next playthrough.