Getting Started at Modding - roxxploxx/RimWorldModGuide GitHub Wiki
Don't. Not before you do the following.
Step 1: Search for a Mod Already Doing What You Want
Seriously, there are so many mods, there is generally one, probably of high quality, doing what you want it to.
- Search Steam's Workshop. These have ready to go and managed by Steam mods. Click to use them.
- Check the RimWorld Mod Forum
- Use Google because it works.
Step 2: Read Other Info On Modding
- RimWorld Wiki - Modding
- RimWorld Wiki - Modding Tutorials
- RimWorld Forum - Modding Help
- Tynan's Readme.txt in your Rimworld directory (in RimWorldMac.app for Mac people)
Step 3: One Time Reads
- Jecrell's How to Make a Mod - A step-by-step guide to follow for a first-time modder.
- RimWorld Wiki - XML file structure and loading
- RimWorld Wiki - Testing
- A17 Modding Updates - by ZorbaTHut
Step 3: Useful Links, Reference Constantly
- Wiki - Folder Structure
- Ludeon Forum - Modding Help
- RimWorld XML Database - xml explained for XML modders