The default population cap is 6 settlers and the only way to grow past it is to raise your Clan rank. Clan rank is gated behind contribution points from completing expeditions, finishing resolutions, and keeping the camp fed. Before clicking Hire, confirm the settlement can feed, house, equip and assign the new settler.
On this page
Step 1 — Inspect candidates before hiring
All new settlers come through the Settlement Recruit panel. Inspect each candidate by race, attributes, Background, Individual trait and skills before hiring. The candidate's Background (the Major Trait) decides which skill trees they can learn — see Classes and Skills. The candidate's race decides their baseline stat and skill modifiers — see Races. Hiring the wrong candidate is more expensive than waiting a day for a better one.
Step 2 — Earn Clan rank through contribution
Clan rank is the only mechanism that lifts the population cap above 6. Population cap increases from Clan rank 2 onward; higher ranks also improve candidate quality. Contribution points come from completing expeditions, finishing resolutions, and keeping the camp fed. The current Early Access build caps Clan rank at a low rank, so the practical ceiling on population sits just above 6 until a future patch raises the cap.
Step 3 — Clear the hiring blockers first
Recruitment can be blocked by housing (every new settler needs a Basic Bed in an enclosed room), gold (hire cost scales with candidate quality), food (aim for a 200+ calorie daily surplus; no recruitment before Day 10), or an active quest step or interface state. Before clicking Hire, confirm the settlement can feed, house, equip and assign the new unit.