head to head
vs
Don't StarvevsRimWorld
Don't Starve leans Variance (Systems & Chaos); RimWorld leans Optimization (Systems & Chaos).
Don't StarveRimWorld
Axis by axis
Execution2 vs 1
Don't Starve leans harder on execution: Kiting combat is simple but timing matters marginally
Reads0 vs 1
RimWorld leans harder on reads: Storyteller AI is randomised, not adaptive to you.
Variance7 vs 7
Even - both lean on variance about the same.
Optimization7 vs 9
RimWorld leans harder on optimization: Colony layout, work priorities, and defenses solvable.
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.