Utility:DFHack

xTATTEREDx · +FINE+ · *SUPERIOR* · ≡EXCEPTIONAL≡ · ☼MASTERWORK☼

This utility page applies to multiple versions of DF.

DFHack is an extensive standardized memory access library, packaged alongside a suite of basic tools that use it. Currently tools come in the form of plugins, as well as Lua and Ruby scripts. For developers, DFHack is a comprehensive, standardized memory access package that unites the various ways tools access the Dwarf Fortress memory space, allowing for easier development of new tools. For users, it is a very useful utility complex that allows users to tweak their games in numerous ways in-game. This is probably one of the most useful and most-used utilities for the game, after Dwarf Therapist and the tilesets, and is included in recent versions of the Lazy Newb Pack on all platforms.

For an exhaustive list of and manual on the commands in the utility, see the GitHub documentation. This wiki also has a DFHack programming page.

If you are using DFHack, do not report bugs on the Dwarf Fortress bug tracker unless you can prove that the bug is not being caused by DFHack or one of its plugins.

Installation

If you use a recent edition of the Lazy Newb Pack, DFHack is already installed and configured; otherwise see the instructions on the Bay12 forum thread for separate installation. The project is currently hosted on GitHub; for source, binaries, and a detailed discussion of how the program works, see here. All new releases are announced in a thread on the Bay12 forums. DFHack works on Windows XP, Vista, 7, any modern Linux distribution, and OS X 10.6 and later. On Windows, you have to use the SDL version of DF. Currently, version 0.34.11 is supported (and tested). If you need DFHack for older versions, look for older releases.

DFHack is currently also being ported to Dwarf Fortress versions 0.28.181.40d and 0.23.130.23a - more information can be found here and here, respectively.

Common Uses

DFHack is often used to automate some aspects of the game, add features, fix bugs, or to make a specific one-off change.

Automation

See: workflow, autolabor, autobutcher, autochop, autonestbox, seedwatch, df-ai, dwarf manipulator.

One-off changes

Includes commands like "cleanowned scattered x" or "reveal".

Additional features

Steam engines, power meter, improved siege engines.

Stonesense

DFHack comes with Stonesense by default (except for unofficial r4 builds).

Isoworld

DFHack also has Isoworld integration.

Adventure mode

See: advfort, companion-order.

Scripts and Plugins

Originally a simple memory hacking tool, DFHack has grown to become a full-fledged unofficial extension of the game itself, adding in functionality where official development has lacked. One of the best features of DFHack is it's extensibility - anyone can create scripts or plugins. Due to its open-source and collaborative nature, anyone can add their own contribution to this tool. There are different kinds of contributions:

   Binpatches are raw memory edits that alter the game's behavior, which is usually deduced from disassembling. Their main use is bugfixing or the removal of cumbersome, easily alterable constraints. 
   Plugins are snippets of C++ code that uses DFHack's library to fix bugs or add functionality. They must be compiled before use and are thus platform and dfhack-version dependent. They can be found in the hack/plugins folder.
   Scripts are files written in a scripting language DFHack provides bindings for (usually Lua or Ruby) that when loaded by DFHack fix bugs or add functionality. Contrary to plugins, they are not compiled and can be transferred between any platform. However any change within the DFHack data structures (i.e. between versions) may break some of these scripts.

Some of the more notable are listed below; feel free to add to the list.

User Interface

The best-known are Falconne's UI Plugins, a collection which improves the in-game interface with features such as search functions in screens with big lists, the ability to place furniture before it's built and have it automatically allocated when available, box-select constructions(like laying designations) - including easier material selection and open space placement, easier pasturing, live happiness monitor, mouse support, and an enhanced stocks screen. The plugins make existing tasks significantly easier, and also add new functions to the game which greatly enhance the experience - such as the autochop log quotas, or the ability (with buildingplanner) to lay out rooms with Quickfort before creating the required furniture.

There is also a GUI for the Autobutcher plugin.

Bugfixing

Many bugfixes are included with DFHack, but not enabled by default - check dfhack.init to see if the "tweak *" and "fix/*" lines are commented out. The Starter Packs enable all bugfixes by default.

Features

These plugins and scripts add features to the game that enhance the user's gameplay.

Digging invaders, a plugin that allows hostiles to dig and deconstruct walls to path to one's fortress.
Rendermax, a plugin that implements a lighting system at the graphics level.
Dwarven Emigration, a plugin that allows unhappy dwarves to emigrate with their families.

Modding tools

These plugins and scripts add features to the game that enhance modding possibilities.

Cheating

These plugins and scripts allow cheating to various degrees. Some are covered more in-depth than the Readme on this wiki:

createitem: Creates arbitrary items made of any material at the feet of a unit