Game folders and files

v50.14 · v0.47.05 This article is about the current version of DF. Note that some content may still need to be updated. More Info · V

Default location depends on the game version, platform or operating system. It is possible that users will change the install drive or directory, thus these locations may vary.

Game folder

The game's installation folder is where all the game's content is stored. You might want to go to this folder for modding or screenshots, or to copy, modify or delete some saves.

• Dwarf Fortress Classic is distributed in a zip archive. Depending on the operating system the game folder is either df_##_##_win (with the version number, or the name chosen for the folder during extraction), df_osx or df_linux and will be located where you choose to extract it. Essentially its where you run the game from. For example: C:\Games\Dwarf Fortress\

• Steam: The default locations are listed below. You can also find it through the app by right-click Dwarf Fortress in the Steam library and choose Properties, then go to the Local files tab and click Browse local files.

• Windows x86: C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\Dwarf Fortress\
• Windows x86 (alt Windows 10): C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Dwarf Fortress\
• Windows x64: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\Dwarf Fortress\
• Linux (via proton): ~/.steam/debian-installation/steamapps/common/Dwarf Fortress

• Itch.io: The default location is %APPDATA%\itch\apps\Dwarf Fortress\^[Verify]

Note: On windows %APPDATA% is a hidden folder that points to C:\Users\(Username)\AppData. You can use winkey+R and type 'appdata' to quickly jump there.

Savegame folder

Further information: Saved game folder

The savegame folder contains the saved games, and backup saves from the game.

• Classic: The folder is located within Dwarf Fortress gamefolder (gamefolder)\saves\. Note: On a Windows system, if the game was installed in the 'Program Files' subdirectory, the folder is instead located at C:\Users\(Your username)\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files\Dwarf Fortress\save.
• Steam: C:\Users\(Your username)\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files\Dwarf Fortress\save. (If there's nothing here, check the "Classic" location above)
• Steam Deck: /home/deck/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/common/Dwarf Fortress/save
• Itch.io: ???

Mod folder

Further information: Modding

The mod folder is the game directory where mods are stored.

• Classic: (gamefolder)\mods\
• Steam: C:\Users\(Your username)\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files\Dwarf Fortress\Mods.

Other

Dwarf Fortress	: Installation folder
● data	:
● art	:
● init	:
● installed_mods	:
● sound	: Contains all audio and music files used in the game.
● vanilla	: Contains all the raw files
● mods	: Folder for manually installed mods.
● mod_upload	: Folder for uploading mods to steam.
● prefs	: Contains all game setting files
● save	: Contains all save game files.

V · T · E Files
Settings	colors.txt • init.txt • interface.txt
Gameplay settings	announcements.txt • d_init.txt
Log files	errorlog.txt • gamelog.txt
Other	arena.txt • embark_profiles.txt • world_gen.txt