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Difference between revisions of "User:Ral/Fortress mode"
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Fortress mode is significantly different from {{L|Adventurer mode}} which is more like an advanced version of 'rogue' or 'nethack' taking place in the same worlds in which fortresses are built. In adventure mode you control a single adventurer (character) who travels around, takes on quests, fights, dies, visits your abandoned forts, etc, in a turn-based (rather than real-time) manner. See {{L|Adventurer mode}} for more information on this mode of play. | Fortress mode is significantly different from {{L|Adventurer mode}} which is more like an advanced version of 'rogue' or 'nethack' taking place in the same worlds in which fortresses are built. In adventure mode you control a single adventurer (character) who travels around, takes on quests, fights, dies, visits your abandoned forts, etc, in a turn-based (rather than real-time) manner. See {{L|Adventurer mode}} for more information on this mode of play. | ||
| − | |||
= Goals = | = Goals = | ||
| Line 15: | Line 14: | ||
Of course, every dwarf loves precious {{L|metal}}s, but the only way to find them is {{L|dig}} down, down, far down. Make sure you don't dig too greedily, or too deep, for many creatures dwell in the {{L|caverns}} below and not all are friendly to dwarves.... | Of course, every dwarf loves precious {{L|metal}}s, but the only way to find them is {{L|dig}} down, down, far down. Make sure you don't dig too greedily, or too deep, for many creatures dwell in the {{L|caverns}} below and not all are friendly to dwarves.... | ||
| − | And don't forget the alcohol. Dwarves get ''very'' unhappy without a good stiff drink when the urge hits. | + | And don't forget the alcohol. Dwarves get '''very''' unhappy without a good stiff drink when the urge hits. |
| − | |||
= The World = | = The World = | ||
| Line 27: | Line 25: | ||
The main features of a world are {{L|Biome}}s on the surface and {{L|Stone layers}} under the surface, some of which may contain {{L|Aquifer}}s. Other surface features that are significant, but which aren't biomes strictly speaking, are {{L|River}}s, {{L|Volcano}}es, and {{L|Cave}}s. | The main features of a world are {{L|Biome}}s on the surface and {{L|Stone layers}} under the surface, some of which may contain {{L|Aquifer}}s. Other surface features that are significant, but which aren't biomes strictly speaking, are {{L|River}}s, {{L|Volcano}}es, and {{L|Cave}}s. | ||
| − | There are also {{L|Cavern}}s underground which your dwarves will most likely encounter, but you can't see these on the world map. There may also be other fun things underground that you can't see. | + | There are also {{L|Cavern}}s underground which your dwarves will most likely encounter, but you can't see these on the world map and won't see them on the local map until you dig into them. There may also be other fun things underground that you can't see. |
== Inhabitants == | == Inhabitants == | ||
| − | Every playable world will be inhabited by various {{L|Creature}}s, {{L|Civilization}}s, and {{L|Megabeast}}s (including {{L|Titan}}s and {{L|Forgotten beast}}s | + | Every playable world will be inhabited by various {{L|Creature}}s, {{L|Civilization}}s, and {{L|Megabeast}}s (including {{L|Titan}}s and {{L|Forgotten beast}}s) in addition to your dwarves. Even if your dwarves are minding their own business they are practically guaranteed to encounter all of these types of inhabitants at some point in the form of wildlife, invaders, or rampaging forces of nature. |
== History == | == History == | ||
| − | Given that your world includes creatures and civilizations | + | Given that your world includes creatures and civilizations capable of independent action, it also has a '''History''' that is viewable in {{L|Legends}} mode. Historical events will show up in {{L|Engravings}} and other artwork created by your dwarves. Historical '''dates''' are expressed in terms of the Dwarven {{L|Calendar}}. |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| + | You will also be making history as events occur in your fortress and these events will be recorded for all time in the annals of your world, even if you'd rather that they not be. These events may later become the subject of various {{L|Engraving}}s and {{L|Decoration}}s created by your dwarves or those in a later fortress. | ||
= Embarking = | = Embarking = | ||
| Line 43: | Line 40: | ||
Before starting to build a fortress you must pick a site, assign skill points to dwarves, and buy starting equipment. This is known as '''Embarking''' and is a major subject in and of itself. See the {{L|Embark}} guide for all of the details. Also see {{L|Starting build}} for more information on outfitting your expedition. | Before starting to build a fortress you must pick a site, assign skill points to dwarves, and buy starting equipment. This is known as '''Embarking''' and is a major subject in and of itself. See the {{L|Embark}} guide for all of the details. Also see {{L|Starting build}} for more information on outfitting your expedition. | ||
| − | After you embark, gameplay begins. | + | After you embark, the main gameplay begins. |
| − | |||
= Gameplay User Interface = | = Gameplay User Interface = | ||
| − | Your view of the in game world is that of a multi-layered environment which you can move in the four main cardinal directions as well as up and down in elevation. The generated worlds are made of tiles or pixels each representing anything in the world. Dwarves are represented by little faces, rocks by black tiles and open space by blue tiles. There is a command menu that lets you set commands that your dutiful dwarves will attempt to follow. | + | Your view of the in-game world is that of a multi-layered environment which you can move in the four main cardinal directions as well as up and down {{L|Z-levels}} in elevation. The generated worlds are made of tiles or pixels each representing anything in the world. Dwarves are represented by little faces, rocks by black tiles and open space by blue tiles. There is a command menu that lets you set commands that your dutiful dwarves will attempt to follow. |
| − | This section covers | + | This section covers most of the screens and user interface elements used after embarking, at least in brief. It does not necessarily tell you how to accomplish every task you might need to, but instead just describes what you see on the screen and what various keystrokes do. |
Later sections in this document and ''many'' other articles on this wiki help you tie all of this together by describing the sequence of actions needed to accomplish various things in the game; this section is mostly a reference for those who see something on the screen and want to know what it is, or are wondering where the controls for particular functions are. | Later sections in this document and ''many'' other articles on this wiki help you tie all of this together by describing the sequence of actions needed to accomplish various things in the game; this section is mostly a reference for those who see something on the screen and want to know what it is, or are wondering where the controls for particular functions are. | ||
| Line 57: | Line 53: | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
| − | |||
|- | |- | ||
| [[Image:Mouse-wheeldown.png|20px|Scroll mouse wheel down.]][[Image:Mouse-wheelup.png|20px|Scroll mouse wheel up.]] or {{K|[}} {{K|]}} | | [[Image:Mouse-wheeldown.png|20px|Scroll mouse wheel down.]][[Image:Mouse-wheelup.png|20px|Scroll mouse wheel up.]] or {{K|[}} {{K|]}} | ||
| Line 64: | Line 59: | ||
| {{k|Tab}} | | {{k|Tab}} | ||
| Toogle mini-map and command menu. | | Toogle mini-map and command menu. | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
|- | |- | ||
| {{k|F11}} | | {{k|F11}} | ||
| Line 81: | Line 70: | ||
=== Options Menu === | === Options Menu === | ||
| + | {| class="wikitable" | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{K|Esc}} | ||
| + | | Enter options menu (if at top level) | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{K|Esc}} | ||
| + | | Move back up one UI level (if not at top level) | ||
| + | |} | ||
Assuming you are at the top level of the user interface looking at the map, you can hit {{K|Esc}} to enter the options menu. This allows you to do things like save or abandon your game. | Assuming you are at the top level of the user interface looking at the map, you can hit {{K|Esc}} to enter the options menu. This allows you to do things like save or abandon your game. | ||
| Line 92: | Line 89: | ||
=== Pausing and Resuming === | === Pausing and Resuming === | ||
| − | + | {| class="wikitable" | |
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{K|Space}} | ||
| + | | Pause/Unpause the game | ||
| + | |} | ||
| − | + | Most of the commands, except for the {{K|s}}quads command, will automatically pause the game when you initiate them, but if you want to pause or unpause the game without initiating a command use {{K|Space}}. You will see {{DFtext|*PAUSED*|3:3:1}} appear in the upper left corner of the window when the game is paused. | |
| − | |||
| − | When selecting text from menus you will often need to use the alternate selection keys ({{K|-}} and {{K|+}}) in addition to the directional keys in order to make specific menu selections. Generally speaking, when dealing with menus, if the directional keys don't work try | + | === Cursor Movement and Menu Selection === |
| + | {| class="wikitable" | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{k|8}} {{k|2}} {{k|4}} {{k|6}} {{k|7}} {{k|9}} {{k|1}} {{k|3}} (keypad) | ||
| + | | Move cursor 1 tile | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{k|↑}} {{k|↓}} {{k|←}} {{k|→}} | ||
| + | | Move cursor 1 tile | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{k|shift}} + direction key | ||
| + | | Move cursor 10 tiles | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{K|-}} {{K|+}} | ||
| + | | Alternate menu selection keys | ||
| + | |} | ||
| + | |||
| + | After entering a command that involves the map cursor ({{Raw Tile|X|6:0:1}}), you can use {{k|↑}} {{k|↓}} {{k|←}} {{k|→}} as well as the numeric keypad keys to move the cursor around horizontally and diagonally. If you hold {{k|Shift}} while pressing one of these, the cursor will move 10 tiles instead of one making it faster to move. | ||
| + | |||
| + | When selecting text from menus you will often need to use the alternate selection keys ({{K|-}} and {{K|+}}) in addition to the directional keys in order to make specific menu selections. Generally speaking, when dealing with menus, if the directional keys don't work try {{K|-}}/{{K|+}}. This is usually the case when you need to select from a list but the directional keys are being used to control the map cursor. | ||
=== Main Map === | === Main Map === | ||
| Line 105: | Line 123: | ||
|- | |- | ||
| {{k|↑}} {{k|↓}} {{k|←}} {{k|→}} ( + {{k|shift}}) | | {{k|↑}} {{k|↓}} {{k|←}} {{k|→}} ( + {{k|shift}}) | ||
| + | | Move map view around | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{k|8}} {{k|2}} {{k|4}} {{k|6}} {{k|7}} {{k|9}} {{k|1}} {{k|3}} (keypad) | ||
| Move map view around | | Move map view around | ||
|- | |- | ||
| {{k|<}} {{k|>}} | | {{k|<}} {{k|>}} | ||
| − | | Move one | + | | Move one {{L|Z-level}} up or down. |
|- | |- | ||
| {{k|F1}} | | {{k|F1}} | ||
| − | | Zoom to starting location (default | + | | Zoom to starting location (default [[#Hotkeys|hotkey]]) |
|} | |} | ||
The main map is what you will be looking at the majority of the time. This is where all of the action happens. | The main map is what you will be looking at the majority of the time. This is where all of the action happens. | ||
| Line 118: | Line 139: | ||
==== Examining Map Tiles ==== | ==== Examining Map Tiles ==== | ||
| − | |||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
| − | |||
|- | |- | ||
| {{k|k}} | | {{k|k}} | ||
| Line 130: | Line 149: | ||
| {{K|t}} | | {{K|t}} | ||
| Items in buildings | | Items in buildings | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
|} | |} | ||
| − | Like most people you will often find yourself wondering what some symbol on the map represents, and there may also be more than one object on a tile. This is what makes the '''Loo{{K|k}} Around''' and '''{{K|v}}iew Units''' commands so important. | + | Like most people you will often find yourself wondering what some symbol on the map represents, and there may also be more than one object on a tile making it impossible to see all objects on the map. This is what makes the '''Loo{{K|k}} Around''' and '''{{K|v}}iew Units''' commands so important. |
| − | ===== Look ===== | + | ===== Look Around ===== |
Hit {{K|k}} and use the directional keys to move the cursor onto the tile you want information about. The command window will display information about what the tile is along with what objects are present on that tile and whether the tile is Inside or Outside, Dark or Light, and Above Ground or Subterranean (See {{L|Tile attributes}}.) | Hit {{K|k}} and use the directional keys to move the cursor onto the tile you want information about. The command window will display information about what the tile is along with what objects are present on that tile and whether the tile is Inside or Outside, Dark or Light, and Above Ground or Subterranean (See {{L|Tile attributes}}.) | ||
| Line 148: | Line 164: | ||
Items in a building, such as a workshop, are considered to be "in the building" rather than on a specific tile. To view items inside a building, use View I{{K|t}}ems In Buildings. Move the cursor onto a building and a list of items will appear in the command window. You can use {{K|-}} {{K|+}} to scroll through this list and view, forbid, dump, melt, or hide each item if you want. | Items in a building, such as a workshop, are considered to be "in the building" rather than on a specific tile. To view items inside a building, use View I{{K|t}}ems In Buildings. Move the cursor onto a building and a list of items will appear in the command window. You can use {{K|-}} {{K|+}} to scroll through this list and view, forbid, dump, melt, or hide each item if you want. | ||
| − | ==== | + | ==== Hotkeys ==== |
| + | {| class="wikitable" | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{K|h}} | ||
| + | | Define hotkeys | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{k|F1}} - {{k|F8}} | ||
| + | | Zoom to previously saved map location | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{K|Shift}} + {{k|F1}} - {{k|F8}} | ||
| + | | Zoom to previously saved map location | ||
| + | |} | ||
:''Main article: {{L|Hotkeys}}'' | :''Main article: {{L|Hotkeys}}'' | ||
| + | |||
Once you have a lot of activities going on in vastly separated areas of the map, you may find it rather cumbersome to move the map view around to all of these areas using only the directional keys. {{L|Hotkeys}} will make your life much easier by "bookmarking" specific map areas allowing you to instantly jump to those areas at the press of a button. See the full documentation on {{L|Hotkeys}} for more details. | Once you have a lot of activities going on in vastly separated areas of the map, you may find it rather cumbersome to move the map view around to all of these areas using only the directional keys. {{L|Hotkeys}} will make your life much easier by "bookmarking" specific map areas allowing you to instantly jump to those areas at the press of a button. See the full documentation on {{L|Hotkeys}} for more details. | ||
==== Points/Routes/Notes ==== | ==== Points/Routes/Notes ==== | ||
| + | {| class="wikitable" | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{K|N}} | ||
| + | | Define Points/Routes/Notes | ||
| + | |} | ||
:''Main article: {{L|Note}}'' | :''Main article: {{L|Note}}'' | ||
| + | |||
The Points/Routes/{{K|N}}otes command allows you to set notes on individual tiles, set up waypoints, and set up patrol routes for your {{L|Squads}}. This is an advanced feature that you're not likely to use at first. See the full documentation on {{L|Notes}} for more information. | The Points/Routes/{{K|N}}otes command allows you to set notes on individual tiles, set up waypoints, and set up patrol routes for your {{L|Squads}}. This is an advanced feature that you're not likely to use at first. See the full documentation on {{L|Notes}} for more information. | ||
=== Overview Map === | === Overview Map === | ||
| − | The overview mini-map will show you a | + | The overview mini-map will show you a compact version of the entire available map area. This can be useful especially if your embark zone is very large. After a while though, you will probably have settled into certain areas of the map and won't need it as much, so use {{K|Tab}} to hide it once you want to reclaim more space for the main map. |
| + | |||
| + | A cursor that looks like {{Raw Tile|X|6:0:1}} on the overview map will show you approximately what part of the map you are viewing in the main map window. Inhabited parts of the map will be highlighted in blue. | ||
=== Command Window === | === Command Window === | ||
| Line 164: | Line 200: | ||
=== Indicators === | === Indicators === | ||
| − | In the upper left corner of the screen you may see some flags indicating that new combat-related {{L|Reports}} have been generated. The indicators are: | + | In the upper left corner of the screen you may see some '''report flags''' indicating that new combat-related {{L|Reports}} have been generated. The indicators are: |
| − | :{{Tile|C|4:7:1}}: | + | :{{Tile|C|4:7:1}}: new {{l|combat}} report available |
| − | :{{Tile|H|2:7:1}}: | + | :{{Tile|H|2:7:1}}: new {{l|Ambusher#Hunting|hunting}} report available |
| − | :{{Tile|S|3:7:1}}: | + | :{{Tile|S|3:7:1}}: new {{l|sparring}} report available |
There is also an '''Idle counter''', usually in the upper right, indicating how many dwarves are milling around uselessly in need of something more productive to do. | There is also an '''Idle counter''', usually in the upper right, indicating how many dwarves are milling around uselessly in need of something more productive to do. | ||
| − | On the far right side of the screen is | + | On the far right side of the screen is the '''depth bar''' showing you the approximate depth, below or above ground, of the current {{L|Z-level}} that the map is displaying. This indicator is relative to the surface, so it will change if you move the map around a bumpy surface where different parts of the surface are on different Z-levels even if you don't use {{K|<}} or {{K|>}}. |
| − | You may also see an {{ | + | You may also see an '''{{L|FPS}} (Frames Per Second) counter''' on the screen if it has been enabled. It is disabled by default. See {{L|Frames per second}} for more information on what this counter means, as well as how to enable/disable it. |
== Status Screen == | == Status Screen == | ||
| + | {| class="wikitable" | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{K|z}} | ||
| + | | Display Status screen | ||
| + | |} | ||
:''Main article: {{L|Status}}'' | :''Main article: {{L|Status}}'' | ||
| Line 185: | Line 226: | ||
* {{L|Stone}} - alter permissions on various types of stones that may be reserved for specific uses by default. | * {{L|Stone}} - alter permissions on various types of stones that may be reserved for specific uses by default. | ||
* {{L|Stocks}} - examine the number of various items that your fortress and its residents possess. | * {{L|Stocks}} - examine the number of various items that your fortress and its residents possess. | ||
| − | * {{L|Health screen|Health}} - get an overview of the current health | + | * {{L|Health screen|Health}} - get an overview of the current health status of your dwarves. See {{L|Healthcare}}. |
| − | * {{L|Justice}} - examine any criminal dwarves as well as their | + | * {{L|Justice}} - examine any criminal dwarves as well as their crimes and sentences. |
== Job Screen == | == Job Screen == | ||
| − | {{L|Manager#The_manager_screen}} | + | {| class="wikitable" |
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{K|j}} | ||
| + | | Display Job screen | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{K|j}}-{{K|m}} | ||
| + | | Display Work Orders screen | ||
| + | |} | ||
| + | The job screen will give you a list of what your dwarves are doing, what sort of jobs are queued up but haven't been started yet, and which dwarves are sitting around doing nothing, partying, or otherwise wasting time. | ||
| + | |||
| + | More importantly though, the job screen is how you access {{L|Manager#The_manager_screen|the Work Orders screen}}. While not strictly required, learning to use the work orders interface is highly recommended as it can save you a tremendous amount of time and trouble. To use this you will need a {{L|Manager}} "Noble" who has been assigned an {{L|Office}}. See {{L|Manager}} for more details on how to use this interface. | ||
== Announcements == | == Announcements == | ||
| + | {| class="wikitable" | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{K|a}} | ||
| + | | Display Announcements screen | ||
| + | |} | ||
:''Main article: {{L|Announcement}}'' | :''Main article: {{L|Announcement}}'' | ||
| Line 197: | Line 253: | ||
== Combat Reports == | == Combat Reports == | ||
| + | {| class="wikitable" | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{K|r}} | ||
| + | | Display (combat) Reports screen | ||
| + | |} | ||
:''Main article: {{L|Reports}}'' | :''Main article: {{L|Reports}}'' | ||
| − | The {{k|r}}eports window is similar to the {{K|a}}nnouncements window except that it displays detailed messages about what is going on during {{ | + | The {{k|r}}eports window is similar to the {{K|a}}nnouncements window except that it displays detailed messages about what is going on during {{L|Combat}} either with your dwarves or between other creatures. This is where all of the fun messages about "jamming the skull through the brain, tearing the brain" appear. See {{L|Reports}} for more information. |
| − | == Military == | + | == Military Configuration == |
| + | {| class="wikitable" | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{K|m}} | ||
| + | | Display Military screen | ||
| + | |} | ||
:''Main article: {{L|Military}}'' | :''Main article: {{L|Military}}'' | ||
| + | The {{L|Military}} screen is by itself almost as complex as the rest of the game put together. The main functions of this interface is creating {{L|Squad}}s, setting up their equipment, and scheduling their activities. This document won't even attempt to get into how this all works. See {{L|Military}} for how to set up your military. | ||
| − | + | == Command Squads == | |
| − | + | {| class="wikitable" | |
| − | {{L|Squads#Direct_Commands}} | + | |- |
| + | | {{K|m}} | ||
| + | | Display Squads menu | ||
| + | |} | ||
| + | Once you have created {{L|Squad}}s in the military screen, you can give them {{L|Squads#Direct_Commands|direct commands}} to move to certain locations and attack certain creatures. See {{L|Squad}} for more details. | ||
== View Rooms/Buildings == | == View Rooms/Buildings == | ||
| − | {{L|Room}} | + | {| class="wikitable" |
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{K|R}} | ||
| + | | View list of {{L|Room}}s and {{L|Building}}s | ||
| + | |} | ||
| + | This will give you a detailed inventory of all of the {{L|Room}}s and {{L|Building}}s on your map, along with their location on an overview map at the right. The inventory includes an adjective for each defined room indicating the approximate value and luxuriousness of the room. Other items such as furniture which have not actually been defined as rooms will also appear. | ||
== Nobles and Administrators == | == Nobles and Administrators == | ||
| − | {{L|Nobles}} | + | {| class="wikitable" |
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{K|N}} | ||
| + | | View {{L|Nobles}} screen | ||
| + | |} | ||
| + | This screen allows you to manage your {{L|Nobles}}, as much as they can be managed anyway. "Noble" refers to certain positions you can appoint yourself such as manager and bookkeeper as well as positions that are forced on you such as mayor. | ||
| + | |||
| + | If you can appoint someone to a given position you can use this screen to do it. You can also change the account precision {{K|s}}ettings on your bookkeeper. Whether appointed or foisted upon you, you can also use this screen to view information about any of your nobles as well as their annoying demands. | ||
== Civilizations == | == Civilizations == | ||
| − | {{L|Civilization}} | + | {| class="wikitable" |
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{K|c}} | ||
| + | | View nearby civilizations | ||
| + | |} | ||
| + | This screen allows you to view information about {{L|Civilization}}s that are either near your fortress or that you have come into contact with in some manner, be it peaceful or not. You can use directional keys, {{K|Enter}}, {{K|Tab}}, and {{K|Esc}} to navigate through the information, including viewing diplomatic relations and trade agreements you have negotiated with your {{L|Liaison}}. | ||
== Artifacts == | == Artifacts == | ||
| − | {{L|Legendary artifact}} | + | {| class="wikitable" |
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{K|l}} | ||
| + | | View Legendary Artifacts screen | ||
| + | |} | ||
| + | At various points your dwarves will go into {{L|Strange mood}}s which will cause them to create {{L|Legendary artifact}}s if they have the necessary materials. You can use this screen to view all of the artifacts that dwarves have created, as well as {{L|Weapon#Weapon-Dwarf_Relationships|named weapons}} that aren't artifacts per se. | ||
== Movies == | == Movies == | ||
| − | {{L| | + | {| class="wikitable" |
| + | |- | ||
| + | | {{K|;}} | ||
| + | | Record/save/load/play CMV movie | ||
| + | |} | ||
| + | You can use this to record what's happening on the screen. See {{L|CMV}} for more information. | ||
Revision as of 05:23, 21 April 2011
Fortress mode is the most popular mode of gameplay in Dwarf Fortress and what most people are thinking of when they talk about the game. It provides a sort of real-time strategy sandbox where your simulated dwarves dig out and build a settlement for themselves, mine ore, craft items, trade with caravans, produce food, eat, sleep, drink massive amounts of alcohol, socialize, throw tantrums, get married, have children, and occasionally fight off invaders using a combination of military units, fortifications, and devious traps. Rather than control individual dwarves, you design everything and your dwarves go about implementing your designs on their own.
In fortress mode, you pick a Template:L, then assign your seven initial Template:L some starting Template:L, equipment, provisions, and Template:L to bring along. After preparations are complete and your hardy explorers Template:L, they'll be faced with the fortress site you picked down to every detail, from geologically appropriate stone types to roaring waterfalls to ornery hippopotami.
Fortress mode is significantly different from Template:L which is more like an advanced version of 'rogue' or 'nethack' taking place in the same worlds in which fortresses are built. In adventure mode you control a single adventurer (character) who travels around, takes on quests, fights, dies, visits your abandoned forts, etc, in a turn-based (rather than real-time) manner. See Template:L for more information on this mode of play.
Goals
As an alpha version and sandbox game, there are few goals imposed upon the player by the programming.
The main goal, if any, is to take your seven initial dwarves and expand them into a thriving community with skilled workers, Template:L and Template:L. Make your dwarves Template:L with fine Template:L, valuable Template:L, precious Template:Ls and protect them from Template:L with deadly Template:Ls. Make sure they have plenty of Template:L and Template:L, by way of Template:L above and below ground and keep them Template:L in Template:L and Template:L.
Of course, every dwarf loves precious Template:Ls, but the only way to find them is Template:L down, down, far down. Make sure you don't dig too greedily, or too deep, for many creatures dwell in the Template:L below and not all are friendly to dwarves....
And don't forget the alcohol. Dwarves get very unhappy without a good stiff drink when the urge hits.
The World
To play dwarf fortress in fortress mode you must generate a world that includes a dwarven civilization. See Template:L for detailed instructions on generating a world. Once at least one world has been generated you will be able to start the game.
Non-dwarven civilizations can be played in fortress mode if you modify the raws to add the [CIV_CONTROLLABLE] token to other entity definitions. This is not recommended for new players. See the Template:L for information on how to do this.
Geographic Features
The main features of a world are Template:Ls on the surface and Template:L under the surface, some of which may contain Template:Ls. Other surface features that are significant, but which aren't biomes strictly speaking, are Template:Ls, Template:Les, and Template:Ls.
There are also Template:Ls underground which your dwarves will most likely encounter, but you can't see these on the world map and won't see them on the local map until you dig into them. There may also be other fun things underground that you can't see.
Inhabitants
Every playable world will be inhabited by various Template:Ls, Template:Ls, and Template:Ls (including Template:Ls and Template:Ls) in addition to your dwarves. Even if your dwarves are minding their own business they are practically guaranteed to encounter all of these types of inhabitants at some point in the form of wildlife, invaders, or rampaging forces of nature.
History
Given that your world includes creatures and civilizations capable of independent action, it also has a History that is viewable in Template:L mode. Historical events will show up in Template:L and other artwork created by your dwarves. Historical dates are expressed in terms of the Dwarven Template:L.
You will also be making history as events occur in your fortress and these events will be recorded for all time in the annals of your world, even if you'd rather that they not be. These events may later become the subject of various Template:Ls and Template:Ls created by your dwarves or those in a later fortress.
Embarking
- Main article: Template:L
Before starting to build a fortress you must pick a site, assign skill points to dwarves, and buy starting equipment. This is known as Embarking and is a major subject in and of itself. See the Template:L guide for all of the details. Also see Template:L for more information on outfitting your expedition.
After you embark, the main gameplay begins.
Gameplay User Interface
Your view of the in-game world is that of a multi-layered environment which you can move in the four main cardinal directions as well as up and down Template:L in elevation. The generated worlds are made of tiles or pixels each representing anything in the world. Dwarves are represented by little faces, rocks by black tiles and open space by blue tiles. There is a command menu that lets you set commands that your dutiful dwarves will attempt to follow.
This section covers most of the screens and user interface elements used after embarking, at least in brief. It does not necessarily tell you how to accomplish every task you might need to, but instead just describes what you see on the screen and what various keystrokes do.
Later sections in this document and many other articles on this wiki help you tie all of this together by describing the sequence of actions needed to accomplish various things in the game; this section is mostly a reference for those who see something on the screen and want to know what it is, or are wondering where the controls for particular functions are.
Main Screen
  or [ ]
|
Zoom in and out |
| Tab | Toogle mini-map and command menu. |
| F11 | Toggle fullscreen mode |
| F1 | Zoom to starting location (default Hotkey) |
The screen at the top level of the user interface hierarchy consists of the main map, a command menu, and an overview mini-map area along with a few indicators around the edge. While the main map is always visible, you can use the Tab key to show and hide the menu and overview map areas, giving you more space to view the main map if desired.
Options Menu
| Esc | Enter options menu (if at top level) |
| Esc | Move back up one UI level (if not at top level) |
Assuming you are at the top level of the user interface looking at the map, you can hit Esc to enter the options menu. This allows you to do things like save or abandon your game.
- Return to Game - Exit the options menu. This is the same as pressing Esc.
- Save Game - Saves the game and exits to the main menu screen.
- Key Bindings - A UI for changing the Template:L
- Export Local Image - Use this to export each level of your map as .BMP files for use on such things as the Dwarf Fortress Map Archive
- Music and Sound - Options related to the Template:L
- Abandon the Fortress (or Succumb to Invasion) - This Template:Ls the fortress and then saves the map to the world's data files for later use. Once you abandon a fort, all of your dwarves cease to exist, all of your livestock dies, and all items including corpses will be scattered around the map before it is saved.
Pausing and Resuming
| Space | Pause/Unpause the game |
Most of the commands, except for the squads command, will automatically pause the game when you initiate them, but if you want to pause or unpause the game without initiating a command use Space. You will see *PAUSED* appear in the upper left corner of the window when the game is paused.
Cursor Movement and Menu Selection
| 8 2 4 6 7 9 1 3 (keypad) | Move cursor 1 tile |
| ↑ ↓ ← → | Move cursor 1 tile |
| shift + direction key | Move cursor 10 tiles |
| - + | Alternate menu selection keys |
After entering a command that involves the map cursor (X), you can use ↑ ↓ ← → as well as the numeric keypad keys to move the cursor around horizontally and diagonally. If you hold Shift while pressing one of these, the cursor will move 10 tiles instead of one making it faster to move.
When selecting text from menus you will often need to use the alternate selection keys (- and +) in addition to the directional keys in order to make specific menu selections. Generally speaking, when dealing with menus, if the directional keys don't work try -/+. This is usually the case when you need to select from a list but the directional keys are being used to control the map cursor.
Main Map
| ↑ ↓ ← → ( + shift) | Move map view around |
| 8 2 4 6 7 9 1 3 (keypad) | Move map view around |
| < > | Move one Template:L up or down. |
| F1 | Zoom to starting location (default hotkey) |
The main map is what you will be looking at the majority of the time. This is where all of the action happens.
While the map is three-dimensional, you can only view one Template:L at a time. You can change which Z-Level is currently displayed using < and >.
Examining Map Tiles
| k | Look around |
| v | View units |
| t | Items in buildings |
Like most people you will often find yourself wondering what some symbol on the map represents, and there may also be more than one object on a tile making it impossible to see all objects on the map. This is what makes the Look Around and view Units commands so important.
Look Around
Hit k and use the directional keys to move the cursor onto the tile you want information about. The command window will display information about what the tile is along with what objects are present on that tile and whether the tile is Inside or Outside, Dark or Light, and Above Ground or Subterranean (See Template:L.)
You can also use - + to select a specific item from the list and Enter to get a more detailed description of the item. However if the item is a creature then the information you get from this will be limited. For creatures you will probably want to use view Units.
View Units
To get information on a creature beyond what the look command gives you, use the view units command. This works the same way as loo{{|k}} around except that more information will be displayed especially if the creature you select is one of your dwarves.
Items in Buildings
Items in a building, such as a workshop, are considered to be "in the building" rather than on a specific tile. To view items inside a building, use View Items In Buildings. Move the cursor onto a building and a list of items will appear in the command window. You can use - + to scroll through this list and view, forbid, dump, melt, or hide each item if you want.
Hotkeys
| h | Define hotkeys |
| F1 - F8 | Zoom to previously saved map location |
| Shift + F1 - F8 | Zoom to previously saved map location |
- Main article: Template:L
Once you have a lot of activities going on in vastly separated areas of the map, you may find it rather cumbersome to move the map view around to all of these areas using only the directional keys. Template:L will make your life much easier by "bookmarking" specific map areas allowing you to instantly jump to those areas at the press of a button. See the full documentation on Template:L for more details.
Points/Routes/Notes
| N | Define Points/Routes/Notes |
- Main article: Template:L
The Points/Routes/Notes command allows you to set notes on individual tiles, set up waypoints, and set up patrol routes for your Template:L. This is an advanced feature that you're not likely to use at first. See the full documentation on Template:L for more information.
Overview Map
The overview mini-map will show you a compact version of the entire available map area. This can be useful especially if your embark zone is very large. After a while though, you will probably have settled into certain areas of the map and won't need it as much, so use Tab to hide it once you want to reclaim more space for the main map.
A cursor that looks like X on the overview map will show you approximately what part of the map you are viewing in the main map window. Inhabited parts of the map will be highlighted in blue.
Command Window
This is where key menus and most of the textual information about tiles and buildings is displayed. You can toggle it between single width, double width, and hidden using Tab. The double-width option is particularly useful when lines of text are too long to fit. Once you become very familiar with the UI you may want to hide it completely; it will reappear as needed when you activate a command.
Indicators
In the upper left corner of the screen you may see some report flags indicating that new combat-related Template:L have been generated. The indicators are:
C: new Template:L report availableH: new Template:L report availableS: new Template:L report available
There is also an Idle counter, usually in the upper right, indicating how many dwarves are milling around uselessly in need of something more productive to do.
On the far right side of the screen is the depth bar showing you the approximate depth, below or above ground, of the current Template:L that the map is displaying. This indicator is relative to the surface, so it will change if you move the map around a bumpy surface where different parts of the surface are on different Z-levels even if you don't use < or >.
You may also see an Template:L (Frames Per Second) counter on the screen if it has been enabled. It is disabled by default. See Template:L for more information on what this counter means, as well as how to enable/disable it.
Status Screen
| z | Display Status screen |
- Main article: Template:L
Use the z (Template:L) screen to get information on various things going on in your fortress. Along the top of the status screen, are various choices for sub-menus. Each can be highlighted with 4 and 6 (or ← and →), and then selected with Enter. The menu bar consists of the following options which allow you to:
- Template:L - manipulate animals belonging to your dwarves.
- Template:L - set cooking preferences.
- Template:L - alter permissions on various types of stones that may be reserved for specific uses by default.
- Template:L - examine the number of various items that your fortress and its residents possess.
- Template:L - get an overview of the current health status of your dwarves. See Template:L.
- Template:L - examine any criminal dwarves as well as their crimes and sentences.
Job Screen
| j | Display Job screen |
| j-m | Display Work Orders screen |
The job screen will give you a list of what your dwarves are doing, what sort of jobs are queued up but haven't been started yet, and which dwarves are sitting around doing nothing, partying, or otherwise wasting time.
More importantly though, the job screen is how you access Template:L. While not strictly required, learning to use the work orders interface is highly recommended as it can save you a tremendous amount of time and trouble. To use this you will need a Template:L "Noble" who has been assigned an Template:L. See Template:L for more details on how to use this interface.
Announcements
| a | Display Announcements screen |
- Main article: Template:L
An announcement is a message displayed at the bottom of the game screen used to indicate something important. The announcement screen lets you go back through the log of messages to look at ones you may have missed. See the main article on Template:Ls for full details.
Combat Reports
| r | Display (combat) Reports screen |
- Main article: Template:L
The reports window is similar to the announcements window except that it displays detailed messages about what is going on during Template:L either with your dwarves or between other creatures. This is where all of the fun messages about "jamming the skull through the brain, tearing the brain" appear. See Template:L for more information.
Military Configuration
| m | Display Military screen |
- Main article: Template:L
The Template:L screen is by itself almost as complex as the rest of the game put together. The main functions of this interface is creating Template:Ls, setting up their equipment, and scheduling their activities. This document won't even attempt to get into how this all works. See Template:L for how to set up your military.
Command Squads
| m | Display Squads menu |
Once you have created Template:Ls in the military screen, you can give them Template:L to move to certain locations and attack certain creatures. See Template:L for more details.
View Rooms/Buildings
| R | View list of Template:Ls and Template:Ls |
This will give you a detailed inventory of all of the Template:Ls and Template:Ls on your map, along with their location on an overview map at the right. The inventory includes an adjective for each defined room indicating the approximate value and luxuriousness of the room. Other items such as furniture which have not actually been defined as rooms will also appear.
Nobles and Administrators
| N | View Template:L screen |
This screen allows you to manage your Template:L, as much as they can be managed anyway. "Noble" refers to certain positions you can appoint yourself such as manager and bookkeeper as well as positions that are forced on you such as mayor.
If you can appoint someone to a given position you can use this screen to do it. You can also change the account precision settings on your bookkeeper. Whether appointed or foisted upon you, you can also use this screen to view information about any of your nobles as well as their annoying demands.
Civilizations
| c | View nearby civilizations |
This screen allows you to view information about Template:Ls that are either near your fortress or that you have come into contact with in some manner, be it peaceful or not. You can use directional keys, Enter, Tab, and Esc to navigate through the information, including viewing diplomatic relations and trade agreements you have negotiated with your Template:L.
Artifacts
| l | View Legendary Artifacts screen |
At various points your dwarves will go into Template:Ls which will cause them to create Template:Ls if they have the necessary materials. You can use this screen to view all of the artifacts that dwarves have created, as well as Template:L that aren't artifacts per se.
Movies
| ; | Record/save/load/play CMV movie |
You can use this to record what's happening on the screen. See Template:L for more information.
Digging
All of the digging' operations are considered Template:L. Even if your goal is simply to dig out a passage and you don't care about extracting ore, your miners will be generating Template:L as a byproduct unless they are digging through Template:L.
Digging Tunnels
Channel
Stairways
Ramps
Remove Up Stairs/Ramps
Remove Constructions
Water and Magma
Stone Detailing
Smoothing Stone
Engraving
Carving Fortifications
Stockpiles
Building
Furniture
Rooms
Doors and Hatches
Windows, Grates, and Bars
Template:L Template:L Template:L
Constructions
Walls and Floors
Stairs/Ramps
Fortifications
Buildings
Workshops
Furnaces
Kennel
Trade Depot
Farm Plot
Roads
Bridges
Wells
Traps
Levers
Machine Components
Foraging
Woodcutting
Plant Gathering
Manufacturing
Management
Carpentry
Bowmaking
Masonry
Crafts
Mechanics
Metal Industry
Smelting
Smithing
Weapons/Armor
Farming
Crops
Plant Processing
Fertilization
Fish
Livestock
Meat
Eggs
Milk
Bees
Cooking and Brewing
Textiles
Jewels
Siege Engines
Soap Making
Glass
Ceramics
Artifacts
Trading
Military and Combat
Healthcare
Burrows
Your Dwarves
Jobs
Skills
Nobles
Dwarven Civilizations
Activity Zones
Standing Orders
Setting Item Properties
Forbidding/Reclaiming
Melting
Dumping
Hiding/Unhiding
Traffic Designations
Macros
Challenges
Some more specific Template:L are available here, compiled by fun-loving players from all around. There's also a wide variety of player created games mods which can add new creatures/crops/items/etc, or increase the difficulty of the game.