v0.34:Wall

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v50.14 · v0.47 · v0.34.11 · v0.31 · v0.28 · v0.23 This article is about an older version of DF. More Info · V

A wall is either a map tile or a construction that blocks access to creatures and fluids. The appearance of a constructed wall is similar to that of a smoothed natural wall but it works the same as any filled tile composed of mountain rock, clay or soil. Walls either occur naturally (e.g. a Rough-hewn Andesite Wall), or can be constructed. With constructed walls it is possible to create multi-level buildings such as towers complete with roofs by creating floors on the layer above. A wall fills the tile it is in and creates a walkable space above it.

Digging

As explained on the digging page, naturally occurring walls can be dug out using the designations dig command, or channel command. These tasks are carried out by dwarves with the mining labor activated.

Natural walls can be designated for smoothing and engraving to improve the appearance and value of the wall. These tasks are carried out by dwarves with the stone detailing labor activated.

Construction

Walls can be built en masse. To do this, use the build -> Construction -> wall command. The keys u,m,k and h are used to change size. Walls may be built on any square which does not already contain a structure, provided your dwarves can reach an adjacent square (this includes building a wall over empty air next to a floor, allowing for the construction of inverted pyramids). Diagonals cannot be built from, nor will they support constructions.

The important thing to remember is that all walls, floors and anything built with the b-C keys are LIFO - "Last In, First Out". That means that the very last designation you make will be the very first thing your masons will work on next! Once you master this concept, it can be used to your advantage, but only if you can plan ahead.

It is also important to remember that you cannot build on top of a constructed floor, but you can build a wall on top of another constructed wall, even though the upper surface of a wall is otherwise indistinguishable from a constructed floor.

Constructed walls cannot be engraved, but can be carved into fortifications (designate - carve fortifications). As usual, the fortifications will block movement, but not liquids or small objects such as bolts.

Normal walls are considered 'rough'. By using stone, glass, wood, or metal blocks, higher quality constructions can be built with increased value. This can be particularly important when trying to maximize the value of a noble's room.

As with all constructions, the material used dictates which labor is required to perform the construction.

When building walls, your masons will carry the rocks themselves. A useful tip when building defences is to first make a rock stockpile nearby, and only allow one type of rock in it. When it fills up, remove it, and build the wall.

How can I get a dwarf to not build a wall from the wrong side?

When choosing a place to stand while building a wall, dwarves will avoid standing on designated building sites. By designating a wall tile on the wrong side of the wall, you can be assured that the mason who builds it will stand on the right side and not be trapped by their own device. Suspending the extra designation will prevent dwarves from attempting to actually build it.

Removing Walls

To remove a wall, open the designations menu and select n Remove Construction. This task will be carried out by any unoccupied dwarf, including children and nobles.

Notes

• Walls do not have any effect on noise.
• If a wall that is the only support for a structure is removed, it will collapse, most likely hurting any dwarves on or around it.

Bugs

• If a tile that is designated to have a wall built in it, and is adjacent to either another 2-3 walls that have already been built, then there is a chance that the dwarf constructing the wall will stand on the tile to complete the wall. This will result in a message "Dwarf cancels construction of Wall: Creature occupying site", and the construction of the wall will be suspended.

Note: This is more likely if the tile designated to be built on is in a corner of some shape.

See also

• How do I construct a wall from a particular direction?

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