- v50 information can now be added to pages in the main namespace. v0.47 information can still be found in the DF2014 namespace. See here for more details on the new versioning policy.
- Use this page to report any issues related to the migration.
40d:Efficient gameplay
This page covers ways to accomplish game tasks in fortress mode faster and with less effort. The interface of Dwarf Fortress is in alpha, but - if you give it a little help - can become far less cumbersome then it appears at first glance.
General tips and tricks
- When dumping lots of objects, it often saves time to use the stocks menu instead of marking objects from the fortress view.
- The manager screen (type 'm' when viewing the job screen) is a good way to speed up workshop assignments. Jobs are generated automatically until the task is complete. Requires a mayor with enough free time to authorize tasks.
Mouse support
Mouse support in DF is limited ... but it does exist.
Designation
The designation menu and the actual selection of tiles are both mouse-capable, which is especially helpful when laying out fancy rooms and patterned designs. Left-click designates a tile or chooses a new menu option; right-click moves the cursor.
External programs
Players of DF have provided several utilities to help you manage your fortress and command your dwarves. Once you start using aids like Dwarf Foreman, you'll wonder how you ever managed to get by without. Utilities are generally updated shortly after a new version appears. Utilities page
Macros and keymaps
Dwarf Fortress has no internal macro/keymap system, but cooperates very well with an external utility called AutoHotKey. Many keyboard-intensive tasks can be made less painful with a custom script. Macros and keymaps