Hatch cover

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v50.12 · 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

A hatch cover (also called a floor hatch or just hatch) is, in effect, a door, but controlling the passage between Z-levels instead of along the same Z-level. They can be placed over stairs or ramps, or open space as long as they are supported by an adjacent floor tile.

Like doors, they can be linked with mechanisms, locked, or kept tightly closed to keep out water, pets and foes alike. They can be set as internal, but as rooms cannot occupy multiple Z-levels, this has no effect.

When closed, hatches appear as ¢; they are not visible when open. A hatch cover's color is determined by the material it is made from.

As building destroyers can only destroy buildings on other z-levels under certain conditions, hatch covers can be quite effective at keeping out enemies if used properly.

They can be constructed from a Mason's workshop, Metalsmith's forge, Carpenter's workshop, or Glass furnace from stone, metal, wood, or glass respectively. Once built, they may be placed with H.

A dwarf falling down stairs will be stopped by a closed floor hatch. A dwarf standing on a floor hatch over stairs will not start falling if the hatch is opened. A dwarf standing on a floor hatch above a ramp or open space will start falling if the hatch is opened.

Using a hatch cover, a garbage dump can be designed to drop items on the same Z level as the dwarf doing the dumping, thus removing risk of falling items causing injuries. This is done by channeling one square, and then constructing the hatch over the hole. Designate a dump zone over the hatch, and haulers will neglect to open the hatch, leaving the hauled items on the floor nearby instead.

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Related articles	Design strategies • Bedroom design • Furniture industry