Dwarf Fortress: How to Get Meat
Dwarf Fortress is an indie, city-building game that is known for its deep and complex gameplay. Created by Tarn Adams, the game features a procedurally generated world and an intricate simulation that lets players take control of a group of dwarves and build their fortress.
One of the many challenges players face in Dwarf Fortress is food management. Dwarves need to eat to survive, and as a player, you must make sure they have a steady supply of food. In this article, we will be focusing on how to get meat in Dwarf Fortress.
Meat Sources
There are several sources of meat in Dwarf Fortress, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are the four main sources of meat in the game:
Hunting
The most obvious way to get meat in Dwarf Fortress is to hunt wild animals. You can assign one or more dwarves as hunters and instruct them to hunt specific animals in a given area.
To set up a hunting zone, select the ‘o’ key and then move the cursor over the area you want to designate. Press ‘Enter’ to confirm the selection, and then select ‘Hunting’ from the menu.
Once you have designated a hunting area, you can assign individual dwarves to the task. To do this, go to the ‘Military’ screen and select the dwarf you want to assign. Then, use the ‘M’ key to scroll through the available tasks and select ‘Hunt’ when it appears.
It’s worth noting that hunting is not without risk; some animals are quite dangerous and can put your dwarves in harm’s way. Also, hunting takes time, and your dwarves will need to take a break to eat and rest periodically.
Fishing
Another way to get meat in Dwarf Fortress is to fish. You can assign dwarves to fish in a nearby river or pond.
To set up a fishing zone, select the ‘o’ key and then move the cursor over the water you want to designate. Press ‘Enter’ to confirm the selection, and then select ‘Fishing’ from the menu.
Once you have designated a fishing area, you can assign individual dwarves to the task. To do this, go to the ‘Military’ screen and select the dwarf you want to assign. Then, use the ‘M’ key to scroll through the available tasks and select ‘Fish’ when it appears.
Fishing is a relatively low-risk way to get meat, but it’s not always a reliable source. Weather conditions and the availability of fish can vary, so it’s a good idea to have multiple sources of food.
Livestock
If you want a more consistent supply of meat, you can raise livestock. You can start by purchasing animals from traders or animal breeders, or you can capture them in the wild and tame them.
Animals that can be raised for meat include cows, pigs, sheep, goats, and chickens. Once you have the animals, you will need to assign a dwarf or two to take care of them.
To do this, go to the ‘Zones’ screen and select ‘Pasture.’ Then, move the cursor over the area you want to designate and press ‘Enter.’ Once you have designated a pasture, you can assign specific animals to it. To do this, go to the ‘Animals’ screen and select the animal you want to assign. Then, use the ‘P’ key to assign it to the designated pasture.
Livestock can be more work than hunting or fishing, but they offer a consistent source of meat over time.
Trading
Finally, you can also purchase meat from traders. Traders will come to your fortress periodically and offer various goods, including food.
To trade with traders, you will need to have a trading depot set up. You can create a trading depot by selecting the ‘b’ key and designating an area for the depot. Once you have set up the depot, traders will come to your fortress when they arrive.
You can sell goods to the traders, but you can also purchase food from them. Keep in mind that trading can be expensive, and you may need to have other sources of food to support your fortress.
FAQs
Q: How much meat do I need to feed my dwarves?
A: The amount of meat you need will depend on the number of dwarves you have and their individual needs. A good rule of thumb is to make sure you have at least two to three years’ worth of food stored at all times.
Q: Can I use bones or other parts of animals for anything?
A: Yes, you can use bones for crafts or bone bolts. You can also use animal hides for clothing or instruments.
Q: How do I store meat?
A: You can store meat in barrels or pots in a designated stockpile area. To create a stockpile, select the ‘P’ key and designate an area for the stockpile. Then, use the ‘Q’ key to set the stockpile to accept meat.
Q: Can I use meat for anything besides food?
A: Yes, you can use meat to feed animals or as a trading item.
In conclusion, getting meat in Dwarf Fortress requires careful planning and management. You can hunt, fish, raise livestock, or trade for meat, but each method comes with its own challenges and risks. Make sure to have multiple sources of food to ensure the survival of your dwarves, and don’t forget to use any leftover bones or hides for crafts or clothing. Happy meat-hunting!