Dwarf Fortress: How to Fill in Holes
Dwarf Fortress is a complex and infinitely replayable simulation game. Its players love the game’s depth and realism, but it can be difficult to get into. One aspect of Dwarf Fortress that can be particularly tricky is filling in holes. This guide is designed to help you understand how to fill in holes in Dwarf Fortress, and to answer some of the most common questions players have about this issue.
Why Do I Need to Fill in Holes?
In Dwarf Fortress, holes can be dangerous. They can cause floods or collapses, and can be used by invaders to breach your defenses. You can’t afford to leave holes in your fortress, but they can be difficult to fill in. Here are some of the most common types of holes in Dwarf Fortress:
– Digging mistakes: A dwarf digs in the wrong place and creates a hole.
– Collapses: A support gives way and creates a hole.
– Rivers and aquifers: Water can create holes or drown dwarves.
– Invader breaches: Goblins or other enemies can use holes to enter your fortress.
How Do I Fill in Holes?
Filling in holes in Dwarf Fortress is a multi-step process. Here are the basic steps:
1. Stop the problem from getting worse. If the hole is caused by water, stop the water from flowing. If it’s caused by a collapse, shore up the surrounding areas to prevent further collapses.
2. Remove any loose or unstable materials from the hole. Use the dump command to get rid of rocks, dirt, or other debris.
3. If the hole is filled with water, pump it out or drain it. You can use a water wheel or a simple pump to remove the water.
4. Fill the hole with materials. You can use soil, rocks, or other materials to fill in the hole. Be careful not to accidentally cause more collapses while filling in the hole.
5. Smooth out the surface of the filled-in area. Use the smoothing tool to make the surface even and remove any bumps.
6. Reinforce the surrounding area. Digging and filling in a hole can weaken the surrounding area, so make sure to reinforce it with supports or walls.
FAQs
Q: Can I just fill in a hole with dirt or rocks?
A: Yes, you can use soil or rocks to fill in a hole. However, you should be careful not to accidentally cause more collapses or weaken the surrounding area.
Q: How do I pump out water from a hole?
A: You can use a water wheel or a simple pump to remove the water. Make sure to build the pump or water wheel nearby and connect it with a water source.
Q: What is the smoothing tool?
A: The smoothing tool is a building option that allows you to smooth out the surface of a tile. This can be useful after filling in a hole to make it look more natural and prevent uneven ground from causing trip hazards.
Q: How can I prevent holes from happening?
A: The best way to prevent holes is to plan your digging carefully. Keep an eye out for unstable areas, and make sure to reinforce the surrounding areas with supports or walls. You can also avoid digging near rivers or aquifers, as they can cause flooding or drowning.
Q: How can I stop invaders from using holes to breach my defenses?
A: You can use traps, walls, and other defenses to prevent invaders from entering through holes. Make sure to reinforce the surrounding walls and create chokepoints that make it difficult for enemies to attack.
Q: How do I know if an area is unstable?
A: Unstable areas are usually marked with flashing symbols and warnings. If you see these symbols, make sure to avoid digging in that area and reinforce the surrounding areas with supports or walls.
In conclusion, filling in holes in Dwarf Fortress can be a challenging task, but it’s an important one. By following the steps outlined in this guide, and keeping these frequently asked questions in mind, you can prevent collapses and breaches, and keep your fortress safe from invaders. Happy gaming!