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dwarf fortress feature image
Image via Bay 12 Games

7 Best Dwarf fortress Mods

As if there wasn't enough content already!

Dwarf Fortress is a legendary game with near unlimited gameplay and potential that the devs are still extracting. However, even with so much content, people still want different experiences and content so will look to mods to feed their Dwarf Fortress hunger. Here is a list of the seven best Dwarf Fortress mods on the Steam Workshop.

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Top 7 Dwarf Fortress Mods

The following mods are all available for subscription on the Steam Dwarf Fortress Workshop. The modding scene is still very early, so there are still hundreds of mods on the way. Bear in mind that these mods may also have more content coming down the line.

Audible Alerts

audible alerts dwarf fortress
Image via Trainzack

In Dwarf Fortress, there is a lot to keep track of. As you busy around, performing order after order. So as the alerts silently roll in, it is very easy to miss. As the name suggests, you will be audibly pinged when you have an alert, so none of those crucial alerts will pass you by.

Audible Alerts is a must-have for anyone playing the game. Sure, losing is fun, but not when it’s because a few alerts popped up unnoticed.

Reduced Z-Level Fog

fog in dwarf fortress
Image via Munashe

The elevation mechanic in Dwarf Fortress is great, however it can become quite jarring when you can only see a few elevations down. If you are leading an expedition party up a steep hill, it will be difficult to control them all when you can only see a few of them at a time. What if a dangerous creature attacks the rear, and you can’t see it unfold?

This mod allows more transparency to the fog layers, so you will be able to see so much more. It also makes the game seem a little more realistic as the fog becomes more gradual. This is another quality of life mod everyone needs.

Better Instruments

better instruments dwarf fortress
Image via Trainzack

The procedurally generated instruments in Dwarf Fortress are a very cool feature, however if you’d rather a more consistent set of instruments in your worlds, then this mod adds 21 new instruments (10 of which will always be available). These instruments have elaborate construction and the sounds produced are more recognisable and interesting.

Orchestrate your dwarves with the Better Instruments mod if you really want to put on a show.

Related: How to get drinkable water in Dwarf Fortress

Dizzy’s Exotic Pets Emporium

more pets dwarf fortress
Image via DizzyCrash

In Dwarf Fortress, having pets is a fantastic element that really brings your game to life. The pets add more variety of life to your tunnels and happiness to your dwarves’ faces. This mod, as you could expect, allows you to tame and keep more of the game’s exotic animals as pets. If it’s big enough to ride, you can ride it.

If you want to really add to the variety in the game, then create a zoo, or simply have an armada of strange creatures by your side.

Dizzy’s Deadly Caverns

dizzy's caverns dwarf fortress
Image via DizzyCrash

If Dwarf Fortress is a little too tame or easy for you, then you can really up the ante with the Deadly Caverns mod. There are less limitations to evil creatures, meaning you’ll be encountering them more frequently and much higher up than they used to be. If you plan on going deep underground, then you’d better prepare very carefully.

This mod essentially ups the difficulty level for those veteran dwarves who want a challenge.

Dwarvemon

dwarvemon dwarf fortress
Image via FirePhoenix11

You already know exactly what the deal is with this mod. You can now tame and use your favourite Pokémon creatures in Dwarf Fortress. With berries and other Pokémon items, you can really transform your game. Adding a whole new dimension, your new Dwarvémon world will team with Pokémon to do battle with.

This mod will dramatically change your game, so it’ll be like playing a whole new game.

Long Night

long night dwarf fortress
Image via Squamouseness

Long Night is a total overhaul mod that radically changes the game. Instead of being set in a fantasy / medieval world, your games will now take place in a post-apocalyptic sci-fi setting where humanity’s grip of the solar system has slipped into ruin and despair. With dramatic and fundamental changes and new mechanics, you will be playing a brand new game.

Make sure to read the description of this mod, as there is much to go over.

Keep an eye on Gamer Journalist for more gaming and Dwarf Fortress content, such as how to get seeds in Dwarf Fortress.

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