Dwarf Fortress: Classic Mode vs Premium Explained

Although I haven’t found the opportunity to do so, I would very like to have an all-nighter playing Dwarf Fortress. Simulator games, strategy games and everything in between really is my cup of tea. And that’s a huge cup, may I say. Dwarf Fortress has received quite recently a graphic overhaul that promises to bring new generations of gamers to the already legendary game. Now, I know what you think: “another remaster / remake of a game? Come on, man.” And while you will be correct probably 99% percent of the time, you just need to see some classic mode’s screenshots. You will be begging for a remaster as soon as you launch it. Now, there is more to this update than what meets the eye. Here is a comparison between classic mode vs the premium version of Dwarf Fortress.

Dwarf Fortress: Classic Mode vs Premium Explained

Obviously, the graphics and the price tag are some straight-up noticeable differences that everyone can see. However, once you dwell into the world of Dwarf Fortress, specially if you have previous experience playing the classic version of the game, there will be some differences that you will be able to spot. And we have, too. Here is a comparison between classic mode vs the premium version of Dwarf Fortress.

Classic Mode vs Premium Differences

• Architecture has been removed, making things a little more streamlined and less frustrating.
• Hotkeys and hotkeys combination have suffered a revamp, and some even were removed. Relearning hotkeys could be annoying.
• Rooms and zones have been merged. Steps have been merged as well.
• New soundtrack and brand-new tracks. Still maintains the classic’s soundtrack identity.
• Correcting errors in digging will not leave revealed stone, fixing potential aesthetic ruining.
• Pauses for notifications only happen on big and important events. Most of the other pause instances have been removed.
• Stonecutting replaced Mason.
• Everyone does every job by default, with you having the ability to specifically choose which Dwarves does what depending on their skills.
• Burial change: you need to designate coffins to tombs using the zone menu.

Related: What to do when your Dwarf Falls into a secretive mood in Dwarf Fortress

These changes, along with the new graphics, provide a better quality of life overhaul to a game that was already considered a masterpiece. We can now say, and not that we could not before, that Dwarf Fortress, Steam edition (or Premium edition), is the pinnacle of what remasters / remakes can be. Good luck managing your dwarf community!

Dwarf Fortress, with updated graphics and content, is available on Windows. Please check out Gamer Journalist on Facebook to join the discussion and keep up to date with our content. You might also like to check out or guides on How Dwarf Fortress Inspired Minecraft and Other Imitators and Dwarf Fortress – What to Do If Your Dwarf Becomes Possessed.