Best Starting Locations in Dwarf Fortress

Dwarf Fortress’ moto is unanimously agreed as ‘losing is fun!’, and although that is true, you may want to actually play the game without your fortress crumbling instantly. Choosing your starting location is a pivotal part of your success, and will decide your fate. Here are all the things you should look out for when picking your starting location in Dwarf Fortress.

How to pick the perfect starting location in Dwarf Fortress

Due to Dwarf Fortress‘ procedural generation, no starting location will be the same, but there are some important factors that you should keep in mind whilst picking which one is for you. There are some mandatory factors, then some less important ones. If you find a site that manages to tick all of the boxes, then grab it immediately. Otherwise, find the best fit.

Related: How Dwarf Fortress Inspired Minecraft and Other Imitators

The following is a list of factors that you will practically need your starting location to have, else you will have a very difficult time:

• A calm or serene surrounding, to ensure no beasts or enemies to rip you to shreds.
• A body of water, preferably with a warm or temperate climate so it doesn’t freeze over during the winter.
• Having clay or soil or sand is important so you can farm for food.
• There should be lots of trees at your disposal to make beds and bins.

Try to tick every one of those factors off before even considering your starting location. The perfect starting locations in Dwarf Fortress, however, also satisfy the following factors:

• Neighbours, to trade and for migrants.
• Shallow and deep metals, for your many, many metal needs.
• Flat land, so you can see things more clearly at a glance.
• No Aquifer, because they are a real pain.
• Flux stones and coal would be convenient.

Keep all of these points in mind when picking your starting location in Dwarf Fortress. You’ll thank me later.

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