How to Build a Roof in Dwarf Fortress

The dwarves of Dwarf Fortress are needy little creatures. You’ll want plenty of booze and food to keep them happy. But they also have other gripes, such as being left out in the rain. However, sometimes they’ve just gotta go out into the open to catch fish or tend to the animals. Without having to box everything in, you may need a roof to provide shelter. Here is how to make a roof in Dwarf Fortress.

How to make a roof in Dwarf Fortress

Dwarf Fortress has some pretty interesting mechanics that you’ll have to come to terms with. Building a roof is one of them. In the buildings menu, you may realize that, in the constructions tab, you can assemble walls and floors, but not a roof.

The mechanic of building a roof is made redundant, however, by how the game tackles elevation. As you slide up and down the layers of the terrain, you’ll notice that one level’s roof, is another level’s floor.

Related: How to abandon and reclaim fortresses in Dwarf Fortress

That’s right, you don’t have to build floors only where ground is present, you can build them in open space as long as they are connected to the ground at any one point.

The dwarves will rush to complete the construction of the ‘floor’, which creates a roof for the lower elevations. Rain will catch on the floor, providing shelter. The roof does not cast a shadow, however, so it won’t appear as though there is a roof if you are viewing the lower levels. The effects of the roof are still in play, however.

Build a roof over fishing spots and over your animal pastures, as it will prevent your dwarves and animals from getting grouchy at the rain, keeping their mood positive.

Keep an eye on Gamer Journalist for more gaming and Dwarf Fortress content, such as how to break walls and structures.