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If you’re playing Dwarf Fortress, chances are that you’ve come across the challenge of feeding your fortress. While there are various ways to get food, one of the most reliable sources of sustenance is meat. In this guide, we’ll explore different ways to get meat, bones and other useful resources through hunting and butchering.
How to Hunt Animals in Dwarf Fortress
The first step to getting meat in Dwarf Fortress is to hunt animals. There are various creatures that you can hunt, such as rabbits, deer, elk, and even giant cave spiders. Hunting can be done in two ways: by assigning a dwarf to hunt or by creating a hunting zone.
Assigning a Dwarf to Hunt
To assign a dwarf to hunt, you’ll need to go to the “military” screen and create a new squad. Once you’ve done that, go to the “equipment” screen and give them a weapon, such as a crossbow. Then, go to the “orders” screen and select “hunt.” Choose the type of animal you want to hunt and wait for your dwarves to bring back the spoils.
Creating a Hunting Zone
Creating a hunting zone is an alternative method that allows you to designate an area where your hunters will roam and kill any animals they come across. To create a hunting zone, go to the “zones” menu and select “create zone.” Then, choose the “animals” option and select the type of animal you want to hunt. Once you’ve done that, your hunters will automatically search the area for prey.
How to Butcher Corpses in Dwarf Fortress
Once you’ve hunted an animal or found a corpse, the next step is to butcher it. Butchering allows you to get meat, bones, and other useful resources that can be used for various purposes, such as cooking or crafting. Here’s how to butcher corpses in Dwarf Fortress:
Prepare a Butcher’s Shop
To butcher a corpse, you’ll need to prepare a butcher’s shop. This is done by selecting a dwarf with the “butchery” labor enabled and assigning them to the task. The butcher will then go to the workshop and prepare it for use.
Butcher the Corpse
To butcher the corpse, go to the “z” menu and select the butcher’s shop. Then, select the corpse you want to butcher and wait for your dwarf to begin the process. Once the butcher is finished, you’ll get a variety of resources, including meat, bones, and even leather.
How to Get Bones in Dwarf Fortress
Bones are a valuable resource in Dwarf Fortress that can be used for various purposes, such as crafting or building. Here’s how to get bones in Dwarf Fortress:
Butcher Corpses
As mentioned earlier, one way to get bones is to butcher corpses. Whenever you butcher a corpse, you’ll get a certain amount of bones depending on the size of the animal. The bones can be used for a variety of purposes, such as creating bone crafts or constructing bone furniture.
Trade with Merchants
Another way to get bones is to trade with merchants. Occasionally, merchants will bring bone crafts or other bone items that you can buy or trade for. Keep an eye out for these items and make sure to have enough trade goods to make the exchange.
How to Butcher Animals in Dwarf Fortress
In addition to hunting wild animals, you can also butcher domesticated animals in Dwarf Fortress. Butchering domesticated animals, such as cows or pigs, can provide a reliable source of meat for your fortress. Here’s how to butcher animals in Dwarf Fortress:
Prepare a Butcher’s Shop
To butcher an animal, you’ll need to prepare a butcher’s shop just like you would with a corpse. Make sure to have a dwarf with the “butchery” labor enabled and assign them to the task.
Butcher the Animal
Once you have prepared the butcher’s shop, select the animal you want to butcher and wait for your dwarf to start the process. Butchering a domesticated animal will usually yield a larger amount of meat compared to wild animals, so it can be a more reliable source of food for your fortress.
Keep in mind that domesticated animals are a valuable resource and can be used for other purposes as well, such as milk or wool production. Make sure to weigh the benefits of butchering them for meat versus keeping them for other purposes.
Conclusion and considerations
One thing to keep in mind when it comes to hunting and butchering is that it can be a dangerous task. Wild animals can be vicious and deadly, and your hunters are not invincible. Make sure to equip them with appropriate weapons and armor, and keep a close eye on their health and well-being.
Another consideration is the hygiene of your fortress. Butchering corpses and animals can lead to the spread of disease, so it’s important to have proper sanitation measures in place. Make sure to have a refuse stockpile where your dwarves can dispose of waste and rotting flesh, and consider building a well or other water source that can be used for cleaning and drinking.
Finally, don’t forget that there are other sources of food besides meat. Plants, fruits, and fish can also be harvested and provide a nutritious and varied diet for your dwarves. Consider diversifying your food sources and making use of all the resources available to you.
In the end, getting meat and other resources in Dwarf Fortress requires a combination of skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. But with persistence and determination, you can master the art of hunting and butchering and ensure the survival of your fortress. So sharpen your blades, hone your skills, and get ready to embark on an epic hunt!
