The Siege Update: A New Era for Dwarf Fortress
The long-awaited Siege Update for Dwarf Fortress has officially launched, marking a significant evolution for Bay 12 Games’ unique management simulation since its successful debut on Steam. Brothers Tarn and Zach Adams have dedicated their efforts to aligning the Steam version with its ASCII predecessor, culminating in the introduction of Adventure Mode earlier this year. With that milestone achieved, the duo is now fully committed to enhancing their already intricate simulation, pushing the boundaries of complexity and engagement.
The Siege Update opens a new chapter in the Steam version, introducing a more dynamic and strategically rich experience when it comes to defending your fortress against invaders. Previously, goblin hordes could only exploit existing weaknesses in your defenses, allowing players to funnel enemy attacks into cleverly designed traps. However, the update transforms these encounters; invaders will now actively lay siege to your fortress, employing sophisticated tactics aimed at dismantling your defenses.
These newly organized armies come equipped with a variety of roles, enabling them to charge, ambush, or maneuver around perilous areas. As Tarn Adams explains, “Invading squads are organized into several roles. They can charge in, hang back, ambush, and they can path around areas that have become too dangerous.” Among the most formidable foes are the goblin siege engineers, who possess the ability to construct floors, stairs, bridges, and even tunnel underground to launch surprise attacks from below.
Fortunately, players are not left defenseless against these clever adversaries. The update introduces an array of new defensive tools, including a rapid-fire bolt thrower, alongside enhanced versions of existing catapults and ballistae. Adams reassures players that traditional tactics, such as building traps and utilizing water or magma to eliminate foes, remain effective. However, invaders now have the capability to liberate their captured allies from traps, adding an extra layer of challenge to fortress defense.
The Siege Update is now fully integrated into Dwarf Fortress, allowing players to dive into its complexities. Existing saves are compatible with the update, though a few features, such as the great picks wielded by trolls and certain mounts, may not carry over. For those who prefer a less intelligent approach from their invaders, options to disable some or all of the new enemy behaviors are available, ensuring that players can tailor their experience to their liking.
