May 19, 2025 (Summer)
Games to Play This Summer: Dwarf Fortress
Summer is a time for relaxation and vacation, what better way to spend it than with a good game? Dwarf Fortress is my choice this summer. This game is a labor of love, built by a team of two developers over the course of 20+ years. Dwarf Fortress is a simulated city builder with manageable citizens and dwarves, each with their own distinct personalities and values. The world your fortress exists in is generated when you begin a new save, and each one has its own unique history. This attention to detail is what really makes the game for me, as it forces you to really care about the city you’re building. Dwarves need to be kept happy, weapons must be made, and alcohol is essential.
The complexity of Dwarf Fortress is what keeps me coming back, as well as what causes me to spend untold hours making the perfect fortress. Building is not the only goal here, though! You must also cultivate goods to trade with humans, prepare for battles with goblins, and make sure your dwarves have enough food and alcohol to stay fed and happy. What if you get bored of building your empire, though? No problem! Dwarf Fortress also has adventure mode, where you can pilot one character and live in the fortress you created, as well as embark on countless quests!
Dwarf Fortress is a time-sink like no other, but no matter how hard I try, I can’t help but come back. The random events and interactions between dwarves are endlessly hilarious, not to mention the chaos of dwarves just being dwarves! The original graphics are a bit confusing and overwhelming, but luckily, Dwarf Fortress has been released on Steam with new graphics! I would definitely recommend this game to any new player.