Dwarven Fortress.

[zorts]

I love Minecraft. Notch has stated that Dungeon Keeper and Dwarven Fortress inspired him to create his game. I love Dungeon Keeper, so I thought I would give Dwarven Fortress a try. I have installed it and uninstalled it a number of times, and just cant get into it.

Anyone have any advice for a DF newb?

Thanks!

 

[A Random Reader]

http://afteractionreporter.com/2009/02/09/the-complete-and-utter-newby-tutorial-for-dwarf-fortress-part-1-wtf/

There. That is a quite good tutorial, and some of the lessons learned are applicable in the latest version.

You could also join the 'Dwarf Fortress Fans' user group, where they can help you.

EDIT: You could also send me a PM or two, as an avid dwarf fortress player myself.

 

[Tharwen]

LOSING IS FUN. Remember this when your dwarves are being punched through the skull by a carpenter that you pissed off by not building her a wardrobe. Recite it to yourself until the effort that you put into your dying fortress seems meaningless once again.

If you can, avoid spoilers. There's nothing more fun than finding out for the first time what happens when you dig too deep

Wooden weapons and armour are useless.

Don't build your fortress in sand or dirt. Dig down until you get to rock, then you'll have materials for making buildings, doors, beds and items.

DO NOT DIG UNDER A RIVER. At least, not until you know exactly what you're doing.

I recommend using [a href="http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=59026.0"]this pack[/a] to start off, since the tilesets it gives you are extremely helpful for starting off. Also, StoneSense (A graphical visualiser) and Dwarf Therapist (A program for managing dwarf skills) are extremely useful (and included in the pack).