Starting a Fortress

Embarking on the journey to start a new fortress in Dwarf Fortress is a pivotal moment, marking the beginning of your unique saga. This process involves selecting a suitable location on the world map, outfitting your initial group of dwarves with essential supplies, and then sending them off to establish their new home. A well-chosen starting point and a carefully considered embark kit can sificantly influence your fortress's early success and long-term viability.

The process begins after you've generated a world. You'll then be presented with the world map, where you can scout for an ideal embark location. For beginners, it's highly recommended to choose a site with the following characteristics:

Abundant Trees: Wood is essential for early construction, tools, and fuel. Look for heavily forested areas.
A River or Large Body of Water: Water is vital for drinking, farming, and potentially industry. A river provides a consistent source.
Calm or Serene Surroundings: Avoid areas with high savagery or evil biomes, as these will present immediate threats to your dwarves.
No Aquifers (or only light ones): Aquifers can cause sificant flooding issues if not managed properly. Beginners should aim for sites without them.
Accessible Minerals: While not always visible on the embark screen, the presence of ores and stones is beneficial.

Once you've selected a location, you'll proceed to outfit your expedition. You can choose to 'Play Now!' for a default loadout or 'Prepare for the journey carefully' for detailed customization. This latter option allows you to select the number of dwarves, their starting skills, and the equipment they carry. Essential items include axes for woodcutting, picks for mining, food, drinks, and basic tools.

The game will then simulate a brief period of world activity before your dwarves arrive at their chosen site. Upon arrival, it's crucial to immediately pause the game (using the spacebar) to survey your surroundings and begin planning your initial excavations and constructions. The first few in-game days are critical for establishing basic necessities like shelter, food, and water.