Dwarf Fortress is about to get even harder thanks to a big siege update

Having indestructible walls and moats that can’t be overcome adds a much-needed illusion of safety to Dwarf Fortress — your thriving community will inevitably fall into ruin due to your own mistakes, but at least it’s unlikely that it’ll be invaded and occupied. Well, that’s changing soon: November 3, 2025, will see a major update released for Dwarf Fortress that expands the siege warfare in the game.

No longer will enemies simply try to starve you out for lack of other avenues to hurt you: After the update, attackers will have access to battering rams to smash your defenses — and they even brought the cavalry to repel any sallies you might make. That’s right, mounted units are coming to the game.

Battering rams aren’t the only siege tools an invading force can bring: Trolls carry huge pickaxes and transport blocks, allowing them to act as pioneers and pave a way for enemy soldiers. Engineers will dig stairs to reach your fortress, attempting to break in via tunnels. Raising bridges to overcome your moats is another technique they have learned.

To counter these dangers, defensive ballistas and catapults have been buffed. Dwarfs have brand-new defensive tools as well, such as the bolt thrower with its rapid fire rate. Of course, classic traps still have their uses, so better brush up on those oldschool security techniques.

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