Dwarf Fortress Fixes Archer AI After 15 Years of Crossbow Clubbing
▼ Summary
– Dwarf Fortress updates have accelerated since partnering with Kitfox Games, allowing faster development and fixes for long-standing bugs.
– The June update fixed a 15-year-old issue where marksdwarves struggled to use ranged weapons effectively, improving archery mechanics.
– Archery improvements include better fortification use, ammo retrieval, and aiming, with factors like weather affecting accuracy.
– The update also introduced new procedural visuals for Forgotten Beasts and upcoming Lua scripting support for modders.
– Dwarf Fortress is available on Steam and as a free ASCII version on the Bay 12 Games site.
Dwarf Fortress has finally resolved one of its most infamous quirks after 15 years, dramatically improving how archers behave in combat. The legendary simulation game, known for its staggering depth and complexity, has undergone significant updates since its Steam release, including a long-awaited fix for marksdwarves who previously preferred clubbing enemies with their crossbows rather than firing them.
For over a decade, players struggled with dwarves refusing to use ranged weapons properly. Despite setting up military squads and stockpiling bolts, marksdwarves often charged into melee combat, treating their crossbows as makeshift clubs. The June update finally addressed this frustration, overhauling archery mechanics to make ranged combat viable. Dwarves now retrieve ammunition, maintain distance from enemies, and properly utilize fortifications for cover.
Tarn Adams, the game’s co-creator, explained the changes in a recent video, noting that dwarves will no longer recklessly abandon their ranged advantage. Ammo customization now works as intended, allowing players to assign cheaper training bolts while reserving high-quality ammunition for actual battles. The update also introduced more realistic mechanics, such as loading times and targeted shots influenced by weather conditions, like snowstorms reducing visibility.
Beyond archery improvements, the patch introduced new visual variations for Forgotten Beasts, aligning their sprites with their procedurally generated descriptions. Looking ahead, Dwarf Fortress is preparing for a major siege overhaul and expanding Lua scripting support, which promises to unlock new modding possibilities.
The Steam version continues to refine the classic experience, while the original free ASCII edition remains available for purists. After years of waiting, marksdwarves might finally earn their place in fortress defenses, without resorting to blunt force trauma.
(Source: PC Gamer)