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Dwarf Fortress is a very complex management simulator, and your main objective is to expand your, uh, Fortress that is filled with dwarves. Of course, in order to create the best and strongest castle ever, you will need to do some metalworking. And for that, you need Iron, and to create Iron, you will need ores called Limonite. Here is how you can mine Limonite ores in Dwarf Fortress.
How to Mine Limonite in Dwarf Fortress
First of all, Limonite can be found in a mineral-rich environment, specifically in sedimentary layers as veins. To locate the Limonite spot, these are the parameters you need to set on the Embark screen:
- Press the F key on the Embark screen.
- In the Flux Stone Layer option, pick Yes using the arrow keys.
- Look for the Shallow Metal option, then pick Multiple.
- Pick Medium for Elevation.
- And Low or High for the Drainage.
With the parameter set, you can now send your dwarf to do some Limonite mining down to the sedimentary layer. Once you have managed to find a Limonite, use branching or veining patterns to mine more of them. Limonite ore is needed to make Iron bars, but you can also use Magnetite and Hematite. However, Limonite has a noticeably lower solid density at 7,850 units, which means it weighs less and can be hauled faster than the other two ores.
How to Produce Iron with Limonite
To craft an Iron bar in a Smelter, you will need a Dwarf with a Furnace Operator labor task in the Smelter and a Limonite ore (or Hematite and Magnetite, but that’s for another time)
Like in the real world, Iron has many uses. You can use it to create decent edged weapons, bolts, and armor. Or heavy furniture and a Magma-safe mechanism. But more importantly, you will need Iron (or Steel) to make Anvils, allowing you to do metalwork and expand your Fort further.
Related:
How to build a Guild Hall in Dwarf Fortress
Dwarf Fortress is now available on PC via Steam and itch.io.