The true mod of Dwarf Fortress has finally released not one, but two alpha versions of v50 for Steam, DFHack, a must have for Dwarf Fortress fans for two reasons: first, it fixes problems and improves performance with a First, it is a set of console commands to fix problems and improve performance. Second, it incorporates a popular visualization tool called Stonesense, which provides an isometric view of the fortress.

First of all, if you are running out to try this alpha version, let me warn you: according to DFHack's release notes, DFHack is identical to DFHack's release notes, and DFHack is identical to same as DFHack's release notes; DFHack's release notes have advice for this.

The StoneSense tool is a big one, but DFHack has other fundamentally useful tools. One of the most popular is "autodump," which can greatly increase a fort's FPS in the late game by automatically putting marked trash in one place. Dwarves are good at cleaning up, but they prioritize other tasks. Putting all the lost eyeballs and spare socks in the lava can instantly change the game.

Another command and GUI is the "auto-butcher," which automatically marks and processes unwanted livestock when a target number of livestock is set. I know a number of players who would not do livestock farming without it.

For DFHack users new to Dwarf Fortress, the most useful trick is definitely stonesense. This is ideal if you want to create huge ground structures to give a sense of scale. Also, showing one or two images of stonesense along with a screenshot of the fort will make it easier for non-DF enthusiasts to understand. Here is a video of a canyon fort with stonesense incorporated.

DFHack is on Github (opens in new tab). This version is not yet universal and does not yet work on itch or classic branches.

Now enjoy the magic of the "deathcause" command, which tells you why there are a bunch of bones of dwarf children at the bottom of the well. (Spoiler: they fell in.)