To remove structures in Dwarf Fortress, you primarily use the "Remove Construction" tool for player-built constructions like walls and floors, or the deconstruction option for workshops and furniture.
Dwarf Fortress distinguishes between various player-made structures, all of which can be "removed" or "deconstructed." Understanding the type of structure you wish to remove will guide your method.
Removing Constructed Structures (Walls, Floors, Ramps, Stairs, Fortifications)
For structures that were built using the "b" (build) menu under "Constructions" (like carved walls, placed walls, floors, ramps, stairs, and fortifications), you'll use the "Remove Construction" designation.
Here's how to do it:
- Access the Construction Menu:
- Press the M key on your keyboard to quickly open the construction menu.
- Select "Remove Construction":
- In the construction menu, click the "Remove Construction" icon. This icon is distinctive, appearing as stairs with a red strike through the middle.
- Designate the Area:
- Using your mouse, click and drag to designate the area or specific squares where you want to remove constructions.
- Confirm the Designation:
- Once you've selected the desired area, confirm the designation (usually by pressing Enter or clicking again, depending on your UI settings).
Dwarves with the appropriate labor (e.g., masonry for stone constructions) will then arrive to dismantle the designated structures. Materials used in their creation are typically recovered and placed as loose items nearby.
Deconstructing Workshops and Furniture
For player-placed workshops (e.g., Carpenter's Workshop, Mason's Workshop) and various pieces of furniture (e.g., beds, tables, chairs, doors, levers, floodgates), you need to deconstruct them directly.
Follow these steps:
- Select the Item:
- Move your cursor over the workshop or piece of furniture you wish to remove.
- Query the Item:
- Press the q key (for "query") to bring up the item's details menu.
- Initiate Deconstruction:
- Within the item's details menu, you will see an option to "deconstruct" or "remove" it. Typically, you press the x key to activate this function.
- Confirm if prompted.
A dwarf will then be assigned the task of deconstructing the item. Similar to constructions, the materials used to build workshops and furniture are usually recovered and become available for other projects.
Key Considerations for Removal
- Dwarf Labor: Both methods require available dwarves with the necessary skills and time to complete the task. Without dwarves, structures won't be removed.
- Material Recovery: Most removals will return the raw materials (e.g., stone blocks from walls, wood from beds), making them valuable for other building projects.
- Structural Integrity: Be cautious when removing walls or floors, especially in multi-level structures. Removing load-bearing elements can cause collapses, potentially harming dwarves or destroying other constructions.
- Designation Management: You can review and cancel removal designations through the "Designations" menu (often accessed by
dthenxor similar, depending on the game version and UI). - Accessibility: Ensure your dwarves can safely reach the structures you've designated for removal. Blocked access will prevent the task from being completed.
Summary of Removal Methods
The following table summarizes the primary methods for removing different types of structures in Dwarf Fortress:
| Type of Structure | Method | Access Key/Action | Materials Recovered? | Requires Dwarf Labor? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constructions (Walls, Floors, Ramps, Stairs, Fortifications, Roads) | "Remove Construction" tool | Press M, then click the Stairs with Red Strike icon | Yes | Yes |
| Workshops (Carpenter's, Mason's, etc.) | Deconstruct (via Query menu) | Select item, press q, then press x | Yes | Yes |
| Furniture (Beds, Tables, Chairs, Doors, Levers, etc.) | Deconstruct (via Query menu) | Select item, press q, then press x | Yes | Yes |
| Naturally Occurring Tiles (Stone, Soil, Ore) | Mining / Channeling (not "removal" but excavation) | Press d (Designations), then d (Dig) or h (Channel) | Yes (as raw materials) | Yes |
Understanding these distinctions will help you efficiently manage your fortress's layout and resources.
