How to build "cave" base?

[Kamilkadze2000]

Hello, I want to created my main base in concept of dwarf fortress so digging inside a mountain, a lot of tunells, stone halls etc. On what mechanics should I be aware to dont have much problems with building and using this base? You musn't explain them, I can do it on my own but I want to know about what should I specifically read.

Edited January 21, 2025 by Kamilkadze2000

[Ewil]

First off, think about finding a teporal stable area. Do som test-holes, to see if the green gear moves. Depending how deep you go, more instability could be a problem.

You have alot of advantages to build a cave base.

But you should try to make, find or buy at least a copper pickaxe, or else you have many hours of hard work.

Monsters spawn in darkness, so you might want to stock up on torches, until you find or make light yourself. Remember, without a torch holder, your torches burn out quickly. 

Food. Pick upp as many berries as you can find, and replant the bushes near your base, so you have some kind of food going.

I like the idea of having a base underground. I always makes cellers and storage, under my base.

And yes, bee-keeping works underground too. Deep enough, you can have it warm, and get honey and wax all year around.

[LadyWYT]

You'll probably want to make sure that underground farming is turned on, depending on how much stuff you're wanting to put underground, as well as making sure to avoid disabling the creation of water sources via bucket. You may also consider turning off the temporal stability mechanic as well, so that you can build wherever you wish(rifts, storms, and monsters should still be present though) without needing to worry about death from stability loss.

Otherwise, the main thing to remember is to keep your base well-lit. Monsters will start spawning if the light levels are too low, especially underground. The only other thing I can think of is that you may also want to make sure that the cave-in mechanic is turned off as well, if you'd rather just build and not have to worry about the structural integrity of natural blocks.

[Maelstrom]

Be sure to opt out of cave-ins.  I think that option is defaulted to off, but be very, very sure it's off.  Once an area has a cave in, cave ins become more prevalent.

[Kamilkadze2000]

3 hours ago, Maelstrom said:

Be sure to opt out of cave-ins.  I think that option is defaulted to off, but be very, very sure it's off.  Once an area has a cave in, cave ins become more prevalent.

Heh, I'm kind of masochist because I want to try build this with this mechanic active. I know this will be much harder but I will try to figure out how to utilise support beams properly.

Edited January 22, 2025 by Kamilkadze2000

[Maelstrom]

There's other ways to prevent cave ins.  I'll let you discover those options on your own though.