How to Trade in Dwarf Fortress

This guide will tell you how to get started trading in Dwarf Fortress. This will be a step-by-step guides showing you how to start trading and also give you some tips on how to manage trading better in Dwarf Fortress.

Contents:

Getting Start Trading
Understanding Trade Caravans
Interacting With Merchants (Trading)
Managing and Storing Trade Goods
Expanding Trading With Other Civilizations

1: Preparing for Trade

Before you can engage in trade, you’ll need to set some things up first:

1. Build a Trade Depot:
   • Press the ‘b’ key to access the build menu, then select ‘Trade Depot’ (‘t’). Designate an area for your trade depot by placing it on the map. Dwarves will construct the depot using available materials.
2. Stockpiling Goods for Trade:
   • Create stockpiles near your trade depot to store goods for trading. Use the ‘p’ key to access the stockpile menu and designate specific areas for storing items like crafts, food, and valuable commodities.

2: Understanding Trade Caravans

Trade caravans are your gateway to trading in Dwarf Fortress. Keep an eye out for liaison visits from neighboring civilizations. These diplomats can help establish long-term trade agreements, paving the way for profitable exchanges in the future.

Trade caravans arrive at your fortress according to a predetermined schedule, typically once or twice per year, depending on your fortress’s location and trade agreements. Keep track of these arrival schedules to prepare for trading opportunities and ensure that your fortress is ready to receive merchants.

3: Interacting with Merchants

When merchants arrive at your fortress, it’s time to wheel and deal:

1. Negotiating Trades:
   • Approach the trade depot with a designated broker. Use the ‘q’ key to interact with the depot and initiate trade with the visiting merchants. Engage in deals by selecting items to offer and items to request in return.
2. Appointing a Skilled Broker:
   • Designate a skilled negotiator or broker to represent your fortress during trading sessions. Choose a dwarf with high social skills and experience in trading to serve as your primary negotiator. Investing in the social attributes of your broker through training and skill development can significantly improve your chances of successful trades.

4: Managing Trade Goods

Efficient management of your fortress’s inventory is crucial for successful trading:

1. Organizing Stockpiles:
   • Use the ‘p’ key to access the stockpile menu and customize stockpile settings. Organize stockpiles by category, prioritizing high-value goods and commodities for trading.
2. Prioritizing High-Value Goods:
   • Identify high-value goods or commodities that are in demand by visiting merchants. Prioritize the production and stockpiling of these items to maximize profits during trading. Keep an eye on market trends and adjust your production priorities accordingly to capitalize on lucrative opportunities.
3. Maintaining Inventory Levels:
   • Regularly monitor your fortress’s inventory levels to ensure a steady supply of goods for trading. Avoid overstocking on low-demand items that take up valuable storage space. Instead, focus on maintaining a balanced inventory that includes a variety of trade goods to cater to different merchant preferences.

5: Trading with Other Civilizations

Expand your trading network by establishing relations with neighboring civilizations:

1. Establishing Trade Routes:
   • Send diplomatic envoys to neighboring civilizations to establish trade routes. Diplomatic interactions can lead to mutually beneficial trade agreements and increased access to valuable resources.
2. Exploring Trade Routes:
   • Once trade relations are established, explore potential trade routes to neighboring civilizations’ settlements. Consider factors such as distance, terrain, and potential hazards when planning trade routes. Regularly send trade caravans to these destinations to exchange goods and maintain diplomatic ties with neighboring factions.
3. Adapting to Cultural Preferences:
   • Take into account the cultural preferences and trade priorities of neighboring civilizations when conducting trade. Tailor your trading strategy to offer goods that are highly valued by specific factions, such as exotic animals, rare metals, or luxury goods. Adapting to cultural preferences can strengthen trade relations and lead to more profitable exchanges over time.