Hammerting is a unique colony management and mining simulation game that challenges players to build, expand, and sustain a thriving underground dwarven colony. While the game had a rocky development history, with its creators ceasing updates earlier than expected, it still offers a deep and engaging experience for those who enjoy strategy and resource management. This guide covers everything from starting your first settlement to mastering trade, combat, and crafting.

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Getting Started: Setting Up Your First Quarry

One of the first tasks you’ll encounter in Hammerting is constructing a Small Quarry. This structure is essential for producing granite chunks, which are the foundation of nearly every building and crafting recipe. Without a quarry, your dwarves will struggle to build new infrastructure, so prioritize this early on.

Key Steps:

1. Select a suitable mining area – Ensure the terrain allows for efficient digging and expansion.
2. Construct the Small Quarry – It requires basic materials like granite chunks, which can be mined from the mountain itself.
3. Set up scaffolding if necessary – Dwarves can climb walls, but proper scaffolding ensures safer and more efficient movement.
4. Assign mining tasks – Use the interface to direct your dwarves to extract materials.

Once the quarry is operational, your colony will have a steady supply of materials to expand its infrastructure.

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Resource Management & Trade: The Lifeline of Your Colony

Gathering Resources

Mining provides essential resources, but some materials, such as wood, are scarce underground. Since many structures and tools require wood, you’ll need to trade with overworld settlements.

Trading with the Overworld

1. Unlock Dwarven Trade Relations – This technology is critical for engaging with settlements.
2. Monitor Overworld Markets – Towns frequently have lumber and other crucial resources.
3. Use Citadel Mushrooms – As your colony advances, growing Citadel Mushrooms will help supplement your wood supply.

Trading is vital for long-term survival, as certain upgrades and buildings require resources that aren’t available in the underground caverns.

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Building and Infrastructure: Creating a Thriving Colony

A well-structured colony maximizes efficiency and minimizes unnecessary travel time for your dwarves. Here are some key structures to prioritize:

• Storage Chests: Prevents materials from being scattered, allowing easy access for dwarves.
• Stone Bridges & Stairways: Improve navigation across different levels of the cavern.
• Foundries & Crafting Stations: Essential for processing mined materials into usable goods.

Scaffolding & Stairs: Vertical Expansion

Dwarves can climb walls to some extent, but scaffolding and stairs improve efficiency. Place stairs in frequently traveled paths to save time and prevent bottlenecks.

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Combat: Defending Your Settlement

While Hammerting is primarily about resource management, combat is inevitable. Slimes and other creatures may attack your colony, especially as you expand deeper. Here’s how to prepare:

1. Equip Dwarves with Weapons – Ensure your dwarves have access to basic swords or hammers.
2. Assign Attack Orders – Direct dwarves to engage in combat when threats emerge.
3. Build Defensive Structures – Consider placing barriers or doors to control enemy movement.

Failure to defend your settlement can result in resource loss and even the death of valuable dwarves.

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Advanced Crafting & Automation

As your colony expands, you’ll gain access to more advanced crafting and automation options.

• Maintain Stock Levels: Use crafting stations to set automatic production levels (e.g., always maintain 10 stone slabs).
• Efficient Material Distribution: Assign priority levels to different tasks so that crucial resources go where they’re needed first.
• Optimize Workflows: Ensure dwarves are working efficiently by reducing unnecessary travel time between workstations.

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Conclusion

Hammerting offers a deep and rewarding experience for players who enjoy strategic management. While some elements may feel incomplete due to halted development, mastering its mechanics allows for an engaging and satisfying gameplay loop. Whether you’re focusing on mining, trade, or combat, careful planning and resource management will ensure your dwarves thrive beneath the mountain. Happy mining!