A Game of Dwarves: Pets is a strategy game expansion that adds companion creatures to the core experience of managing a dwarven underground settlement on PC. Players focus on expanding living spaces, assigning tasks to dwarves, and now incorporating pets that require ongoing care while providing company and occasional protection.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on excavation and construction beneath the surface. Dwarves dig tunnels, erect buildings, and conduct research to improve their settlement. With the Pets content pack, five new companions join the roster: the Drakeling, Wolf, Cat, Giant Snail, and Pet Rock. These creatures need regular feeding at a dedicated food table, rest in one of three available beds, and access to play items to stay content.
Eight toys support pet interaction, including the Jumping Ring, Balancing Ball, Princess Doll, Chemistry Set, Racing Car, Hamster Wheel, Yarn Ball, and Toy Bone. Matching sets of fences and gates help contain the animals within designated areas. Pets integrate directly into both ongoing campaigns and player-created scenarios, adding layers of management without altering the fundamental building and research systems.
Game Modes
Two primary modes support the new content. The campaign follows a structured sequence of missions where players develop settlements while incorporating the pets into daily routines. Custom games allow free-form settlement design, where the full range of pets, toys, beds, and enclosures can be used to shape unique underground environments.
Both modes emphasize resource allocation for pet upkeep alongside traditional dwarven needs. The companions contribute to settlement liveliness and can assist in defensive situations when threats arise.
Pet Management Details
Each pet type brings distinct visual and behavioral traits that fit the underground setting. The Drakeling offers a small dragon-like presence, while wolves and cats provide familiar animal companionship. Giant Snails introduce an exotic element from distant jungles, and the Pet Rock serves as a low-maintenance option. Proper care through food, rest, and toys keeps the animals active and integrated into the community.
Fences and gates create boundaries that prevent pets from wandering into hazardous zones during excavation or construction. This system encourages thoughtful layout planning so that animal areas complement dwarven living quarters and work zones.
Is It Worth Playing?
The base game holds mixed player reception, with 63 percent positive reviews from hundreds of user submissions on major distribution platforms. The Pets pack appeals specifically to those who enjoy detailed settlement management and incremental additions to existing campaigns or custom setups. It suits players comfortable with older strategy titles that prioritize steady progression over fast-paced action.
Those interested in dwarf-themed building simulations will find value in the added companion layer, which expands daily tasks without requiring new core mechanics. Availability remains straightforward through standard PC digital stores, with the content pack functioning as a straightforward addition to the 2012 release. The experience rewards careful planning around pet needs and settlement layout.
