The phrase “dwarf fortress why should i make obsidian swords” centers on a question about the utility of crafting edged weapons from volcanic glass within the complex simulation game, Dwarf Fortress. The core inquiry focuses on whether obsidian, a material readily available in certain biomes, offers advantages when forged into swords compared to more traditional metals.
Obsidian’s primary benefit stems from its relative abundance and accessibility in volcanic regions, allowing for early weapon production when metal sources are scarce. Historically, in the game’s development and players’ understanding, obsidian weapons were considered a readily available, if less durable, alternative to steel or iron. However, the low material strength made them prone to shattering during combat, leading to lower overall effectiveness. Its sharp edges do have advantages in clean cuts and surgical applications, but in weapons it is often a bad choice.