Should I still play the free version?

[Vazeyo]

So... I never got into the free version of DF... I know. Shame on me.
It´s installed on my PC but there were always more exciting games to play instead... I never forgot DF though and thought, after this version came out that I could compare the two and decide which I will continue playing.
Should I?

[KnighTheThrasher]

Free version has adventure mode if you're into that kind of a thing.

[BlackSmokeDMax]

No reason not to. Or you could wait until the free version is updated to match the same Steam version. Of course there is no exact date on that happening.

[McFuzz]

On the one hand, there's a free game with 1000s of hours of content just waiting to be played.

On the other, the UI changes will take some getting used to when you do finally decide to invest in premium. Vets are grumbly. But we'll get over it, and the things we won't get over will be fixed.

[Agagamemnon]

Free version is free so you can check and test the game... for free. Why not ?
Now, the UI is slightly better (although not really good... but still an improvement over the original antediluvian UI) in the Steam version.
So, if you value comfort or supporting the devs, by no means click the "Buy" button

[Tzyder]

Free version with PyLNP mod seems the superior choice atm. The free version benefits from years of community contribution on bugfixing and quality of life fixes. This release needs some polish and made some odd design choices.

[The Hat]

I just had my first crash with a pure vanilla game in this version, its 19 hours in. I am not sure how stable the nonsteam version is by comparison.

However the UI for me is a necessity so I'll stick with this and hope it was a one-off crash.

[Onba]

I tried to do that once, I was so confused. The free version has a completely different UI system that is all about keys, can't remember what it's called. To do anything you must go like "B" then "D" then "F", and it's crazy.

So, unless this version becomes free, I'd say no.

[CRUUBAKKA]

Lazy Newb Pack - get it. it's awesome and all the concepts are the same. I'd wait a while till the steam version bugs are ironed out.

[kara_buga]

As a seasoned player I wouldn't recommend it. The whole reason there's a steam version it's so you won't have to worry about the free version's ui. Yes this version has its shortcomings for especially veteran players but it's a much simplified version for new players. I can understand why an old timer would still play it but I don't see the point for a new player to overwhelm themselves with it.