What is the difference between the free version and Steam version?

[Matsu]

I heard the only difference is the graphics and you can use your mouse with the free version too. Is it true?

[Fel]

It should be the only difference.

The steam version is also the only one to have the beta branch (unfinished adventure mode with version 51) but it will get to the free version as it gets to the default version on steam as well.

[Lomaster野郎]

Steam version has made it accessible to larger groups of gaming population by introducing mouse controls and overhauling UI.

If you've played and enjoyed DF "classic" then you will be disappointed by how big a setback Steam version is. Mouse control is the only advantage it offers over v. 0.47

First of all, Steam version is veeeery slow and time consuming due to following reasons;
- Cannot select an attack target from the list. You have to find it on the map!
- Cannot use keyboard to give job orders via manager. There is a hotkey for orders menu but no hotkey for "give a new order" and while you can write an AHK macros to mimic a new order hotkey you still have to use your mouse to click the order after typing it.
- Cannot use keyboard to draw stockpiles. There is "stockpiles" hotkey but no "make a new stockpie" hotkey. You have to use your mouse, or write an AHK macros.

Next, forget about all the great mods and tilesets we had for v 0.47. They are just incompatible. There are some decent mods, including graphics mods on Steam Workshop but it will take years until variety and customization gets anywhere close to that of v 0.47

Also we cannot check biomes boundaries anymore on the embark site screen.
Also the ice tiles turn invisible when the water freezes. They look like an unexplored section of the stone (they still look like they should if you switch to ASCII mode)

Also we can not assign ammo to marksdvarves in Steam version either!

[Fel]

Note that Lomaster野郎 is talking about version 47 when talking about the free version and not version 50 even when not specifically mentionned (you can't asign ammo in version 50, steam or not).
It's not wrong, just not the same version of the game.

[Matsu]

Thank you for the replies, people.

[Fletch]

Differences:
1. graphical tileset in Premium (free version is "ASCII-art")
2. music/ambiance sound tracks in Premium (free version has the original guitar track from the classic series)

[Tal]

Originally posted by Aoi:

I heard the only difference is the graphics and you can use your mouse with the free version too. Is it true?

The Free classic version has waaaaaaaaay more detail in what is tracked and how long after something happens where you can reference that info. Also stuff like carving statues has considerably more options and detail as well.

[Fel]

Again, that isn't for version 50 but older versions of the game (not wrong but not what was asked).

[Kaligath]

They are basically the same but the steam version gives you a sprites personally though it is well worth buying the steam version.