Tavern Keeper digging deeper is the second major content update released by Greenheart Games for their Early Access fantasy management simulator. Launched officially on October 1, 2026, following testing on the experimental branch, the update introduces multi-level building with cellars, ground expansions, the dwarven mountain realm of Domhain, and specialized staff logistics.
The update significantly expands both the physical building space and management depth across the entire campaign, giving players the tools to construct sprawling underground facilities while handling new economic demands.
Underground Cellars and Ground-Level Expansions
The headline addition of Major Update 2 is the introduction of cellars and staircases across every scenario in the game, including Riverbottom, Halflington, Gugamush, Domhain, and Freeplay mode. While developer Greenheart Games originally ruled out multi-level taverns during early development, community feedback led to a complete overhaul of the building engine.
Excavating underground areas requires using the Construct Foundation tool in the Build Room menu. Digging out cellars and clearing terrain demands substantial gold investments and manual labor performed by staff assigned to the Dogsbody role with the Construction skill. Game settings allow players to modify construction speeds or make foundation builds instantaneous if preferred.
Environmental systems interact directly across floor levels. Cold, heat, and tavern fires now travel up and down staircases, requiring careful placement of braziers and hearths. The build system also accommodates furniture placement directly underneath staircases and allows ceiling fixtures like chandeliers to attach to the underside of stairs.
Alongside subterranean digging, horizontal ground-level expansions have been added to Riverbottom, Halflington, and Domhain. While the unique architecture of the orc settlement Gugamush does not support ground expansions, it received an expansive diggable underground layout instead.
The Dwarven Realm of Domhain
Domhain serves as the fourth and largest campaign scenario in Tavern Keeper. Situated deep within a subterranean mountain suspended above a lava pit, the setting presents distinct environmental and economic hurdles for keepers.
Unlike surface-dwelling patrons in Riverbottom or Halflington, dwarven patrons operate on a 24/7 schedule, keeping taprooms active day and night. Keepers must prepare for subterranean earthquakes that periodically rattle the tavern, causing physical damage that Dogsbodies must repair quickly to prevent structural failure.
The narrative arc of Domhain centers around an active mining rush where players interact with two rival dwarven factions:
- The Oreheart Clan: Led by Goutin Oreheart, representing the affluent, established elite who favor high-class refreshments, fine wine, and scrolls.
- The Ironbreaker Clan: Led by Ran Ironbreaker, representing aggressive underdogs who demand beer, food, and comfortable seating.
Both clans compete to unearth a thousand-year-old dwarven relic known as the Ark of Infinite Challenge. Keepers can choose to favor one faction's needs to gain specific reputation perks or balance service between both clans to maximize gold earnings.
Staff Duties and Logistics Overhaul
The update introduces the Staff Duties system, giving players granular control over employee behavior within their assigned roles. Instead of relying purely on default AI task selection, keepers can set individual sub-tasks to prioritized, normal, or avoid.
This allows specialized workflows within a single job title:
- Servers can be restricted to bar service only or assigned exclusively to table deliveries.
- Kitchen staff can be divided between dedicated cooks handling grills and prep workers assembling raw ingredients.
- Dogsbodies can focus strictly on hauling deliveries, running construction, or handling repairs.
The Staff Schedule interface includes new filtering and sorting options, dimmed indicators for unavailable roles, and copy-paste functionality for hour blocks. Janitors and Dogsbodies also prioritize walking distance rather than straight-line paths, significantly reducing idling and erratic pathfinding.
New Production: Shops, Blacksmiths, and Desserts
To support the expanded tavern footprints, Update 2 adds new revenue streams and kitchen mechanics:
- Tavern Shops: Keepers can build dedicated retail shop spaces inside their tavern. Goods purchased from traveling merchants or world-map trade routes can be stocked on shelves with custom pricing to capitalize on demand spikes.
- Blacksmithing: Higher-tier patrons frequently seek weapons and tools. Players can construct a forge and hire staff skilled in metal craft to produce these goods on-site rather than relying on external imports.
- Desserts: Culinary menus now expand beyond grilled meats, stews, and soups. Keepers can bake Cake Bases inside the Bread Oven, store them in the larder, and assign chefs to finish custom dessert orders with toppings at the Cake Table.
Core Features Summary
| Feature | Details | Key Mechanics |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-Level Cellars | Available in all scenarios and Freeplay | Requires Construct Foundation tool; stairs propagate heat, cold, and fire |
| Ground Expansions | Added to Riverbottom, Halflington, Domhain | Cleared and built by Dogsbody staff with Construction skill |
| Domhain Campaign | Fourth scenario; largest playable map | 24/7 operating hours, earthquake damage events, dwarven faction rivalry |
| Staff Duties | Sub-task customization within job roles | Prioritize, normalize, or avoid specific role assignments |
| Tavern Shop | Internal retail store system | Direct goods sales, inventory management, price adjustments |
| Blacksmith Workshop | Metal craft production facility | On-site forging of tools and weapons requested by high-tier guests |
| Desserts | Multi-stage bakery menu items | Bake Cake Bases in Bread Oven; decorate at Cake Table |
| Guild Levels | Account-wide progression tracking | Increases with new stars; unlocks up to 3.5 stars in older taverns |
Guild Levels and Quality-of-Life Additions
The progression loop now features Guild Levels, which increase whenever a player earns a tavern star in any campaign scenario. Increasing your Guild Level permits returning to earlier taverns—such as Riverbottom or Halflington—to build cellars, install newly unlocked services, and raise those establishments up to a maximum rating of 3.5 stars.
Several functional quality-of-life adjustments shipped with the update:
- Doors now exist in three distinct sizes: Narrow Door, Wide Door, and Grand Door, and can be placed on exterior boundary walls.
- Beverage taps now retain their assigned drink memory when a keg runs dry, and keepers can assign specific beverages to taps even when stock is temporarily depleted.
- Storage shelves feature a reserve all in room toggle to organize larders without manual rack configuration.
- Accessibility includes a dedicated Mute Misophonia Triggers setting to silence burping, vomiting, and loud eating audio effects.
- New staff traits include Wants To Sleep Underground, Loves Construction Work, and visible Late To Work indicators on Tier 1 candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build cellars in existing tavern save files?
Yes. Official patch notes confirm that cellars, staircases, and ground expansions are accessible in both existing campaign saves and newly started games.
How do I start building a cellar or expanding my tavern?
Open the Build Room menu and select the Construct Foundation tool. Highlight the undeveloped underground or ground area you wish to claim, confirm the gold purchase, and ensure you have staff assigned to the Dogsbody role with the Construction skill to clear debris and build the floor.
What causes structural damage in the Domhain campaign?
Earthquakes occur throughout the Domhain mountain scenario, causing damage that requires Dogsbodies to conduct manual repairs. Dogsbody staffers must be available to conduct manual repairs.
What is the maximum star rating for taverns after Update 2?
Players can advance scenario taverns up to 3.5 stars by earning Guild Levels across the broader campaign map.
