Start Off Quickly

The base has enough space for 10 beds, including a 3-block high ceiling for enough space to decorate later. Try and build a Sand Wall on each side before the first wave. To get there fast enough rush wood and a few stones in the beginning, dont worry about the first few nights, just fight off, whatever finds its way to you. After you equipped your dwarfs with stone tools, keep farming stone and wood for ladders and your first shelter. Use sand/earth/snow for background. Also kill all the snails that are in reach, it makes you level up quickly, thus gaining a bigger workforce.