Sons of the Forest expands on the survival horror formula of its predecessor with new mechanics, resources, and dangers. For new players, the sheer volume of things to learn can be overwhelming. This guide highlights 13 essential things to do first to secure your survival and establish a strong foothold on the island.
1. Choose Your Game Mode Wisely
When starting a new game, you’ll need to decide between single-player and multiplayer modes. Keep in mind that single-player allows you to pause the game entirely when accessing your inventory, offering a tactical advantage during tense moments. Multiplayer, however, keeps the world active, making teamwork essential.
If you prefer solo survival with the ability to pause and strategize, go single-player. If you thrive in chaos and enjoy coordinating with others, opt for multiplayer.
2. Familiarize Yourself with the New Inventory System
The inventory in Sons of the Forest is significantly larger and more detailed than in the first game. Move your cursor to the screen edges to explore its full extent. Organize resources efficiently and make use of the expanded space to keep track of crafting components, weapons, and consumables.
3. Adjust Your Field of View (FOV)
Increasing the FOV slider in the options menu provides better peripheral awareness, making it easier to spot enemies and resources. This simple tweak can greatly enhance both exploration and combat efficiency.
4. Optimize Your Starting Location
The game offers a variety of spawn points, including forests, snowy mountains, and beaches. If you don’t like where you spawn, you can restart until you get a location you prefer. The beach is recommended for its proximity to water, food sources (like seagulls), and open areas for building.
5. Make the Most of Kelvin
Kelvin is a valuable NPC who can gather resources and assist with basic tasks. Prioritize having him collect sticks early on, which are essential for crafting storage solutions such as stick, rock, and log holders. Efficient resource management from the start simplifies mid-game progression.
6. Prioritize Storage Solutions
Build stick, rock, and log holders at your base as soon as possible. This ensures that resources Kelvin collects won’t clutter your surroundings or get lost. Keeping a well-organized base helps streamline crafting and construction.
7. Toggle Sprint and Crouch
Enable toggle for sprinting and crouching to save your fingers from fatigue during long sessions. You’ll be sprinting and ducking a lot, so this small setting change can make a big difference.
8. Gather Everything
Sons of the Forest has no encumbrance limit, so grab every rock, stick, and leaf you come across. Maximizing your inventory early ensures you always have resources for crafting weapons, traps, and shelters.
9. Build the Bow Early
The bow is one of the most versatile weapons early on, allowing you to hunt animals for food and fend off enemies from a distance. Craft a bow using sticks, tape, and rope, and make stone arrows from basic resources found near your spawn.
10. Establish a Base Before Exploring
It’s tempting to dive into caves right away, but rushing into combat without adequate supplies is a quick way to die. Spend your first few hours gathering resources, building a simple shelter, and crafting weapons and storage.
11. Find the 3D Printer Facility
Locate the underground facility with the 3D printer as soon as possible. This printer allows you to craft useful items like flasks, sleds, and arrows. Stock up on printer resin whenever you find it and make regular trips back to this facility to craft essential gear.
12. Cure Meat with Drying Racks
Build drying racks to cure meat, which lasts significantly longer than cooked meat. Keeping a steady supply of cured meat prevents you from having to stop and cook mid-exploration, making your expeditions smoother.
13. Build Seating for Efficient Rest
Constructing a bench or chair near your fire allows you to recover stamina faster while monitoring cooking food. It’s a small quality-of-life improvement that helps optimize your resource management.
Conclusion: Plan, Prepare, Survive
By following these 13 steps, you’ll establish a solid foundation for survival in Sons of the Forest. Focus on efficient resource gathering, base building, and utilizing companions like Kelvin to their fullest potential. With a strong start, you’ll be better equipped to explore deeper into the island and uncover its secrets.
Prepare wisely, and happy surviving!
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