Catastrophic helicopter crashes leaving you stranded on a deserted island aren’t just a nuisance—they’re a death sentence if you’re not prepared. Luckily, crafting is your ticket to survival in Sons of the Forest. This guide covers everything you need to know about crafting weapons, armor, special items, and even using the game’s 3D printers to make advanced gear. Let’s dive in and make sure you’re ready for anything this island throws your way!

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Crafting Basics: How to Get Started

Accessing Your Inventory:

• Key: Press I to open your inventory mat.
• Look Around: Your inventory is spread out, so move your cursor to see all the materials you’ve collected.
• New Recipes: If the gear icon has an exclamation point, that means you’ve unlocked a new recipe!

How to Craft Items:

1. Select Materials: Click on the items you want to use. They’ll appear in the center of the mat.
2. Combine: If you have all the necessary ingredients, click the gear icon to craft.
3. Unlock Recipes: As you gather new items, you’ll automatically unlock more recipes.

Starter Crafting Recipes:

• Wooden Spear: 2 sticks + duct tape + knife.
• Bow: 1 stick + rope + duct tape.
• Arrows: 2 sticks + 5 small stones + 2 feathers.

These basic weapons will help you fend off early threats and hunt for resources.

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Finding Crafting Materials

Gathering Basics:

• Sticks: Found on the ground or by chopping small trees with your hatchet.
• Stones and Small Stones: Scattered across the ground.
• Duct Tape: Found in suitcases and crates around the crash site.

Feathers:

• Hunt Birds: Craft a spear to kill birds, which drop 4–5 feathers each.
• Build a Birdhouse: Made with sticks; birds will land and drop feathers when they fly away.

Advanced Materials:

• Rope: Found in cannibal camps, caves, and storage crates.
• Shovel: Requires a separate guide due to multiple steps.

Tip: Loot every suitcase and crate at the crash site to maximize your starting materials!

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Advanced Crafting: Using the 3D Printer

Yes, there are 3D printers on this island! Here’s how to use them:

Finding a 3D Printer:

• Map Indicator: Look for green flashing pointers on your GPS.
• Location: Typically inside small caves or bunkers.

3D Printer Crafting:

• Power Source: Requires 3D printer ink, found in caves, crates, and looted from enemies.
• Items to Print:
  • Flask: Store water for long journeys.
  • Grappling Hooks: For climbing cliffs and exploring caves.
  • Tech Armor: Offers advanced protection.

Tip: Prioritize printing a flask early on to avoid dehydration while exploring.

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Building Essentials: Setting Up Your Base

Accessing the Survival Notebook:

• Key: Press B to open the notebook.
• Two Modes:
  • Manual Mode: Shows you step-by-step how to build with individual components like walls and roofs.
  • Blueprint Mode: Automatically places structures like shelters, traps, and storage.

Recommended Early Builds:

1. Campfire: Sticks + lighter.
2. Shelter: Sticks + tarps.
3. Storage:
   • Stick Holders: For surplus sticks.
   • Log Holders: Essential if you’re planning on a log cabin.

Advanced Builds:

• Traps: For catching rabbits and fish, ensuring a steady food supply.
• Tree Platforms: Safe from ground-based enemies and offer a strategic advantage.

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Top Crafting Tips for Survival

• Keep an Eye on Your Gear Icon: New recipes unlock frequently, so check for that exclamation point.
• Build Storage Early: Prevent losing resources by storing them in stick and rock holders.
• Focus on Weapons First: Prioritize spears, bows, and arrows to deal with threats.
• Use the 3D Printer Efficiently: Ink is limited, so print essential items first—like the flask and arrows.
• Loot Respawn: Items in crates and suitcases respawn when you reload the game, making them a valuable resource.

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Conclusion: Craft to Survive!

Crafting is your lifeline on this hostile island. Master these basics, keep gathering resources, and expand your crafting capabilities by using the 3D printers scattered across the map. With the right gear, you’ll not only survive—you’ll thrive.

Got a favorite weapon or crafting tip? Drop it in the comments and share your survival secrets with fellow players!