Understanding enemy AI in The Forest can drastically improve your survival chances. In this guide, we will go over a test that examined cannibal patrol routes and AI behavior, showing how you can manipulate their movements to your advantage.

1. The Patrol Map and Cannibal Movement

Using a mod that allows an in-game map overlay, a detailed patrol map was created to track enemy movement. The key takeaway? No matter where you are, enemies will head towards your location. They track the player and adapt their routes based on your movements.

Key Observations:

• Cannibals hover around your last known location.
• Patrol routes remain largely unchanged, even if some pathways are less frequently used.
• Enemies focus heavily on the starting area and main points of interest.

2. How to Trick the AI

One way to ensure a more peaceful experience is to outmaneuver the AI. This isn’t an exploit—just using their tracking system against them.

Move Between Two Locations

• If you frequently move between two distant locations, enemies will struggle to keep up.
• For example, in the Season 5 and Season 3 playthroughs, avoiding frequent attacks was achieved by staying mobile.
• The AI will chase you but might reset their pathing if they can’t reach you in time.

Use Natural Barriers

• Rivers, cliffs, and lakes can serve as effective obstacles that block enemy paths.
• Placing bases in difficult-to-reach locations (like islands) can significantly reduce enemy encounters.
• Be mindful that some mutants, such as Virginia and Cowman, can occasionally glitch across rivers.

3. Understanding Enemy Attack Patterns

There are three main types of attacks:

1. Patrol Routes – Standard enemy patrols across the map.
2. Direct Pursuit – Enemies move toward your last known location.
3. Designated Attacks – Triggered once you’ve built more than 45 structures, sending dedicated attack squads.

If you want a more peaceful game, it’s best to:

• Build in areas with natural barriers.
• Keep moving to confuse enemy AI.
• Avoid large, exposed bases in open fields.

4. Best Locations to Avoid Frequent Attacks

Safe Locations

• Cliffs with Limited Access: Forces enemies into specific choke points.
• Islands and Water-Protected Areas: Some enemies cannot cross deep water.
• High Platforms with No Stairs: Using climbing ropes instead of staircases makes access harder for enemies.

Dangerous Locations

• Main Patrol Routes: These areas see frequent enemy movement.
• Flat, Open Fields: No obstacles mean easier access for enemies.
• Dense Forested Areas: Enemies can blend in and ambush you easily.

5. Testing AI Behavior

If you want to see how the AI reacts in real-time:

• Play with a friend: Have one player remain stationary while the other moves.
• Record movements: Using God Mode, track how enemies shift across the map.
• Monitor reaction times: Note how long it takes for enemies to relocate after detecting movement.

6. Important AI Notes

• The Worm mutant has only a 5% chance of spawning after Day 40, meaning it’s a rare occurrence.
• Cutting trees attracts more enemies; keep this in mind when building.
• The 45-building limit does not prevent attacks; enemies will still seek you out regardless.

Final Thoughts

Manipulating enemy AI in The Forest can help you control encounters, making survival easier. Whether you’re playing solo or with friends, using patrol routes, movement patterns, and natural obstacles to your advantage will drastically reduce your risks. If you found this guide helpful, be sure to share it, and happy surviving!

Cheers!