Sons of the Forest has launched to massive success on Steam, and survival fans are in for a wild ride. Whether you’re new to survival games or just looking for a smoother entry into this intense sequel, this spoiler-free guide covers everything you need to know—from difficulty settings and base building to crafting and long-term survival.
1. Choose the Right Difficulty
Before starting your adventure, you’ll need to select a difficulty mode. For most players, Normal or Hard is a good starting point, depending on your survival experience. You can also choose Custom to toggle specific mechanics like starvation, dehydration, and enemy aggression for a tailored challenge.
Pro Tip: You can skip the opening cutscene by holding the “S” key (default). Spawn locations vary, adding replayability and unpredictability each run.
2. Learn the HUD and Core Mechanics
Understanding your HUD is key to survival:
- Strength Meter: Grows as you perform physical tasks like chopping or carrying.
- Hydration, Hunger, and Stamina: Keep them in check with food, water, and rest.
- Health and Armor: Vital for combat and reducing damage.
- Mini-map (GPS): Tracks terrain, markers, and objectives.
Neglecting hydration or hunger in certain difficulties can lead to death—so keep your vitals balanced.
3. Loot Everything at the Crash Site
Search the crash area thoroughly before moving out. Collect:
- First Aid: For treating injuries.
- Crafting Materials: Duct tape, tarps, vodka bottles.
- Weapons: Your starter axe is reliable, but craft a spear early for combat versatility.
Don’t forget to interact with Kelvin, your AI companion. He can follow you, collect resources, and even help build your first shelter.
4. Set Up a Safe Starter Camp
Pick a base location near freshwater for easy hydration and fishing. To set up camp:
- Place a tarp on the ground.
- Use sticks to prop it into a tent.
- Save your game and rest.
Early base building should focus on essentials like a campfire, drying rack, and basic shelter to survive the first nights.
5. Master Your Inventory and Crafting
Your inventory holds more than just gear—it’s your lifeline:
- Open the Emergency Pack to access your axe, GPS, lighter, and survival guide.
- Craft a spear using two sticks, duct tape, and a utility knife.
- Customize your backpack with quick-use items for combat and utility.
Use the survival book (default: “B”) to browse blueprints and switch between basic and advanced building modes.
6. Manage Food and Water Effectively
Early-game survival hinges on securing reliable nutrition:
- Fish with your spear in rivers or lakes.
- Collect berries and mushrooms—the game will tell you if they’re safe.
- Build a drying rack to preserve meat longer.
Avoid eating spoiled food. It’s best to eat cooked meat shortly after catching it or dry it for storage.
7. Use GPS for Exploration
Your GPS is your map and mission hub:
- Green markers show caves and points of interest.
- Purple icons indicate key story objectives.
Exploring early will help you find tools, weapons, and ideal base locations. The map is massive—so choose a central spot to minimize long treks.
8. Handle Enemies with Caution
The island is full of threats. Here’s how to deal with them early:
- Avoid direct aggression—some enemies scout you before attacking.
- Build traps and fortifications to defend your base.
- Clear nearby foliage to improve visibility and reduce sneak attacks.
9. Use Kelvin Efficiently
Kelvin is a huge asset—don’t ignore him! Assign him tasks like:
- Gathering logs or fish
- Collecting berries or sticks
- Building simple shelters
His efficiency frees you up to explore, build, or prepare for battle.
10. Understand Basic Building Systems
Base building is intuitive, but layered:
- Lay logs to outline your structure.
- Use your axe to split logs into planks.
- Toggle building modes to switch between freeform and blueprint options.
Start with practical builds—drying racks, log holders, reinforced campfires, and simple walls.
11. Plan for Long-Term Survival
Here’s how to prepare for the mid- and late-game:
- Choose a central base location near multiple resources.
- Stockpile supplies before winter—food and stones become scarce.
- Use Kelvin to automate tasks and build smarter defenses.
Final Thoughts
Surviving your first days in Sons of the Forest is all about preparation, smart planning, and using your resources wisely. With this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the challenges ahead.
Found this helpful? Let us know in the comments and subscribe for advanced guides on traps, combat, base defense, and more. Good luck out there, and stay safe, survivor!
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