Sons of the Forest Beginner's Guide

Survive your first days in the forest with these essential tips.

First Day Survival

  • 1Find Kelvin at the crash site - he helps gather resources.
  • 2Collect sticks, rocks, and leaves for basic tools.
  • 3Build a simple shelter before nightfall.
  • 4Start a campfire for warmth, cooking, and saving the game.
  • 5Explore your immediate area for supplies before wandering.

Combat Basics

  • 1Block with melee weapons to reduce damage.
  • 2Dodge roll to avoid heavy attacks from mutants.
  • 3Fire scares most cannibals - use torches and molotovs.
  • 4Headshots deal bonus damage with ranged weapons.
  • 5Build bone armor early from defeated cannibals.

Food & Water

  • 1Collect berries from bushes for quick snacks.
  • 2Cook meat on campfires - raw meat can make you sick.
  • 3Drink from streams and lakes by crouching near water.
  • 4Build a rain collector (turtle shell) for passive water.
  • 5Dry meat on a drying rack for long-lasting food.

Exploration Priorities

  • 1Follow GPS locators on your GPS device for story progression.
  • 2Get the Rebreather first (cave near purple GPS marker).
  • 3Then get the Rope Gun (cave requiring Rebreather).
  • 4Then get the Shovel (cave requiring both).
  • 5The Shovel unlocks bunkers with 3D Printers and key items.