Sons of the Forest’s island doesn’t just boast striking natural features – it hides countless secrets beneath the surface. Chief among them are hidden bunkers, a key part of the story that reveal what’s really going on. If you’ve already cleared a few caves and perhaps built a small base, it’s time to explore the bunkers in the right order. You’ll find not only story clues but also rare items and plenty of loot. This guide shows you the optimal order, the keycards and items you’ll need, plus handy tips for each bunker.
Sons of the Forest bunkers: gear and prep before you dive in
Don’t head into bunkers unprepared – tight corridors and tough mutants can end your run quickly. Fights are cramped, so good preparation is essential.
Recommendations before your first bunker:
- Shovel: Required to access most entrances.
- Light source: Flashlight (with batteries) or lighter.
- Healing and supplies: Meds, food and drinks for longer runs.
- Armour and weapons: At least bone or tech armour, plus a pistol/shotgun with ammo.
- Save point: Set up a tent at the entrance to restart quickly.
Tip: Explore the three main caves first to grab essential tools (e.g., the shovel). These guides help:
- (Sons of the Forest caves: best order, locations & tips)
- (Sons of the Forest: Nutrition guide to hunting, fishing & foraging)
Sons of the Forest bunker order: all 7 locations, access and loot
Below is the optimal order of all seven bunkers, including access requirements, locations and notable loot.
1. Maintenance A: location, access and loot
You’ll find the first maintenance bunker by following a river north. About halfway along, you’ll see a yellow digger and both broken and working golf carts. Next to a white golf cart, the entrance is buried – dig it out with the shovel.The bunker is small but offers early story hints and useful tools. There’s also a 3D printer available.
You can find:
- Maintenance Keycard
- Firefighter Axe
- Pistol attachment
- Laser sight for the pistol
- Tuxedo as an outfit for you or Kelvin
2. Maintenance B: flooded bunker with key bow
In the southwest of the map, near a hiking path, you’ll again find a golf cart and crates – that’s the second entrance. Much of it is flooded, so there’s less to explore, but the loot is crucial. There’s also a 3D printer with printer resin here.You can find:
- Compound Bow
- Suppressor for the pistol
3. Maintenance C: golf course bunker with no enemies and a revolver
This bunker is in the northeast on the golf course, near a military camp. Survey equipment and a golf cart mark the spot. Dig in the centre to uncover the entrance.The bunker is unfinished, very small and, best of all, has no enemies. Bring a light source – there’s not much loot, but there is a particularly valuable weapon.
You can find:
- Revolver
4. Supply bunker (Food and Drink): VIP Keycard, crossbow and provisions
In the northwest of the island, access this bunker with the Maintenance Keycard from Maintenance A. You’ll find plenty of food to top up your supplies and more story clues.Explore the lower levels carefully – there’s another keycard here that opens up new areas.
You can find:
- Crossbow
- Dress for Virginia
- Shotgun attachment
- VIP Keycard
5. Entertainment bunker: cinema, bar, chainsaw and Guest Keycard
With the VIP Keycard, a large bunker opens up downstream from the forest spawn. Without a keycard only the 3D printer is accessible – now you can explore everything: home cinema, bar, gym area and more. Caution: mutants have made themselves at home here.You can find:
- Chainsaw
- Guitar
- Tracksuit outfit
- Guest Keycard
- Another 3D printer
6. Residential bunker: Katana, Golden Mask and story progress
Tackle this bunker late: it’s packed with mutants and contains key story elements. It’s in the east, right on the large lake. You’ll get in with the Guest Keycard.Work through the levels one by one, collect valuable items and reach the security wing. There you’ll unlock the door to the final bunker – opening up the endgame.
You can find:
- Katana
- Pistol
- Golf club
- Golden Mask
- Flashlight attachment for the pistol
- Camouflage outfit
- Space suit outfit
- Leather suit
7. Luxury bunker: endgame access and Hell Cave
For the story’s conclusion, head to the luxury bunker after the residential bunker – in the east of the island, further north on the beach. The clearly visible entrance can only be opened via the previously unlocked security panel.Prepare for tough fights against powerful mutants. At the end awaits a mysterious door leading to the Hell Cave and towards the finale. You’ll need the Golden Armour.
Conclusion: how to beat every Sons of the Forest bunker
Follow the bunkers in the right order and you’ll steadily acquire the keycards, powerful weapons and important story clues you need. Your progress gets noticeably easier – solo or as a team. Want to tackle the bunkers together? Rent a server here: Rent one of our Sons of the Forest servers. Tight corridors make many encounters tricky – together you’ll be better prepared and experience the story through to the end.
