Sons of the Forest isn’t a leisurely holiday island trip — it’s a fight for survival. Even if you’re spared in the first few days, the island’s natives will soon find you and start applying pressure. Many new players struggle to defend themselves properly. In this guide, you’ll learn the key mechanics of the combat system so you’re prepared for every encounter. And if you want to push the story forward, you’ll need plenty of skill!
Enemies in Sons of the Forest: Cannibals, mutants and predators
At first the island may seem peaceful, but you’re not alone. The island is home to cannibal tribes who watch you, provoke you and later attack in a more organised way. Many are marked by white paint or scraps of clothing from past victims. As the days pass, their patrols and raids become bolder and more frequent.
There are also mutants who mostly stay in caves early on but later roam the surface. They’re unpredictable and particularly hard-hitting — plan fights against them with care.
Danger lurks in the water too: sharks (and, on rare occasions, other large predators) can surprise you at sea or in certain caves. If you don’t need to go into the water, avoid it.
Understanding combat: stamina, condition and timing
You don’t have to take every fight. Especially early on, many cannibals are hesitant and just watch you. Don’t attack without cause — avoiding early confrontations is often the best strategy.
When it gets serious (for example, attacks on your base or companions), watch your stamina and overall condition:
- Food and water: Keep hunger and thirst low to maintain full stamina regeneration.
- Sleep: Fatigue reduces effectiveness. Sleep regularly to avoid sluggish swings.
- Strength progression: Increase your strength by working and fighting — you’ll deal more damage and withstand more.
Blocking, parrying, heavy attacks and evasive movement
Start with blocking (right mouse button): your character holds the weapon in front for protection. Some weapons block better than others — the more of your view they cover, the more reliable the block. Note: your sides and back remain vulnerable.
You attack the same way you fell trees. Short, quick swings save stamina. Hold the button to perform heavy attacks — ideal when an enemy is staggered or downed. A heavy finishing overhead strike can end a fight quickly.
- Block and counter: Block, wait for the enemy’s animation, then counter with 1–2 quick hits.
- Weak spots: Headshots and attacks on unprotected flanks are especially effective.
- Movement: There’s no dedicated dodge, but short sprints and side steps will make you evade blows. Keep moving and use the terrain.
Weapons guide: axe, spear, bow and firearms
Sons of the Forest offers melee and ranged options. The axe and spear work brilliantly in the early game if your timing is clean. Check weapon stats in the inventory:
- Speed (how fast you swing)
- Damage (how hard you hit)
- Defence (block effectiveness)
- Reach (not shown, but noticeable; spear > axe)
- Crafting a bow: 2 sticks + 1 rope + 1 duct tape. The bow is one of the best early-game weapons — against cannibals and for hunting animals (see also: (Sons of the Forest: Nutrition guide to hunting, fishing & foraging) ).
- Arrows: Craft from feathers, sticks and small stones (for stone arrows); later, you can produce arrows with the 3D printer.
- Spear: Good reach, quick and safe — ideal for stopping charges or finishing downed enemies.
- Heavy axe: Slow, but very high damage; strong against staggered enemies or in controlled 1v1s.
Later you’ll find firearms. The pistol, for instance, lies on a life raft at sea — useful against tough foes, but ammunition is scarce. Save it for mutants or mini-bosses. You can give the pistol to Virginia; she uses it very effectively and is a strong companion.
Armour, healing and preparation
- Armour: Bone Armour is worth it early; Creepy Armour (from mutants) offers very good protection; Tech Armour is powerful but resource-intensive. Replace damaged pieces before tough fights.
- Healing: Bring meds and bandages. Cooked meat, berries and clean water keep your stamina high.
- Buffs & tools: Carry a torch in caves, keep batteries handy and wear warm clothing in winter so your performance doesn’t suffer.
Tactics: stealth, positioning and base defence
- Stealth first: When possible, observe enemies, mark escape routes and don’t attack without a plan. Reduce noise and use cover.
- Positioning: Don’t fight while being surrounded. Pull enemies into choke points, take the high ground and keep away from camps so reinforcements don’t arrive constantly.
- Traps & barricades: Secure your base with fences, spikes and traps (e.g. Fly Swatter Trap, Bone Maker Trap). They kill or weaken enemies before they reach you.
- Aggro management: Take out leaders and drummers to destabilise groups. Fire (torches, Molotovs) intimidates some enemies.
Co-op helpers: using Kelvin and Virginia properly
- Kelvin: Have him gather wood, build palisades or fetch resources while you explore. That way your stamina stays ready for fights.
- Virginia: Equip her with ranged weapons. She spots enemies early and can thin out groups while you clean up in melee.
Conclusion: fight safely and speed up your progress
Fights in Sons of the Forest can be overwhelming at first — multiple enemies, little gear, scarce resources. With a cool head, good timing and proper preparation, you’ll turn encounters in your favour. Rent your Sons of the Forest server from us now and face the dangers together with friends. The further you progress through the story, the tougher the enemies become — but your weapons, armour and tactics will keep getting better too.
