As in the first game, The Forest, you’ll encounter all sorts of strange enemies in Sons of the Forest. They’ll either attack you in your base or lie in wait in caves. There are not only far more variations now, but also tougher foes that you can only defeat with tactical gameplay. If you plan to explore all caves and bunkers, it’s vital to be able to fend off these monsters. We’ll look at every possible enemy, where you’ll find them, and the best ways to deal with them.
In this guide you’ll learn locations, weaknesses and the best weapons for each enemy type.
Cannibals in Sons of the Forest: locations, behaviour & counters

You’ll most often run into the island’s cannibals, who will spot and harass you after a few days. As in The Forest, the island wasn’t uninhabited; it’s home to a native tribe — and you’re the intruder.
The natives are human and easy to distinguish from the other monsters on the island. They have a stereotypical tribal look, wear tattered clothing and are daubed in white paint. Their attacks are fairly primitive, usually with sticks or improvised clubs.
Cannibals will attack you in your base, out on the island, or in their camps, which are scattered everywhere. Some can climb trees, so be careful. The more of them you kill, the more aggressive future attacks become.
- Women: You’ll likely encounter female cannibals first. They won’t attack, but will watch you. You can shoo them away with your axe or leave them be.
- Men: Males are more aggressive and attack on sight. Use a bow to pick them off early.
Alongside common natives, special variants appear now and then, armed with different weapons. Some carry spears, hurl Molotov cocktails, or stab aggressively with knives. Ideally, engage at range or use the stun baton to incapacitate them.
- Heavy cannibal (Titans): Think of these as sumo wrestlers. Despite their size they’re agile and use leaping attacks. When they’re downed, punish them with the modern axe.
- Mud cannibals: These natives hide under leaves or in the mud. They move on all fours, are very quick, and can even climb trees. They’re quite fragile though; a few axe strikes usually do it.
- Large cannibals / leaders: Be cautious with these big natives. They’re slower but hit much harder. Some wear a gold mask, marking them as leaders. Your best tactic is a headshot with an arrow, then follow up with the modern axe while they’re on the ground.
Tips against cannibals:
- Fire arrows and Molotovs cause panic and damage over time.
- Masks (later in the game) can briefly pacify some cannibals.
- Build defensive structures (fences, spikes) and traps to secure camps and your base.
Animals and sharks: dangers in water and caves

The fauna can also attack you in Sons of the Forest. While most animals, such as deer or elk, will avoid you, waters pose a real danger. You’ll encounter sharks there, and they’re out to get you. You’ll be dead before you know it.
You’ll find these hostile aquatic creatures either in caves with diving sections or in open coastal waters. Use your pistol to kill them from a distance so you can swim safely. With diving gear and flares/torches, you’ll keep your bearings in the dark.
Mutants in Sons of the Forest: types, weaknesses & best weapons

Now for the worst and strongest enemies in Sons of the Forest, which you’ll primarily encounter in caves and bunkers. The further you progress the story (especially after the ending), the more will appear on the surface and even attack your base.
We’re talking about mutants, which you may remember from The Forest. Strange creatures that were likely once human but are now little more than lumps of flesh. They come in many variants, each with different attack patterns. Many of them cannot see, but their hearing is excellent.
- Mutant baby: You’ll likely meet these first, as they’re common in caves. They’re small and leap at you. Swat them away with melee attacks or use a large explosion to kill several at once.
- Puffy: Also common, especially in bunkers. They’re blind, but shouldn’t be underestimated. Bow and arrows are effective, and a katana works well thanks to its fast swings. Blue or spotted Puffys are tougher — a shotgun helps here.
- Fingers: A mutated Puffy with an exposed chest and face, making its legs more vulnerable. Use your bow to cripple the legs and bring it down, then finish with the modern axe.
- Twins: Two fused mutants that can move along cave ceilings. Either use ranged attacks or land heavy jumping attacks from above. Parries often interrupt their combo.
- Sluggy: One of the few monsters that won’t actively attack. It blocks cave entrances and can be killed with explosives (e.g. time bombs).
- Caterpillar: Also known as “Worm” or “John 2.0”. It moves quickly and is hard to hit. Use the Stun Gun, then follow up with a katana to finish it fast.

More mutants appear later as you advance or finish the story. You’ll mostly find them on the surface, and they can attack your base. If you played the first game, some will be familiar.
- Legsy: Attacks with its legs and is surprisingly fast. We recommend ranged attacks; fire arrows are a great option.
- Armsy: Where there’s Legsy, there’s Armsy. This mutant appears only after the story and is known from the first game. Your best bets are explosives or the shotgun.
- Creepy Virginia: Another mutant returning from The Forest. With all those legs, she moves like a spider and is fast and agile. The compound bow is your best weapon; melee is much harder here.
- Holey: A large mass of flesh that dishes out very heavy attacks. It rams you and uses body slams to destroy your base. Bait an attack and hit it with your axe while it’s down. Otherwise, explosives are always good.
- Demons: Thin, nimble mutants reminiscent of skinwalkers. They’re annoying and strong, but you can repel and even burn them with a cross.
Combat prep: armour, weapons, traps & tactics
- Armour: Wear armour whenever possible. Bone and Creepy armour boost survivability; tech armour is strongest but expensive.
- Weapon choice: Shotgun for tough targets up close, pistol/bow for safe distance, katana and modern axe for fast melee hits, Stun Gun for control.
- Utilities: Molotovs, time bombs, explosive arrows and torches/flares make cave fights easier. Pack meds and energy bars.
- Traps & base building: Secure your base with fences, spikes and traps. Keep entrances clear and use the environment (choke points, high ground).
- Combat tactics: Headshots with bows/firearms, kite instead of standing still, parry/block with melee weapons, and avoid noise to keep blind mutants from homing in.
Conclusion: Beat every enemy and survive longer
Just like in The Forest, Sons of the Forest has plenty of enemies that make island survival tougher. While natives mostly attack you in your base or out on the island, you’ll have to watch out for grotesque mutants in caves and bunkers. The longer you play, the more aggressive and relentless the island’s enemies become.
Play together with friends on one of our Sons of the Forest servers, and improve your chances of victory. You can support each other in combat and survive longer.