Unlike in the predecessor The Forest, even in single-player you’re no longer alone in Sons of the Forest. Two helpful companions are at your side, one from the very beginning and another later in the game. This instantly makes the island feel far more alive, while also helping you learn more about it. Kelvin and Virginia are essential parts of your gameplay and you should use them actively to build your bases or fend off mutants and cannibals. Today we’ll take a closer look at how to do that and what possibilities the pair opens up for you.
Kelvin in Sons of the Forest: tasks, commands and tips
Kelvin is another passenger from the helicopter who survives. He crashes in the same place as you, but he’s fared much worse. Due to the explosion and the fall, he has suffered a severe head injury and is now deaf and mute. After a short breather, however, he’s ready to help and do his best!
At heart, Kelvin is your extra pair of hands for everything to do with your base and survival. He’s quite flexible and adapts to the commands you give him.
- Take item: You can give Kelvin various things, primarily outfits.
- Follow me: With this command, Kelvin will follow you closely – ideal for exploring or when moving to a new base.
- Gather: Kelvin can gather these materials or foods: berries, fish, sticks, rocks, small rocks, arrows and logs. He can then fill storage with them.
- Build: He can build small things, e.g. a campfire or a shelter. He can also complete blueprints or clear areas.
- Stay: Kelvin remains at a location of your choice.
- Take a break: Kelvin will briefly do his own thing.
- Maintain base: Kelvin helps keep structures in good shape and repairs them.
- Clear: Kelvin clears trees in a radius of 5, 10 or 20 metres around his current position – perfect for resources and building space.
Tip for the start: Send Kelvin to catch fish. He’ll hang them straight up to dry – giving you a reliable early food source.
Do I need to look after Kelvin? Food and needs
Thankfully, you don’t need to look after Kelvin actively – he looks after himself. You’ll see him drink from a river or pick berries. Do note, though: he can also help himself to your supplies, e.g. meat from the drying rack.
Can Kelvin fight? Combat behaviour and protection tips
Even though Kelvin initially looks military, he cannot fight due to his injury. However, he will warn you of enemies nearby by pointing at them. Keep Kelvin out of hot situations and focus on defence yourself.
Can I lose Kelvin? GPS tracking and avoiding death
On your GPS device you can always see where Kelvin is. He’s marked with a blue K and usually keeps up well over open ground. Sometimes he gets stuck – just follow his signal. He won’t follow you into caves.
Important: Kelvin can die. First he will go down and you can revive him. If he takes too much damage, he is permanently dead. So pay attention to safety and keep him out of danger zones.
Virginia in Sons of the Forest: building trust and abilities
Unlike Kelvin, Virginia is not available as a friend from the start – you must first earn her trust. In the first few days she will come close to you and watch from a distance. Do not attack her, even if her many arms and legs seem strange at first.
Earning Virginia’s trust: tips and steps
To make Virginia a loyal companion, you need to stay calm and signal that you’re no threat.
- Put your weapon away with G to appear trustworthy.
- Move slowly and calmly towards her, but don’t pursue her.
- Watch her dance.
- Let her sit by the campfire.
- Revive her if she has been attacked.
Eventually, Virginia will visit more often and even bring you gifts – such as berries, plants or small animals. Then you’re on the right track!
Once she trusts you, you can give her items. Especially important: give her one of your GPS devices. Kelvin wears his from the start (blue dot on his chest). You can find more devices on other soldiers on the island (purple markers). This way you can also see Virginia’s position on your map.
Can Virginia fight? Weapons, ammunition and defence
Unlike Kelvin, Virginia is excellent for defence. With enough trust, you can give her weapons.
- Thanks to her extra arms, she can wield pistol and shotgun at the same time.
- Virginia does not consume ammunition from your inventory.
- She’s ideal for securing your base against cannibals and mutants.
Tip: Equip Virginia with firearms as early as possible and station her near your most important structures. A GPS tracker on her helps you find her quickly.
Conclusion: making the most of Kelvin and Virginia
Kelvin and Virginia are two of the best additions in Sons of the Forest – and both massively improve your experience. Kelvin supports you with gathering, building and maintaining your base, while Virginia, once trusted, shines with strong combat abilities. Whether solo or with friends: with this duo, Sons of the Forest becomes noticeably safer, more efficient and more fun.
Even if you rent a multiplayer server for Sons of the Forest from us, these two characters are available alongside your friends. Together – whether with friends or the in-game companions – Sons of the Forest is even more fun!
