Sons of the Forest isn’t a trip to a sunny vacation island — it’s a fight for survival. Even if you’re often left alone in the first few days, the island’s natives will soon find you and start putting on pressure. Many new players struggle to defend themselves properly. In this guide you’ll learn the most important mechanics of the combat system so you’re ready for any encounter. And if you want to push the story forward, you’ll need a lot of skill!
Enemies in Sons of the Forest: Cannibals, mutants, and predators
At first glance the island may seem peaceful, but you’re not alone. It’s home to cannibal tribes who watch you, provoke you, and later attack in a more organized fashion. You’ll often recognize them by white body paint or scraps of clothing from earlier victims. As the days go by, their patrols and raids become bolder and more frequent.
There are also mutants who usually stay in caves early on, but later roam the surface. They are unpredictable and hit particularly hard — plan fights against them with caution.
Danger lurks in the water, too: sharks (and in rare cases other large predators) can surprise you in the ocean or in certain caves. If you don’t have to go into the water, avoid it.
Understand the combat system: 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 unless you have to — avoiding confrontation at the start is often the best strategy.
When things get serious (for example, during attacks on your base or companions), pay attention to your stamina and overall condition:
- Eating and drinking: Keep hunger and thirst low to maximize stamina regeneration.
- Sleep: Fatigue reduces effectiveness. Sleep in time to avoid sluggish attacks.
- Strength progression: Increase your Strength by working and fighting — you’ll deal more damage and withstand more hits.
Blocking, parrying, heavy attacks, and dodging
Start with blocking (right mouse button): your character raises the weapon to protect the body. Some weapons block better than others — the more of your view they cover, the more reliable the block. Keep in mind: your sides and back remain vulnerable.
You attack much like when chopping trees. Short, quick swings save stamina. If you hold the button, you’ll perform heavy attacks — ideal when an enemy is staggered or on the ground. A heavy overhead finishing blow can end the fight quickly.
- Block and counter: Block, wait for the enemy’s attack animation, then counter with 1–2 quick hits.
- Weak spots: Headshots and strikes on unprotected flanks are especially effective.
- Movement: There’s no classic dodge, but short sprints and sidesteps let you avoid attacks. Keep moving and use the terrain.
Weapons guide: Axe, spear, bow, and firearms
Sons of the Forest offers both melee and ranged combat. The axe and spear work great in the early game if your timing is clean. Check weapon stats in your inventory:
- Speed (how fast you swing)
- Damage (how hard you hit)
- Defense (block effectiveness)
- Range (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: Craftable from feathers, sticks, small stones, and (for stone arrows) usually duct tape; later you can produce arrows with the 3D printer.
- Spear: Good range, fast, and safe — ideal for stopping charges or finishing enemies on the ground.
- Heavy axe: Slow but very high damage; strong against staggered enemies or in controlled 1v1 situations.
Later on you’ll find firearms. The pistol, for example, is on a life raft out at sea — useful against tough enemies, but ammo is scarce. Save it for mutants or mini-bosses. You can give the pistol to Virginia; she uses it very effectively and is a powerful companion.
Armor, healing, and preparation
- Armor: Bone armor is worth it early; Creepy Armor (from mutants) offers very good protection; Tech Armor is powerful but resource-intensive. Replace damaged armor pieces before tough fights.
- Healing: Bring meds and bandages. Cooked meat, berries, and clean water keep your stamina high.
- Buffs and tools: Carry a flashlight in caves, keep batteries on hand, and wear warm clothing in winter so your performance doesn’t suffer.
Tactics: Stealth, positioning, and base defense
- 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 surrounded. Funnel enemies into choke points, take the high ground, and keep clear of camps so reinforcements don’t arrive nonstop.
- Traps and 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: Focus down leaders and drummers to destabilize groups. Fire (torches, Molotovs) can intimidate some enemies.
Co-op helpers: Using Kelvin and Virginia the right way
- Kelvin: Have him gather wood, build palisades, or fetch resources while you explore. That way you conserve stamina 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 feel overwhelming at first — multiple enemies, little gear, scarce resources. With a cool head, good timing, and the right preparation, you can turn encounters to your advantage. Rent your Sons of the Forest server from us now and face the dangers together with friends. The further you progress in the story, the tougher the enemies get — but your weapons, armor, and tactics will keep getting better, too.
