Combat in Sons of the Forest is primarily built around melee, as we covered in a previous guide (Sons of the Forest Combat Guide: Best Weapons, Tactics & Survival Tips) . Of course, you’ll want more than just your small axe or a crafted spear. Below, we go through every location where you can find melee weapons. We recommend reading our article on the first three caves so you bring the key items you’ll need (Sons of the Forest Caves: Best Order, Locations & Tips) . The shovel is especially useful to dig up items at several of these spots.
Sons of the Forest: All melee weapon locations (map & tips)
Most melee weapons are scattered around the island. Some are easy to spot, others are well hidden and require specific key items. We’ve sorted them by their damage — the further you read, the stronger they get! Two weapons are available from the start: the knife and the tactical axe. With those, you can defend yourself just fine in the early hours, as cannibals often leave you alone at first.
Golf Club: The island used to be a vacation paradise — the golf course in the northeastern corner of the map makes that clear. Here you’ll find the weakest weapon in the game, but it’s a fun pastime. You can hit with it, but it’s better for actual golfing or completing your weapon collection. Later on, it also appears in the Residential Bunker.
Guitar: Low damage, maximum style factor. It makes a sound when you swing it and you can even play it. You’ll need the shovel and Maintenance Keycard. Head into the Entertainment Bunker and look for the guitar on the second floor.
Stun Baton: Often underrated because it not only hits hard but also briefly stuns enemies — perfect for following up with a second weapon. From the Forest spawn (water source), simply follow the river downstream; in front of a small waterfall you’ll find a pile of skulls with the Stun Baton. Downside: it consumes batteries.
Machete: One of the best early weapons. Strong damage and very high attack speed. If you crash on the northern beach, follow the red smoke signal and take it from your unlucky colleague. Excellent against early cannibals.
Chainsaw: Of course it’s here! High damage, but it truly shines as a building tool — trees fall in seconds. Location: also in the Entertainment Bunker. It uses no fuel and is powered by batteries.
Modern Axe: If the tactical axe feels too weak, grab this. Arguably the best all-round tool: great as a weapon and excellent for chopping wood. Location: in an abandoned camp near a GPS locator ping. Keep an eye out for a larger tent site.
Katana: Very fast and hard-hitting — ideal for aggressive play. Location: Residential Bunker on the east side of the island, accessible later in the game. Requirement: Maintenance Keycard (which in turn requires the shovel). Note: the bunker is heavily guarded by mutants.
Firefighter Axe: Unbeatable in terms of raw damage. Slow, but extremely powerful — weaker enemies drop in just a few swings. Also fantastic for chopping wood. Location: Maintenance Bunker in the northwest (shovel required). You’ll also find useful items here, like the Maintenance Keycard.
Crafting recipes for melee weapons: spear and skull club
You can craft two melee weapons yourself. In terms of damage, they sit between the Machete and Modern Axe. As soon as you have the materials, it’s worth crafting both.
Skull Club: Recipe: 1× Skull, 1× Stick, 1× Rope. Very useful for the first few hours. You can find skulls without fighting — e.g., in caves or at campsites.
Spear: Arguably the best early-game weapon. Works in melee (thrusts, good reach) and as a throwing weapon. Also perfect for fishing or hunting small animals. Recipe: 2× Sticks, 1× Duct Tape, knife to sharpen. Tip: after a hit, pick thrown spears back up immediately.
Conclusion: Best melee weapons and early-game tips
With melee weapons, you’re well prepared for most threats in Sons of the Forest. The further you progress, the better (but often more hidden) the weapons get. Explore bunkers deliberately, secure the shovel and Maintenance Keycard early, and upgrade step by step. Rent one of our Sons of the Forest servers and hunt down the weapons on this list together with your friends — so everyone ends up with their perfect favorite weapon.
