Combat in Sons of the Forest is primarily built around melee, as we already covered in an earlier guide (Sons of the Forest Combat Guide: Best Weapons, Tactics & Survival Tips) . Of course, you’ll want to find some proper weapons and not just make do with your small axe or a crafted spear. Below we’ll walk through every location where you can find melee weapons. We recommend reading our guide to the first three caves so you bring key items with you (Sons of the Forest Caves: Best Order, Locations & Tips) . The shovel in particular is crucial at several spots to dig items up.
Sons of the Forest: All melee weapon locations (map & tips)
Most melee weapons are scattered across the island. Some are easy to spot, others are well hidden and require specific key items. We’ve sorted the weapons by their damage – the further you read, the better they get! You actually start with two: the knife and the tactical axe. With those, you should be fine for the first hours, as the locals often leave you alone early on.
Golf club: The island used to be a vacation paradise – the golf course in the northeastern corner proves it. Here you’ll find the weakest weapon in the game, but a funny pastime. You can swing it in combat, but it’s more useful for actual golfing or for completing your weapon collection. Later, you can also find one in the Residential bunker.
Guitar: Low damage but maximum style points. It makes a sound when you hit and can even be played. You’ll need the shovel and the Maintenance Keycard to get it. Head into the Entertainment bunker and look for the guitar on the second level.
Stun baton: Often underrated because it not only hits hard but also briefly stuns enemies – perfect for a follow-up with another weapon. From the forest spawn (water source), simply head downstream; in front of a small waterfall there’s a pile of skulls with the stun baton. Downside: it requires batteries.
Machete: One of the best early-game 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 fallen colleague. Perfect against early cannibals.
Chainsaw: Of course it’s here! High damage, but above all an exceptional building tool – trees fall in seconds. Location: also in the Entertainment bunker. It needs no fuel, but runs on 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 logging. Location: in an abandoned camp, not far from a GPS ping. Watch for a larger tent camp.
Katana: Very fast and hard-hitting – ideal for aggressive play. Location: Residential bunker on the east side of the island, only accessible later in the game. Requirement: Maintenance Keycard (which in turn requires the shovel). Beware: the bunker is well guarded by mutants.
Firefighter axe: Unbeatable in terms of raw damage. Slow, but extremely powerful – weaker enemies drop in a few swings. Also excellent for logging. 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 the 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 hours. You can find skulls without fighting – e.g. in caves or at campsites.
Spear: Probably 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 encounters in Sons of the Forest. The further you progress, the better (but often more hidden) the weapons become. 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 track down the weapons on this list together with your friends – so everyone ends up with their perfect favorite weapon.
