Introduction
The chilling winds whip through the dense, uncharted forests, and the constant threat of mutated creatures lurking in the shadows is a given. In “Sons of the Forest,” survival isn’t merely about fighting off dangers; it’s about understanding the fundamental need that drives every living thing: food. Mastering food acquisition, preparation, and management is the key that separates the living from the dead in this brutal open-world survival horror. This guide provides you with a complete overview of how to nourish yourself in Sons of the Forest, covering everything from the first desperate meals to sustainable, long-term food solutions. Consider this your survival bible for navigating the culinary challenges this game throws your way.
Basic Needs and Hunger Mechanics
To stay alive, you need to understand that there is a hunger system which can be easily observed through the stats displayed on your equipped GPS tracker or watch. The interface shows the hunger level using a visual representation of a stomach, and the level decreases over time as your character expends energy. When your character is full, they benefit from increased stamina regeneration, allowing for more prolonged sprinting, climbing, and combat. As the hunger level decreases, the stamina regeneration will decrease as well. When the hunger level gets low enough, you will see the visual stat is red, indicating that your character is starving.
Starving has numerous negative impacts on your survival capabilities. First, your stamina will be greatly reduced, impacting your ability to evade danger and fight effectively. Secondly, your overall health will start to decline, making you more vulnerable to attacks from creatures and environmental hazards. Prolonged starvation can ultimately lead to death, so keeping a close eye on your hunger level and maintaining a steady intake of food is essential.
Early Game Food Sources
When you first crash land on the island, your survival will depend on how well you can gather early game foods. Here are some common foods you can gather as soon as you wake up.
Berries and Plants
The forest floor is scattered with various berries and plants, and while some can provide much-needed sustenance, others can be deadly. Familiarize yourself with the local flora, and learn to distinguish between edible and poisonous varieties.
- Blueberries: These are a common sight throughout the island. The bushes are often grouped together, making them an easy starting meal. They offer a moderate amount of hunger restoration.
- Salmonberries: A slightly sweeter and more filling option compared to blueberries, though they may be a bit rarer to find in large quantities.
- Twinberries: If you are lucky enough to stumble upon this plant, make sure to eat the red berries and stay away from the white berries as the white berries are poisonous.
- Snowberries: You can find this berry in the snow region. These are one of the worst berries in the game as they barely replenish any hunger, but can still be a food source if you are desperate.
- Health Plants: Health plants are not food, but they are vital for restoring your health. These plants typically have green leaves with red flowers. Eating them will restore a small amount of health.
Always be cautious when foraging and ensure you are only consuming edible plants to avoid getting sick.
Small Animals
Small animals like squirrels and rabbits can be hunted for food. Hunting with the crafted spear will make hunting easier. These animals provide a decent amount of meat, which can be cooked for a more filling and nutritious meal.
- Squirrels: These can be found scampering throughout the forest. Throwing rocks can be enough to stun or kill them, especially early on.
- Rabbits: Rabbits are slightly faster and more agile than squirrels, so you may want to craft a bow and arrow for more effective hunting. Rabbits are often found near forested areas and clearings.
Hunting small animals requires patience and a bit of luck, but it’s a valuable skill to learn early in the game to provide a more reliable source of food than berries alone.
Canned Goods and Found Items
Scattered throughout the island in abandoned camps, caves, and structures, you can find canned goods and other food items. These are easy to consume and provide a quick boost to your hunger, but they are often limited in quantity and shouldn’t be relied upon as your only source of sustenance.
- Canned food: These come in various forms, such as canned tuna, sardines, and other preserved foods. They are easy to eat and provide a decent amount of nutrition.
- Energy bars: Energy bars are another common find, offering a small boost of both energy and hunger.
- Soda: Soda drinks are great for boosting your character’s energy, but will not help with hunger.
These found items can be a lifesaver in the early game when food is scarce, but they are not a sustainable solution for long-term survival. Use them wisely and prioritize finding renewable food sources as soon as possible.
Mid-Game Food Sources
As you progress and establish a more secure base, you can begin to explore more advanced food sources to sustain yourself.
Larger Animals
Hunting larger animals like deer and boar becomes essential in the mid-game to secure a more substantial food supply.
- Deer: Deer are abundant throughout the island and provide a large quantity of meat. They are skittish and quick, requiring a precise shot with a bow and arrow to bring them down.
- Boar: Boar are more aggressive than deer and can charge at you when threatened. They are also larger and tougher, requiring multiple shots or a well-placed headshot to kill.
Hunting these animals requires more preparation and skill, but the reward is well worth the effort. Always cook the meat over a fire before consuming it to maximize its nutritional value and reduce the risk of illness.
Fish
Rivers, lakes, and coastal areas are home to various fish species that can provide a valuable source of protein.
- Fishing with a spear: You can craft a spear and wade into shallow water to hunt for fish. This method requires patience and precise timing.
- Fish traps: Building fish traps near the water’s edge can passively catch fish over time. This is a more sustainable method for harvesting fish.
Always cook the fish before eating it to eliminate the risk of parasites and improve its nutritional benefits.
Building a Garden
Establishing a garden is crucial for creating a sustainable food supply in the mid-game.
- Finding seeds: Explore the island to find various seeds. These can often be found in abandoned camps, caves, or near berry bushes.
- Building planters: Craft planters using logs and place them near your base.
- Planting crops: Plant the seeds in the planters and water them regularly to grow crops like blueberries, salmonberries, and other edible plants.
Gardens provide a renewable source of food and can greatly reduce your reliance on hunting and scavenging.
Drying Rack
This is an essential structure to help you preserve food.
- How to Build: Using logs, you can build a drying rack near your base.
- How to use: After you have hunted an animal, you can place the meat on the drying rack. After a period of time, the meat will be dried, allowing you to store it for long periods of time.
- Benefits: This is a must have structure as meat will decay and disappear after a period of time. Once the meat has been dried, you can take it with you during exploration to prevent starvation.
Late Game Food Strategies
As you delve deeper into the forest and face greater challenges, you’ll need to adapt your food strategies to ensure long-term survival.
Cannibal as a Food Source
Cannibals are one of the main threats to survival. Cannibal meat can be a source of food, but comes with consequences.
- The Ethics: Cannibalism raises questions about the player’s morality and the lengths one would go to survive.
- How to Hunt and Cook: Cannibals can be hunted using various weapons and tactics. Their meat can be cooked over a fire like any other animal.
- Nutrition and Hunger Satiety: Cannibal meat may provide a substantial amount of hunger restoration, but it can also have negative effects on your character’s mental state, leading to increased fear and paranoia.
Choosing to consume cannibal meat is a difficult decision that should be carefully considered.
Advanced Trapping
Building more elaborate traps is essential for automating food collection in the late game.
- Larger Traps: Construct larger and more complex traps to catch bigger animals like deer and boar more consistently.
- Automated Systems: Set up traps that automatically reset and replenish bait to ensure a constant flow of food without requiring constant manual intervention.
Advanced trapping allows you to focus on other aspects of survival while still maintaining a steady food supply.
Base Defense for Food Security
Protecting your base and food storage from enemies is critical in the late game.
- Defensive Perimeters: Build walls, fences, and other defensive structures around your base to keep out cannibals and mutants.
- Traps and Alarms: Set up traps and alarms to alert you to incoming threats and deter enemies from approaching your food storage areas.
Ensuring the security of your base is essential for protecting your hard-earned food supplies from being stolen or destroyed.
Recipes
Experimenting with different recipes and combining food items can create more filling and nutritious meals.
- Combining Ingredients: Mix and match different types of meat, plants, and canned goods to create unique recipes.
- Beneficial Effects: Some recipes may provide beneficial buffs or effects, such as increased stamina regeneration or resistance to cold.
Experimenting with recipes adds another layer of depth to the food system and allows you to optimize your meals for maximum benefit.
Food Preservation
Preserving food is essential for extending its shelf life and ensuring you have a supply of provisions during lean times.
Drying Meat
Drying meat is a simple and effective way to preserve it for later consumption.
- Building Drying Racks: Construct drying racks using sticks and place them near your base.
- Drying Process: Place raw meat on the drying racks and wait for it to dry. Dried meat lasts much longer than raw meat and can be stored for extended periods.
Smoking Meat
Smoking meat adds flavor and further extends its shelf life.
- Building Smokers: Construct smokers using logs and other materials.
- Smoking Process: Place meat in the smoker and light a fire underneath. The smoke will infuse the meat, preserving it and adding a smoky flavor.
Storage Tips
Store food in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage.
- Containers: Use containers like boxes or chests to organize and protect your food from the elements.
- Designated Areas: Designate specific areas in your base for food storage to keep everything organized and easily accessible.
Water Source
Water from Lake or River
If you are near a water source, this is an easy place to drink water. The issue with this method is that you risk becoming sick if you drink from a dirty source. To purify water, you can cook it on a pot before drinking it.
Crafting Rain Collector
If you are not near a water source, you can use a rain collector to collect rain water. This requires some ingredients, but it’s worth it as you can get safe and pure water.
Tips and Tricks for Efficient Food Management
To manage your food effectively, consider these tips and tricks:
- Prioritize Food Sources: Focus on renewable food sources like gardens and traps to ensure a sustainable supply.
- Plan Hunting Trips: Plan your hunting trips strategically to maximize your chances of success and minimize wasted effort.
- Optimize Cooking: Learn the most efficient cooking methods to preserve nutrients and minimize cooking time.
- Conserve Resources: Avoid wasting food and resources whenever possible. Only cook what you need and store leftovers carefully.
Conclusion
Food is the cornerstone of survival in “Sons of the Forest.” By mastering the art of finding food, crafting recipes, and managing your resources effectively, you can overcome the challenges of the forest and thrive in this unforgiving environment. Whether you’re foraging for berries, hunting wild animals, or cultivating your own garden, remember that every meal counts in the fight for survival. So, venture forth, experiment with different strategies, and never underestimate the power of a well-nourished survivor. The forest is a harsh teacher, but with the right knowledge and skills, you can conquer its challenges and emerge victorious. Good luck, and may your hunger always be sated.
