Does the Crucifix Do Anything in Sons of the Forest?
The short answer is: no, the crucifix in Sons of the Forest does not provide any combat or gameplay advantages. Despite its religious significance and potential lore implications, the crucifix serves purely as an examined item within the game. It doesn’t scare enemies, provide any buffs, or unlock any special abilities. This can be a point of disappointment for some players who expect the crucifix to hold some power, given its traditional association with warding off evil or demons.
The Crucifix: What It Is and Where to Find It
The crucifix is a unique item found deep within one of the caves. It was added in v0.13 of the game. When you pick it up, your character uses the ‘examine’ animation, and it’s represented by a new examine icon shaped like an eye. This is a similar mechanic to other interactive objects within the game.
Its discovery location contributes to the atmosphere, as the crucifix is tucked away within the more dangerous and isolated parts of the map. This might lead players to believe it has some hidden use; however, all it offers is a visual inspection. Unlike other items, like the cross which is a functioning weapon, the crucifix is purely a decorative, non-functional item.
Distinguishing the Crucifix from the Cross
It’s crucial to distinguish between the crucifix and the cross in Sons of the Forest. While they share a similar visual theme, they serve different purposes. The cross is a usable weapon, effective against demons encountered in end-game bunkers, causing them to burn without consuming ammunition. The cross can also sometimes scare cave dwellers, except when they’re in an aggressive state.
In contrast, the crucifix does not react to any enemies and does not offer combat utility. Building crosses as structures in the game serve no function beyond decoration, requiring 48 sticks, 34 logs, and 18 rocks. Therefore, they are two distinct elements, not to be confused with one another.
Misconceptions and Player Expectations
The lack of functionality of the crucifix has led to some misconceptions and frustration amongst players. Many initially expected it to have a religious effect, perhaps repelling or damaging supernatural enemies, like the demons found in the final cave or the mutants wandering the island. The presence of a cross as an anti-demon weapon further fuels these expectations.
However, the game’s design deliberately limits the crucifix’s role. It seems more intended as a storytelling element, possibly alluding to the pre-existing civilization or religious practices on the island. It might simply be a relic, a memento of times gone by, with its symbolic meaning left up to interpretation.
Why Might It Be So Disappointing?
The disappointing aspect for players stems from the fact that many survival games feature items that offer some form of benefit, even if minor. The crucifix’s design as a unique “examine item” with a specific icon raises the expectation of a special function. Instead, it becomes one more item to discover and store, rather than an active piece of the gameplay puzzle. Players are particularly disappointed due to its association with religious themes, which many expected to translate to gameplay mechanics.
Focus on Other Powerful Items and Strategies
Instead of the crucifix, there are many items that can assist you in surviving Sons of the Forest. Focus your efforts on items that do have significant gameplay impact like the:
- Cross: Used as a weapon to combat demons effectively.
- Creepy Armor: Provides essential protection from damage when you are attacked.
- Mask: Used for blending in with cannibals.
- Katana: Powerful melee weapon found in a specific bunker.
- Golden Armor: While not as defensive as tech armor it is required for an ending.
The Different Endings
Sons of the Forest has three different endings: the “good”, “bad”, and “secret” ending. Each ending involves choices, and the backpack is crucial to determining the ending you get. The “bad ending” has you stay on the island to fight monsters after choosing to keep your backpack. The secret ending requires you to befriend Virginia and keep both her and Kelvin alive. The game is designed so that player choice influences outcomes in more impactful ways, instead of specific items.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the crucifix in Sons of the Forest is simply a non-functional examined item. It adds to the game’s atmosphere and lore but does not offer any gameplay advantages or combat benefits. While some players may find this disappointing, especially given its religious connotations and the existence of the cross as a functioning weapon, it’s essential to understand its role within the game’s broader design. Focus instead on strategies and useful items that will help you survive the horrors of the island, and uncover the different endings that are the culmination of your choices and actions in the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does the crucifix scare cannibals?
No, the crucifix does not scare cannibals. It doesn’t have any effect on their behavior, whether they are passive or aggressive.
2. Can I use the crucifix as a weapon?
No, the crucifix cannot be used as a weapon. Unlike the cross, which burns demons, the crucifix is purely a decorative examined item.
3. Does the crucifix protect me from demons?
No, the crucifix does not offer any protection against demons. You will need to rely on the cross or other weapons to deal with demons in the final bunkers.
4. Is the crucifix part of any puzzle or quest?
No, the crucifix is not part of any puzzle or quest. Its sole purpose is to be examined.
5. Can I craft with the crucifix?
No, the crucifix is not a crafting ingredient. You cannot use it to make other items.
6. Where is the crucifix located in Sons of the Forest?
The crucifix is located deep within one of the caves on the island. You’ll need to explore carefully to find it.
7. How do I pick up the crucifix?
You pick up the crucifix by using the ‘examine’ animation. This will trigger when you approach it.
8. Is the crucifix the same as the cross weapon?
No, the crucifix and the cross are different items. The cross is a weapon used against demons, while the crucifix is a non-functional examined object.
9. Is there a point in collecting the crucifix?
There is no gameplay point in collecting the crucifix, other than to examine it. It serves no tactical or combat purpose.
10. Did the crucifix have a different purpose in older versions?
No, the crucifix was always intended to be an examined item in Sons of the Forest and had no functionality in previous versions either.
11. Why is there a crucifix if it does nothing?
It is likely included for storytelling and atmosphere. The crucifix may hint at the previous inhabitants of the island.
12. Should I prioritize getting the crucifix?
No, you should not prioritize getting the crucifix as it does not benefit gameplay. Focus on items that provide tangible benefits, like weapons, armor, or resources.
13. Does Virginia react to the crucifix?
No, Virginia does not react to the crucifix or behave differently around it.
14. Does the crucifix have any effect on the ending?
No, the crucifix has no effect on any of the endings of the game. The endings are determined by choices made by the player rather than items found.
15. Can the crucifix break or be destroyed?
The crucifix cannot break or be destroyed because it is just an examined object. It does not participate in combat or interact with the environment.