How Many Endings Does Sons of the Forest Have? A Comprehensive Guide
Sons of the Forest offers a complex and engaging experience, and part of that complexity extends to its multiple endings. The game features a total of three distinct endings, each with its own implications and requirements. It’s important to understand these endings to fully appreciate the narrative and make informed choices during your playthrough. While the game does not follow a strictly linear narrative, the ending you receive significantly impacts your post-game experience. Let’s delve into what each ending entails.
Understanding the Three Endings
Sons of the Forest presents players with more nuanced choices than its predecessor. The endings aren’t simply “good” or “bad,” but rather provide different perspectives on your character’s survival and the events of the game. Here is a breakdown:
The “Bad” Ending: Fight Demons
This is often considered the “bad” ending because it involves the player being left behind on the island, with companions boarding the helicopter without you. You achieve this ending by specifically choosing to retrieve your backpack instead of getting onto the helicopter when it appears. This choice locks you into a perpetual cycle of island survival. Upon doing so, you unlock the “Fight Demons” achievement. Although a somewhat bleak ending, this path offers the unique opportunity to continue playing the game and exploring the island after the main story concludes. You are essentially committing to a lifetime of fighting off the island’s horrors.
The “Good” Ending: Fought Demons
The “good” ending is achieved by boarding the helicopter when it arrives at the end of the game. This ending sees Timmy and Eric leaving the island, implying that they have been rescued. The scene also implies that the events on the island are documented in a book, and Eric’s experiences are promoted on a talk show. By choosing to leave, you unlock the “Fought Demons” achievement. This ending essentially closes your character’s chapter in the game. Choosing this ending will not allow you to continue exploring the island without loading an earlier save.
The “Secret” or “Best” Ending: Keep Your Friends Close
The “secret” ending, often considered the “best” ending, requires more player investment and is a complex achievement. To unlock this ending, you must ensure both Virginia and Kelvin are alive by the time you reach the end. Crucially, you need to have befriended Virginia enough to make her a permanent companion. When you enter the bunker and find the Golden Cube, this ending will trigger. You receive the “Keep Your Friends Close” achievement, indicating that you and your companions have all survived the ordeal. This ending is arguably the most satisfying, as it implies a hopeful future for your character and their allies.
Impact on the Game
It’s crucial to note that while the endings provide different narrative conclusions, they don’t drastically alter the main story itself. The core story and lore are revealed through letters and objectives throughout the game, regardless of which ending you choose. The endings primarily affect the player’s story and their experience after the main quest is finished.
Post-Game Play
The “Fight Demons” ending is the only ending that will allow you to continue exploring the game world after the main story has ended. The other two endings will end your save, requiring you to load an earlier save if you wish to continue playing. This makes the choice a big decision for anyone wishing to explore the island fully after completing the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the endings and related topics, aimed to provide a deeper understanding of the game:
1. Does the ending affect the main storyline?
No, the multiple endings don’t significantly alter the main storyline. The core narrative unfolds through hidden lore letters and exploration objectives, irrespective of the ending you achieve. The endings offer a different closure to your character’s experience.
2. Can I continue playing after completing Sons of the Forest?
Yes, but only if you achieve the “bad” ending, where you choose not to board the helicopter. This ending unlocks the ability to keep exploring and surviving on the island. The other two endings finish the save, forcing you to load an earlier save if you wish to continue playing.
3. What is the Golden Cube?
The Golden Cube is a mysterious artifact, integral to the storyline and the source of various mutations on the island. It’s a central focus in all endings.
4. How do I befriend Virginia?
Befriending Virginia requires patience and consistency. You need to avoid killing her, leave items near her, and offer her gifts. Once she fully trusts you, she will become a companion, and this is necessary for the “best” ending.
5. What role does Kelvin play in the game?
Kelvin is an AI companion who assists with basic tasks, such as resource gathering and building. His presence is essential for the “best” ending, meaning you must ensure he is alive when you enter the bunker.
6. What is the point of the Golden Armor?
The Golden Armor is a special item that provides a full armor protection bar that doesn’t break or lose quality. It is a necessary item for the final sections of the game.
7. Is Timmy from the first The Forest game?
Yes, Timmy LeBlanc is the son from the first The Forest game. He plays a crucial role in Sons of the Forest and appears in the “good” and “secret” endings.
8. Why is Timmy alive in Sons of the Forest?
Timmy is resurrected by the artifact found in Sahara Therapeutics’ lab. This resurrection causes physical abnormalities, which he appears to be fighting, or attempting to cure.
9. What happens if I miss the helicopter?
Missing the helicopter is how you get the “bad” ending. You choose to retrieve your backpack and remain on the island, which allows for further free play but concludes your main story path.
10. Is Sons of the Forest a direct sequel to The Forest?
While they share characters and a universe, Sons of the Forest presents a new plot with a new protagonist. It is not essential to play the first game to understand the narrative.
11. What’s the significance of the helicopter crash site?
The helicopter crash site contains key items such as the Pistol Rail and Silencer, which are needed to modify your pistol. It’s a valuable location for gear.
12. Who is Eric LeBlanc?
Eric LeBlanc is the protagonist of the first game, The Forest, and Timmy’s father. He appears in Sons of the Forest and plays a significant role in the “good” ending.
13. What happens to the cannibals and mutants?
Enemies like cannibals and mutants will respawn in the game, but AI companions like Kelvin and Virginia, once killed, will be permanently lost and cannot be replaced.
14. How long does it take to finish Sons of the Forest?
Focusing on the main objectives can take around 12.5 hours. However, players aiming for complete exploration and 100% completion will spend around 42 hours.
15. What is the silver jacket guy seen in the game?
The character in a silver jacket is named Jianyu. He is also seen with a black hair and pants. His role in the story is not fully fleshed out within the game.
By understanding these nuances, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the complexities of Sons of the Forest and achieve the ending that aligns with your preferred play style and narrative expectations. The game offers a rich experience beyond just surviving the harsh island, and these endings provide a sense of closure to your character’s journey.