Diving Deep: How to Join Sons of the Forest – A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’re ready to brave the cannibal-infested wilds of Sons of the Forest with your friends? Excellent choice! Getting into the game and playing with others can feel a bit daunting at first, but it’s actually quite straightforward once you understand the basics. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
To join a Sons of the Forest game, launch the game and navigate to the Multiplayer option in the main menu. You can either host your own game or join an existing one. If you want to join a friend’s game, you’ll likely need to know their server name or be playing on a Peer to Peer connection. If you’re connecting to a Dedicated Server, you’ll need to filter the server list by the specific name to find it.
Navigating the Multiplayer Menu
The Multiplayer menu is your hub for all things co-op in Sons of the Forest. Here’s a breakdown of your options:
Peer to Peer (P2P)
P2P is the simplest way to play with friends. One player hosts the game directly from their machine, and others join that host.
- Host Game: Selecting this option turns your computer into the server. You’ll be able to set a password, choose a save file (or start a new game), and adjust other settings like difficulty.
- Join Game: This will bring up a list of available P2P games hosted by your friends. You might need their IP address if the game doesn’t show up automatically. Remember to check for connection issues if you are having trouble connecting.
Dedicated Server
Dedicated Servers are hosted separately from your personal computer, often by third-party providers or on a dedicated machine. This provides more stability and performance, especially for larger groups. This is ideal for dedicated gaming groups who want the server running 24/7.
- Joining a Dedicated Server:
- Launch Sons of the Forest, and navigate to Multiplayer > Join.
- Under Options, set the Source as Dedicated.
- Enter your Server Name as the Filter.
- Hover your cursor over the server and click Join.
- If required, enter the password.
Important Considerations
- Game Version Compatibility: Make sure everyone playing is on the same version of Sons of the Forest. Incompatible versions can prevent you from joining each other.
- Firewall and Antivirus: Firewalls and antivirus software can sometimes block the game’s connection. Make sure to add Sons of the Forest as an exception in your firewall and antivirus settings.
- Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is crucial for multiplayer. Low bandwidth or high latency can lead to lag and disconnects.
- Server Stability: If you’re playing on a dedicated server, its stability and performance will affect your experience. Choose a reputable server provider for the best results.
- Game Save Location: If you are the host you may need to locate the game save location to backup files, or for other game-related tasks.
Diving into the Forest: Gameplay and Strategy
Once you’ve joined a game, the real fun begins! Sons of the Forest is a challenging survival game, and cooperation is key to success. Here are a few tips for surviving the horrors that await:
- Communication is Key: Use voice chat to coordinate your actions, share resources, and warn each other of danger.
- Divide and Conquer: Assign roles to each player, such as builder, hunter, and explorer. This will help you cover more ground and progress more efficiently.
- Base Building: Construct a fortified base to protect yourselves from cannibals and mutants. Consider location, resources, and defensive capabilities.
- Resource Management: Scavenge for resources and prioritize crafting essential items like weapons, armor, and medical supplies.
- Explore Together: Venture into caves and other dangerous locations as a group. Strength in numbers is essential for surviving encounters with the game’s more formidable creatures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why can’t I join my friend’s game in Sons of the Forest?
There are several reasons why you might be unable to join a friend’s game. Common causes include incompatible game versions, firewall issues, internet connection problems, or incorrect server settings. Double-check that everyone is on the same version, your firewall isn’t blocking the game, and your internet connection is stable. If using P2P, ensure the host has port forwarding correctly configured if necessary.
2. How do I host a dedicated server for Sons of the Forest?
Hosting a dedicated server requires some technical know-how. You’ll need to acquire server hosting either through a dedicated machine, or by renting a server through a 3rd party. Then you’ll need to download the Sons of the Forest Dedicated Server files from Steam. Follow the instructions from your server provider to configure and launch the server. This usually involves editing configuration files.
3. What are the minimum system requirements to play Sons of the Forest?
The minimum system requirements include an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card, an Intel Core i5-8400 processor, and 12 GB of RAM. You’ll also need at least 20 GB of free disk space for installation. A GTX 1080 Ti is the recommended graphics card to play at the highest settings.
4. Is Sons of the Forest better than The Forest?
Whether Sons of the Forest is “better” is subjective and depends on personal preference. Sons of the Forest boasts improved graphics, new gameplay mechanics, and a more complex story. However, The Forest has a more streamlined experience. Ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking for in a survival game.
5. Can I play Sons of the Forest with strangers?
Yes, you can play with strangers. When hosting a game, don’t set a password. Anyone can join. However, be aware that playing with random players can come with risks, such as griefing or cheating. It’s always a good idea to back up your save game before playing with strangers.
6. What happens if I stay in Sons of the Forest after completing the main story?
If you choose to stay on the island, you can continue exploring, building, and surviving. You can also summon the helicopter back at any time to trigger the “Fought Demons” ending.
7. Can I play Sons of the Forest without cannibals?
Yes, you can enable Peaceful Mode, which removes most of the threats from the game. This allows you to explore and build without worrying about being attacked.
8. What is the goal of Sons of the Forest?
The goal is to track down a missing billionaire and his family on a cannibal-infested island while surviving as long as possible. This involves exploring the environment, gathering resources, building a base, and fighting off enemies.
9. Do I need a server to play Sons of the Forest multiplayer?
No, you don’t need a dedicated server. You can play with friends using the Peer to Peer (P2P) option. However, a dedicated server offers more stability and performance, especially for larger groups.
10. Are there NPCs in Sons of the Forest?
Yes, the main NPC is named Kelvin. Companions like Kelvin can help you with tasks such as gathering resources and fighting enemies.
11. Can I play a Sons of the Forest multiplayer save without the host?
No, you cannot play a multiplayer save unless you join back with the original host. The save game is tied to the host’s machine.
12. How do I invite people to my Sons of the Forest game?
When in the game, press shift+tab to open the Steam overlay. Then, find your friend in your friends list and click “Invite to Game”.
13. Can you beat Sons of the Forest alone?
Yes, it is entirely possible to beat Sons of the Forest alone. You may want to utilize the NPC companion, Kelvin, who can greatly assist with tasks and combat.
14. Is Sons of the Forest scarier than The Forest?
Yes, Sons of the Forest is generally considered scarier than The Forest, with a wider variety of terrifying enemy designs and more intense survival challenges.
15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming, like the problem-solving skills used in Sons of the Forest?
You can explore the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing knowledge about games and learning. You can also check out the Games Learning Society website.
Final Thoughts
Sons of the Forest offers a thrilling and challenging multiplayer experience. By following these tips and troubleshooting common issues, you can enjoy the game with your friends and conquer the horrors that await. Remember, cooperation and communication are key to survival! Now, grab your axe, gather your friends, and prepare to brave the forest!