What Does the Armor Do in Sons of the Forest?

In Sons of the Forest, armor is your primary means of defense against the myriad dangers lurking on the island, from cannibals and mutants to environmental hazards. Fundamentally, armor reduces the amount of damage you receive from attacks. It provides a crucial layer of protection, significantly increasing your survivability. Different armor types offer varying levels of protection and resistances against different damage types. The effectiveness of armor is determined by its armor rating, which influences the percentage of damage mitigated. More advanced armor types offer greater protection, enabling you to withstand more brutal assaults.

Understanding Armor Mechanics in Sons of the Forest

The armor system in Sons of the Forest is relatively straightforward but has important nuances. Beyond simply reducing damage, armor works in the following ways:

• Damage Mitigation: As mentioned, this is the core function. Armor absorbs a percentage of incoming damage. The higher the armor value, the less damage you take.
• Armor Durability: Armor pieces have durability, which decreases as they absorb damage. Once the durability reaches zero, the armor breaks and no longer provides protection. You’ll need to repair or replace damaged armor.
• Armor Types and Resistances: Different armors offer varying degrees of protection against different damage types. For example, some armors might be more effective against blunt damage (clubs) while others excel against piercing damage (arrows). Some even provide limited resistance to elemental damage, such as fire.
• Stacking Armor: Sons of the Forest allows you to equip multiple pieces of armor simultaneously, effectively stacking their protective benefits (with some limitations – see FAQs). This is crucial for maximizing your defense against tougher enemies.
• Armor Repair: Several armors can be repaired with resources found in the world. Doing so allows the player to maintain their protection for longer and be more durable while surviving the Forest.
• Visual Indication: The player is visually aware of when armor breaks. This allows them to have a better understanding of when they are being attacked.

Types of Armor Available

Sons of the Forest features a diverse range of armor types, each with its own strengths, weaknesses, and acquisition methods. Here’s a breakdown of some key armor pieces:

• Leaf Armor: An early-game option, crafted from leaves. It provides minimal protection but is readily available. Useful for the first few hours of survival.
• Hide Armor: Crafted from animal hides obtained by hunting. Offers better protection than Leaf Armor, especially against weaker enemies.
• Bone Armor: Forged from collected bones. Provides decent protection and is relatively easy to acquire in moderate quantities.
• Creepy Armor: Made from the flesh of mutated creatures. Offers very high protection but attracts the attention of cannibals and mutants. Use with caution!
• Tech Armor: Found in underground bunkers. Provides excellent protection and unique resistances. It is among the strongest armor in the game.
• Golden Armor: Another high-tier armor, often found in specific locations. Offers great protection and may have unique properties.
• Knight Armor: This armor is a good option for players that want to survive combat, but may not be as effective as higher level options.
• Rope Armor: A low level armor that offers a small amount of protection, but can be useful in the early game.

Strategies for Optimizing Armor Usage

Effective armor usage is crucial for long-term survival in Sons of the Forest. Consider these strategies:

• Prioritize High-Tier Armor: Focus on obtaining and maintaining the best armor available, such as Tech Armor or Golden Armor.
• Carry Spare Armor: Always carry extra pieces of armor, especially during dangerous expeditions, to quickly replace damaged or broken pieces.
• Repair Armor Regularly: Repair your armor frequently to maintain its durability and protection.
• Adapt to the Situation: Choose armor based on the expected threats. If you anticipate fighting mutants, Creepy Armor might be useful despite its drawbacks. If you are doing a normal exploration of the island, something like bone armor may be a better fit.
• Combine Armor Types: Experiment with different combinations of armor to maximize your resistances against various damage types.
• Manage Aggro: Be aware that certain armors, like Creepy Armor, can increase enemy aggression. Adjust your tactics accordingly.
• Practice Repairing: Practice repairing your armor so that you are ready to handle repairs when in a tough situation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Armor in Sons of the Forest

1. How do I craft Leaf Armor?

Collect 10 leaves and combine them in your inventory. Leaf armor is the most basic armor and provides very little protection, but is useful in the early game.

2. Where can I find animal hides for crafting Hide Armor?

Hunt animals like deer and rabbits. Skin them to obtain their hides.

3. How do I obtain bones for Bone Armor?

Burn corpses in a fire to collect bones. Cannibal camps are a good source of bodies.

4. What are the drawbacks of wearing Creepy Armor?

Wearing Creepy Armor significantly increases the aggression and frequency of cannibal and mutant attacks.

5. Where can I find Tech Armor?

Tech Armor is typically found in underground bunkers, often requiring keycards to access. Explore the island thoroughly.

6. Is Golden Armor better than Tech Armor?

Both are excellent, but Tech Armor often provides better overall protection. Golden Armor may offer unique benefits, but the difference is often minimal.

7. How do I repair armor in Sons of the Forest?

Most armor types can be repaired using duct tape. Simply combine the damaged armor with duct tape in your inventory.

8. Can I stack multiple layers of the same armor type?

Yes, you can equip multiple pieces of the same armor type, and their protective benefits stack. You can stack different armor types as well.

9. Does armor protect against fall damage?

No, armor does not reduce fall damage. Be cautious when navigating heights.

10. How does armor affect my movement speed?

Some armors, particularly heavier ones like Tech Armor, may slightly reduce your movement speed. This reduction is often negligible.

11. Is there a visual indicator when my armor breaks?

Yes, you will see a visual cue on the HUD when a piece of armor breaks, and your character may make a sound.

12. Does armor protect against fire damage?

Some armors offer limited fire resistance, but generally, avoid fire at all costs.

13. What happens when all my armor breaks?

You become extremely vulnerable to damage and will likely die quickly if attacked. Prioritize replacing or repairing your armor immediately.

14. Can NPCs wear armor?

No, only the player character can wear armor.

15. What is the best overall strategy for managing armor in Sons of the Forest?

Prioritize acquiring high-tier armor, carry spare pieces, repair regularly, and adapt your armor choice to the specific threats you expect to encounter. Resource management is also very important.