Do You Have to Feed Your Companions in Sons of the Forest? The Complete Guide

The unforgiving wilderness of Sons of the Forest is a constant struggle for survival. Managing your own hunger and thirst is paramount, but what about your companions? The burning question on many players’ minds is: Do you have to feed your companions in Sons of the Forest? Yes, you absolutely need to feed your companions, Virginia and Kelvin, to ensure their survival and maintain their effectiveness in helping you. Neglecting their nutritional needs will negatively impact their health and willingness to assist you.

Companion Care: The Basics

Managing companions is a crucial aspect of Sons of the Forest. Unlike some survival games where NPCs are simply invincible followers, your companions in Sons of the Forest have needs and dependencies that you must address. Neglecting these needs, including hunger, will lead to decreased performance and, in the worst-case scenario, death.

Why Feeding Your Companions Matters

• Survival: The most obvious reason to feed Virginia and Kelvin is to keep them alive. Just like your own character, they can starve and eventually die if left without sustenance. Losing a companion severely impacts your gameplay experience.
• Efficiency: A well-fed companion is a more productive companion. Kelvin, for example, will be more effective at gathering resources and building structures if his hunger is satisfied. Virginia will be more active in scouting and providing assistance.
• Morale: While not explicitly quantified, there’s a strong indication that maintaining your companions’ well-being positively impacts their morale. A happy and healthy companion is more likely to proactively help you and defend your base.
• Immersion: The companion system adds a layer of realism and immersion to the game. The need to care for Virginia and Kelvin reinforces the feeling of not just surviving, but building a life in this harsh environment.

Understanding Companion Hunger

While the game doesn’t display a precise hunger meter for your companions, observing their behavior offers valuable clues.

• Behavioral Cues: Pay attention to how often Kelvin sits down or pauses his tasks. He may be exhibiting signs of fatigue due to hunger. Watch Virginia’s movements as well; excessive wandering or hesitant actions might suggest she’s looking for food.
• Dialogue and Interactions: While Kelvin cannot speak, Virginia occasionally uses gestures and noises to communicate her needs. Keep an eye out for these subtle hints.

What to Feed Your Companions

Fortunately, providing sustenance for your companions is relatively straightforward. Both Virginia and Kelvin have preferences, but they are generally less picky than the player character.

• Cooked Meat: Cooked meat, obtained from hunting animals, is an excellent food source for both companions. It provides a substantial amount of nourishment.
• Fish: Catching and cooking fish is another viable option, especially if you are near a body of water.
• Energy Bars: Found throughout the game world, energy bars are convenient and effective for quickly replenishing hunger. Keep a supply on hand for emergencies.
• Canned Food: Similar to energy bars, canned food offers a readily available source of nutrition.
• Berries: While not as filling as meat or fish, berries can serve as a temporary fix for hunger. They’re also relatively easy to find.
• Soda: Yes, surprisingly Kelvin likes soda! This is a quick fix if you’re in a pinch.

How to Feed Your Companions

The process of feeding your companions is intuitive.

1. Access Your Inventory: Open your inventory and select the food item you wish to give to your companion.
2. Look at your Companion: Position yourself so that you are facing Kelvin or Virginia.
3. Use the “Give” Action: Press the ‘E’ key (or the designated interaction key) while looking at your companion. This will trigger the “Give” action. If the food item is acceptable, your companion will take it.

Note: You can only give one item at a time. It’s recommended to keep food items readily accessible in your inventory for quick feeding.

Consequences of Neglecting Your Companions

The consequences of failing to adequately feed your companions are significant.

• Decreased Efficiency: Hungry companions become sluggish and less productive. Kelvin might take longer to complete tasks, and Virginia might be less vigilant.
• Increased Vulnerability: Weakened by hunger, your companions become more susceptible to injury during combat encounters.
• Death: Prolonged starvation will ultimately lead to the death of your companions. This not only removes their assistance but can also be emotionally impactful for players who have grown attached to them.

Preventing Companion Starvation

Proactive measures are essential for preventing your companions from starving.

• Regular Hunting: Make hunting a regular part of your routine to ensure a steady supply of meat.
• Stockpiling Food: Create storage areas to stockpile food items, especially during periods of abundance.
• Prioritizing Companion Needs: When allocating resources, prioritize the needs of your companions alongside your own.
• Communicating with Kelvin: Utilize the notepad to instruct Kelvin to gather berries or fish. This will create a passive food source to supplement your own efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about feeding your companions in Sons of the Forest:

1. Can Virginia hunt for herself?

While Virginia is capable of defending herself and engaging in combat, she doesn’t actively hunt for food. You need to provide her with sustenance.

2. Does Kelvin need water?

No, Kelvin doesn’t require water, only food.

3. Can companions eat raw meat?

It is better to feed them cooked meat. It restores more hunger than raw meat.

4. Can I force-feed my companions?

No, you cannot force-feed them. They will only take food when they are hungry.

5. What is Kelvin’s favorite food?

Kelvin doesn’t have a specific favorite food, he eats most things you offer him. He seems to enjoy soda as a quick fix!

6. What is Virginia’s favorite food?

Virginia doesn’t have a specific favorite food but prefers cooked meat, fish or energy bars.

7. Will companions eat from containers if food is stored there?

No, companions will not automatically take food from containers. You need to manually give them food from your inventory.

8. Do I have to protect Virginia and Kelvin from enemies while they eat?

Yes, your companions are vulnerable while they are eating, so it’s important to provide protection if enemies are nearby.

9. How often should I feed my companions?

It depends on their activity level, but generally, providing food every 1-2 in-game days is sufficient. Observe their behavior for clues.

10. Can I tell Kelvin to cook food?

No, you can’t directly instruct Kelvin to cook. You need to cook the food yourself and then give it to him.

11. Do difficulty settings affect companion hunger?

Yes, higher difficulty settings may increase the rate at which companions become hungry.

12. Will my companions die permanently if they starve?

Yes, if your companions starve, they will die permanently, so be sure to take care of them.

13. Can Virginia get poisoned by eating the wrong food?

No, Virginia cannot get poisoned. She will refuse to eat the food if it’s not edible.

14. Does Kelvin eat faster than Virginia?

The speed at which they consume food appears to be similar.

15. What happens if I run out of food?

If you run out of food, prioritize finding new sources of sustenance. Focus on hunting, fishing, and foraging for berries. Try to conserve energy and be mindful of their needs.

In conclusion, feeding your companions in Sons of the Forest is not just a trivial task; it’s a fundamental aspect of survival and a key factor in maintaining a productive and enjoyable gameplay experience. By understanding their needs and proactively providing sustenance, you can ensure their well-being and strengthen your chances of overcoming the challenges of the island.