Does Sons of the Forest Ever End? A Deep Dive into the Game’s Completion
Yes, Sons of the Forest does have an ending, but it’s more nuanced than a simple credits roll. The game features multiple endings that depend on player choices and actions throughout their playthrough. These endings offer different perspectives on the story and leave players pondering the mysteries of the island long after they’ve completed the main objective.
Understanding the Sons of the Forest Endings
Sons of the Forest departs from its predecessor, The Forest, by offering a less linear narrative experience. While there’s a clear objective – rescuing a missing billionaire – the path you take and the decisions you make significantly impact which ending you ultimately witness. The game’s open-world nature and emphasis on player agency mean that understanding the factors influencing the ending is crucial.
The Factors That Affect Your Ending
Several key elements determine the ending you receive:
- Virginia’s Survival: Virginia, the three-legged, three-armed mutant, is a crucial character. Her relationship with the player character and whether she survives to the end is a significant determinant.
- Kelvin’s Fate: Kelvin, the player’s loyal but mute companion, also plays a role. While his survival isn’t directly tied to specific endings, his presence affects the overall tone and atmosphere of the game.
- The Artifacts: The island is littered with strange artifacts, and your interaction with them – specifically whether you choose to activate or ignore a particular artifact near the end – heavily influences the outcome.
- The Final Choice: The game presents you with a final, impactful choice at the very end. This decision essentially dictates which of the possible endings you trigger.
Spoiler Alert: Briefly Outlining the Potential Endings
(Note: The following section contains mild spoilers. Skip ahead to the FAQs if you wish to avoid them entirely.)
Without revealing too much, here’s a general overview of the possible endings:
- The Stay Ending: Choosing to remain on the island offers a continuation of the survival experience, suggesting a resignation to its mysteries.
- The Leave Ending: Departing the island with Virginia and Kelvin signifies an attempt to return to civilization, although the implications are far from clear.
- The Alternate Ending (Dependent on Artifact Activation): This ending occurs if you make a specific decision regarding one of the artifacts. It reveals more about the island’s secrets and the corporation’s involvement. It is often considered the “true” ending due to the revelations it provides.
The Significance of Multiple Endings
The existence of multiple endings in Sons of the Forest serves several purposes:
- Increased Replayability: Players are encouraged to experiment with different choices to see all possible outcomes.
- Deeper Story Engagement: The ambiguity of the endings sparks discussion and speculation about the lore and the true nature of the island.
- Player Agency and Investment: The game emphasizes the impact of player decisions, making the experience feel more personal and meaningful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the End of Sons of the Forest
1. How long does it take to beat Sons of the Forest?
The main story can be completed in roughly 20-30 hours, depending on your play style and difficulty level. However, exploring the entire island and uncovering all its secrets can significantly extend playtime.
2. Is there a post-game after completing the ending?
Yes, even after seeing an ending, you can continue playing in the same world. This allows you to further explore the island, build your base, and experiment with different weapons and strategies.
3. Do I need to kill all the mutants to finish the game?
No, killing all the mutants is not necessary to complete the game. The focus is on exploring, resource management, and following the storyline. However, combat is a significant aspect of the gameplay.
4. Can I get different endings in the same playthrough?
No, you can only get one ending per playthrough. You’ll need to start a new game to experience the other endings.
5. How does Virginia’s survival affect the ending?
Virginia’s survival is crucial for certain endings. Specifically, you’ll get a different ending depending on whether you befriend her and manage to keep her alive until the final act. Building a good relationship with her, providing her with weapons, and protecting her from enemies are key.
6. What happens to Kelvin at the end of Sons of the Forest?
Kelvin’s fate doesn’t directly dictate the ending. However, if Kelvin is alive, he will either remain on the island if you choose to stay, or he will accompany you if you leave. His presence adds to the emotional impact of the chosen ending.
7. Is Sons of the Forest scary?
Yes, Sons of the Forest is a survival horror game with plenty of scary moments. The mutants, the dark caves, and the overall atmosphere contribute to a terrifying experience.
8. Are there any secret endings in Sons of the Forest?
While there aren’t explicitly “secret” endings, the alternate ending, triggered by interacting with a specific artifact, is often considered the most complete and revealing.
9. What is the “best” ending in Sons of the Forest?
There’s no objectively “best” ending. It depends on your personal preferences and what you value in a story. Some prefer the ambiguity of the leave or stay endings, while others prefer the revelations of the alternate ending.
10. Can I play Sons of the Forest in multiplayer?
Yes, Sons of the Forest supports multiplayer, allowing you to experience the game with friends. This can significantly change the dynamics of the gameplay and make it easier to survive.
11. Is Sons of the Forest still in Early Access?
While initially released in Early Access, Sons of the Forest has now received its full 1.0 release. This means that the core story and gameplay features are complete.
12. Where can I find a Sons of the Forest ending guide?
Numerous online resources, including YouTube videos, wikis, and forum discussions, provide detailed guides to achieving each ending. Be cautious of spoilers!
13. What are the biggest changes from The Forest in terms of the ending?
Sons of the Forest offers multiple endings and a more intricate storyline compared to the first game. The original The Forest had one main ending, while Sons of the Forest emphasizes player choice and consequences.
14. Does the difficulty setting affect the ending?
No, the difficulty setting does not affect the ending you receive. It only impacts the combat difficulty and resource availability.
15. Will there be DLC or updates adding more endings in the future?
While there’s no official confirmation, the developers have shown a commitment to supporting Sons of the Forest with updates and improvements. It’s possible that future DLC or updates could introduce new content, including additional story elements or even new endings.
In conclusion, Sons of the Forest does have an end, but it’s an end that is shaped by your actions and decisions. Exploring the island, building relationships with key characters, and making informed choices are all essential to experiencing the full depth of the game’s narrative and uncovering its multiple, thought-provoking endings. Good luck surviving!