Sons of the Forest: Unraveling the Multiple Endings
Yes, Sons of the Forest features multiple endings, adding significant replayability and depth to the survival horror experience. While the game’s core narrative revolves around a mysterious island and its strange inhabitants, the choices players make ultimately dictate which conclusion they reach. There are three distinct endings: a good ending, a bad ending, and a secret or best ending. These endings aren’t just minor variations; they provide dramatically different outcomes for the protagonist and the accompanying characters, impacting the overall tone and resolution of the story.
Exploring the Three Paths to the Finale
The key to unlocking any of the endings in Sons of the Forest lies within a specific bunker located on the eastern shore of the island. This bunker, marked by a gold arm door, serves as the final location, where the culminating events of the game unfold. However, simply reaching this point is not enough. Your actions and the status of your companions influence which specific ending you encounter.
The Good Ending: Escaping the Island
The so-called “good ending” is achieved by choosing to board the helicopter at the end. This choice leads to the protagonist, Eric, and, if they are present, Virginia and Kelvin, escaping the island. It is crucial to note that while this ending is considered “good,” it isn’t the most fulfilling in terms of narrative closure. You’ll earn the achievement “Fought Demons” for achieving this conclusion. This is a fairly straightforward ending, typically involving the player choosing to prioritize their escape and seemingly leaving behind the mysteries of the island.
The Bad Ending: Left Behind
In stark contrast to the “good” ending, the “bad” ending results from the player choosing to stay on the island by picking up their backpack. This ending sees the protagonist, Eric, being left behind, while Timmy boards the helicopter with another character, likely the other surviving soldier. You and any companions you have with you are left to continue surviving on the island while the helicopter departs. This concluding choice earns you the “Fight Demons” achievement, signifying a darker, more isolated fate.
The Secret/Best Ending: The Complete Team
The most nuanced and rewarding of the three endings is the secret ending, often also referred to as the “best” ending. This ending requires specific conditions to be met before entering the bunker with the gold arm door. Crucially, both Virginia and Kelvin must be alive and accompanying the player. If these conditions are met, and you choose to board the helicopter, they will all escape together, resulting in a far more complete conclusion to their respective character arcs and unlocking the “Keep Your Friends Close” achievement. This ending is often considered the most satisfying because it acknowledges the relationships you have built with your companions during the game, and that they accompany you out of the island.
How Choices Shape the Outcome
It’s important to recognize that Sons of the Forest is not a game of binary choices. The endings are not solely defined by a single moment but by your actions and decisions throughout the game. Befriending Virginia and ensuring Kelvin’s survival are not just optional side quests; they are key components in unlocking the best ending. These interactions highlight the dynamic relationship between the player and the NPCs, which significantly influences the narrative’s conclusion.
The Role of Companions
The game emphasizes the importance of companionship. Your journey is not meant to be solitary; having Virginia and Kelvin by your side is both tactically beneficial and narratively crucial. Building a positive rapport with Virginia, often involving gifting her items and ensuring her safety, strengthens the bond necessary for the “secret” ending. Similarly, though Kelvin cannot directly communicate after his brain damage, he is an invaluable ally, helping the player with resource gathering and base building.
Beyond Survival
Sons of the Forest encourages players to explore the game world, not just to survive but also to discover more about the events that transpired on the island. The optional story, accessible through hidden lore letters, allows for a deeper dive into the mystery. Collecting these clues not only provides context to the overall narrative but also enriches the experience, making each playthrough more insightful.
FAQ: Diving Deeper into Sons of the Forest Endings
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the endings in Sons of the Forest, providing additional insights into the game’s conclusion and mechanics:
1. Does The Forest have alternate endings?
Yes, the predecessor to Sons of the Forest, The Forest, also has alternate endings, typically focusing on choices related to activating an artifact and its consequences.
2. What happens in the good ending of Sons of the Forest?
In the good ending, the protagonist, accompanied by any surviving companions, escapes the island via helicopter. This ending is earned by making the choice to board the helicopter.
3. What is the bad ending of Sons of the Forest?
The bad ending results from choosing to stay behind on the island, leaving with the protagonist and companions to survive on their own after Timmy boards the helicopter.
4. What is the secret/best ending of Sons of the Forest?
The secret ending, often considered the “best” ending, occurs when both Virginia and Kelvin are alive and follow you onto the helicopter to escape the island with you.
5. How do I get the secret ending?
To get the secret ending, ensure both Virginia and Kelvin are alive and with you when entering the bunker with the gold arm door. Also, you must select the option to board the helicopter.
6. Can you get the secret ending without Virginia and Kelvin?
No, the secret ending requires both Virginia and Kelvin to be alive and present at the final sequence.
7. What is the significance of the gold arm door?
The gold arm door marks the entrance to the bunker that contains the game’s final sequence. All three endings branch from this location.
8. Is Timmy playable in Sons of the Forest?
No, Timmy is not a playable character in Sons of the Forest. You meet him in the story, but he is not controlled by the player.
9. What is the golden cube in Sons of the Forest?
The golden cube is a mysterious object linked to the mutants on the island. It is not something the player physically interacts with often, but it is a critical part of the island’s lore and the story’s central mystery.
10. Does Sons of the Forest have a linear storyline?
While not entirely linear, Sons of the Forest has a narrative that is revealed through the discovery of hidden lore letters, allowing the player to explore the mystery and piece together the events of the island’s past.
11. Should I play The Forest before Sons of the Forest?
Playing The Forest is not mandatory for understanding Sons of the Forest. While there are references and connections between the two, Sons of the Forest has its own standalone plot.
12. What does the Gold Armor do in Sons of the Forest?
The Gold Armor provides a full armor protection bar and is a permanent item that doesn’t lose quality, enhancing the player’s defensive capabilities.
13. Who is Edward Puffton in Sons of the Forest?
Edward Puffton is a multi-billionaire and the CEO of Puffton Industries, and the missing person that initiates the events of the game. His daughter is Virginia Puffton.
14. How long does it take to complete Sons of the Forest?
Completing the main story of Sons of the Forest typically takes around 12-13 hours, while achieving 100% completion, which includes exploring everything, can take around 42 hours.
15. Why is Kelvin deaf in Sons of the Forest?
Kelvin is deaf and mute as a result of brain damage sustained in the helicopter crash at the beginning of the game. He relies on written communication via the player’s notepad to communicate.
Sons of the Forest offers a compelling and branching narrative experience. The availability of multiple endings ensures that players will explore different paths through the mysterious island, building relationships with companions and uncovering a variety of plot resolutions. Understanding the criteria for unlocking each ending will ultimately enhance the player’s experience.