How to Befriend NPCs in Sons of the Forest: A Comprehensive Guide

The untamed wilderness of Sons of the Forest is a brutal place, but it doesn’t have to be a lonely one. Building relationships with Non-Player Characters (NPCs) can significantly improve your survival chances and enrich your gameplay experience. The most reliable way to befriend an NPC in Sons of the Forest is by consistently providing them with gifts, offering help when they are in need, and avoiding any hostile actions towards them.

Understanding NPC Interaction in Sons of the Forest

Before diving into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand how NPC interactions function in the game. Unlike some other survival games, Sons of the Forest doesn’t rely on complex dialogue trees or intricate quests to build friendships. The system is more organic, based on actions and non-verbal communication. Building rapport is vital; treat your NPCs as teammates and allies. The two primary NPCs currently are Virginia and Kelvin.

Key Factors Influencing Friendship

Several factors influence how NPCs perceive you:

• Generosity: Sharing resources, providing weapons, and offering clothing.
• Helpfulness: Assisting with tasks, defending against threats, and healing injuries.
• Non-Aggression: Avoiding violence, respecting their personal space, and refraining from commands that could be interpreted negatively.
• Proximity: Spending time near them and including them in your activities.
• Protection: Defending them from cannibals and mutants.

Befriending Kelvin

Kelvin is typically the first NPC players encounter. He is deaf and mute, making communication different than typical interactions. You can give Kelvin written commands by using a notebook. He’s primarily a worker, and his friendship hinges on your consistent and clear instructions, and recognizing his limits.

Steps to Befriend Kelvin:

1. Avoid Aggression from the Start: When you first encounter Kelvin after the helicopter crash, do not attack him, even accidentally. Any hostile action will severely damage your relationship from the outset.
2. Give Clear Instructions: Use the notebook to assign him tasks like gathering sticks, logs, or building structures. Start with simple tasks and gradually increase complexity as your bond grows. Ensure you acknowledge his work with a thumbs up!
3. Provide Rest: Kelvin gets tired and injured. Allow him to rest by either not assigning him tasks for a while, or by building him a bed. Healing him when he is injured is also a good way to gain favor with Kelvin.
4. Correct Mistakes Patiently: Kelvin sometimes misinterprets instructions or makes mistakes. Instead of getting angry or hitting him, simply correct the mistake with a new instruction.
5. Protect Him: Defend Kelvin from cannibals and mutants. This is crucial for building trust. If he is attacked, prioritize his safety.
6. Be Patient: Building trust takes time. Don’t expect immediate results. Consistent positive interactions are key.

Befriending Virginia

Virginia is a more complex NPC. She’s initially shy and wary, but she will gradually become more comfortable around you as you gain her trust. She’s a valuable ally due to her combat prowess and ability to provide reconnaissance. Unlike Kelvin, you cannot directly give Virginia commands. Befriending Virginia requires patience and understanding.

Steps to Befriend Virginia:

1. Avoid Initial Aggression: Virginia is skittish. Approach her slowly and deliberately. Never chase or threaten her. Any sign of aggression will scare her away, and she might not return for a long time.
2. Offer Gifts: Drop weapons and clothing near her. She might not pick them up immediately, but she will eventually. This shows that you are not a threat and that you are willing to provide for her.
3. Be Peaceful: Simply continue doing what you need to do around your base. She will come closer over time and start showing interest in your activities. Do not actively approach her unless she approaches you first.
4. Defend Her: Just like with Kelvin, protecting Virginia from enemies is crucial. If she’s attacked, prioritize her safety. This solidifies your role as an ally.
5. Be Patient: Building trust with Virginia takes significantly longer than with Kelvin. It may take several in-game days before she becomes comfortable enough to interact with you regularly.
6. Equip her. Once you have gained Virginia’s trust, you can equip her with weapons, armor, and clothing.

Benefits of Befriending NPCs

Befriending Kelvin and Virginia offers several advantages:

• Increased Survivability: Having allies who can gather resources, build structures, and defend against threats significantly improves your chances of survival.
• Combat Support: Virginia is a capable fighter who can provide valuable support in combat.
• Companionship: The game can feel less lonely with loyal companions by your side.
• Story Progression: Certain story elements might be tied to your relationship with Virginia.
• Resource Gathering: Kelvin’s assistance with resource gathering frees up your time to focus on other tasks.

Maintaining Friendships

Once you’ve befriended an NPC, it’s important to maintain the relationship. Continue providing gifts, helping them when they are in need, and avoiding any actions that could damage their trust. Neglecting your relationship can lead to them becoming distant or even hostile.

FAQs about Befriending NPCs in Sons of the Forest

1. Can I befriend cannibals in Sons of the Forest?

No, currently there is no known mechanic or method to befriend hostile cannibals in Sons of the Forest. Your interactions with them will primarily be combat-focused.

2. What happens if I accidentally hit Kelvin or Virginia?

Accidental hits can damage your relationship. Immediately offer an apology (if possible, through emotes) and try to make amends by offering a gift or helping them with a task. Consistent aggression will eventually turn them hostile.

3. How do I know if Virginia is becoming my friend?

Virginia will exhibit several behaviors to indicate growing trust, she will dance for you, bring you gifts, get closer, and may eventually start following you on expeditions without being asked.

4. Can Kelvin die permanently?

Yes, Kelvin can die permanently if he takes too much damage. Be sure to protect him!

5. Can Virginia die permanently?

Yes, Virginia can die permanently. Take good care of her.

6. What are the best gifts to give Virginia?

Weapons, clothing, and medicine are good options. High-tier weapons show your willingness to protect her.

7. What if Kelvin isn’t responding to my commands?

Ensure you are giving clear and concise instructions using the notebook. Check that he’s not injured or exhausted. If all else fails, try restarting the game.

8. Does the game have a friendship meter for NPCs?

No, there is no visible friendship meter. You must observe their behavior and actions to gauge your relationship.

9. Can I have both Kelvin and Virginia as friends at the same time?

Yes, it is absolutely possible to befriend both Kelvin and Virginia simultaneously.

10. How do I heal Kelvin?

Approach Kelvin when he is injured. You will have an option to interact with him and heal him with bandages or other medical supplies.

11. Will befriending Virginia stop cannibals from attacking me?

No, befriending Virginia will not prevent cannibals from attacking you. They will still pose a threat, and you will need to defend yourself and your companions.

12. Can Virginia use ranged weapons?

Yes, Virginia can use ranged weapons. She can be equipped with pistols and shotguns.

13. Does befriending NPCs affect the ending of the game?

While it is unconfirmed, relationships with NPCs do affect story progression and might influence which ending you experience.

14. Is there a limit to how many NPCs I can befriend?

Currently, Kelvin and Virginia are the only two recruitable NPCs, but additional NPCs may be added in future updates.

15. What if Virginia is just standing still and not moving?

Sometimes, Virginia may get stuck or experience glitches. Try moving away from her and returning, or restarting the game. If the problem persists, try building a structure nearby to encourage her to interact with her surroundings.