Should I Leave or Stay in Sons of the Forest? A Comprehensive Guide to Endings
The question that plagues every Sons of the Forest player at the endgame: Should I leave on the helicopter, or stay and fight demons? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no; it hinges on your playstyle, your goals for the game, and what kind of experience you’re ultimately seeking. This guide will break down the implications of each choice, allowing you to make an informed decision that best suits your individual playthrough.
The Crossroads: Helicopter or Island?
The decision point arrives after venturing into the Golden Cube, a pivotal location deep within the island’s mysteries. Once you’ve faced the final challenges within, you’re presented with a seemingly simple choice: board the helicopter or remain. But beneath this simple choice lies a significant divergence in gameplay and experience.
Choosing to Leave: The “Good” and “Best” Endings
Opting for the helicopter ride initiates a chain of events leading to one of two endings. The “good” ending involves leaving with Timmy and Eric, the father-son duo from the first game, The Forest. You’ll witness a cutscene showcasing your escape, followed by the credits rolling down your screen. You’ll also get the achievement “Fought Demons”. This ending is achievable even if Kelvin is no longer with you.
However, the best ending requires a bit more effort. To unlock the secret best ending, you need to ensure Virginia and Kelvin also make it into the Golden Cube with you and Timmy, and Eric. Choosing to leave on the helicopter with them triggers a special cutscene and grants you the “Keep Your Friends Close” achievement. This option is the “feel-good” ending, symbolizing the successful rescue and escape of all your companions. It’s a testament to your ability to build relationships and protect your allies throughout the harsh wilderness.
Choosing to Stay: The “Bad” Ending and Endless Survival
If you choose to refuse the helicopter and remain on the island, the narrative takes a different turn. The helicopter departs without you, leaving you stranded in the Sons of the Forest wilderness. This grants the “Fight Demons” achievement and the only ending that allows you to continue playing in the same world after reaching this pivotal point.
This choice suits players who aren’t ready to conclude their survival journey. It allows you to continue exploring, building, fighting, and uncovering more secrets of the island. It’s an open invitation to delve deeper into the game’s mechanics and push your survival skills to the limit.
Weighing the Factors: Which Ending is Right for You?
Consider these factors when making your decision:
- Completionism: Do you want to “beat” the game and see the credits roll? If so, the helicopter is your best bet.
- Exploration: Are you driven by exploration and discovering all the island has to offer? Staying allows you to continue this indefinitely.
- Base Building: Do you enjoy designing and building elaborate bases? Remaining on the island lets you further refine your architectural endeavors.
- Combat: Do you relish battling cannibals and mutants? The island provides a constant stream of combat opportunities.
- Narrative Closure: Do you need a sense of narrative resolution? Leaving provides a definitive ending to the main storyline.
The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. There’s no “wrong” answer, only the ending that best aligns with your desired gameplay experience.
Beyond the Endings: The True Value of Sons of the Forest
Regardless of which ending you choose, Sons of the Forest offers a rich and engaging survival experience. The game’s dynamic world, challenging combat, intricate crafting system, and compelling narrative create a unique and memorable adventure. Whether you choose to escape or remain, the true value lies in the journey itself – the struggles you overcome, the bonds you forge, and the secrets you uncover.
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Sons of the Forest: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get both endings in a single playthrough?
No, you cannot get both endings in a single playthrough. Once you make your choice at the helicopter, the game progresses to that specific ending. To experience the other ending, you would need to reload a save from before the decision point or start a new game.
2. Does Kelvin need to be alive to get the “good” ending?
No, Kelvin doesn’t need to be alive to reach the “good” ending. While it’s more rewarding to bring him along, his absence won’t prevent you from escaping on the helicopter with Timmy and Eric.
3. What are the requirements for the “best” ending?
To achieve the “best” ending, you must ensure that Virginia, Kelvin, Timmy and Eric are all alive and with you when you enter the Golden Cube. When the option arises to leave, you have to choose to leave. This triggers a special cutscene and unlocks the “Keep Your Friends Close” achievement.
4. What happens after I leave the island?
After leaving the island, you’ll see a cutscene showing the helicopter flying into the sunset. The credits will roll, and the game will end. To play again, you’ll need to start a new game or reload a previous save.
5. Can I continue playing after choosing to leave?
No, choosing to leave ends the current playthrough. You will need to reload a previous save or start a new game to continue playing.
6. Is it better to leave or stay for a first-time player?
For a first-time player, leaving might be the more satisfying option. It provides a sense of closure to the main storyline and allows you to experience the narrative’s conclusion. However, if you enjoyed the survival aspects of the game and want to continue exploring, staying is a perfectly valid choice.
7. Does the ending I choose affect the story in any major way?
While there are multiple endings, they don’t drastically alter the main story. The core narrative remains the same, but the endings provide different perspectives on the conclusion of your journey.
8. What do I need to do to trigger the ending sequence?
To trigger the ending sequence, you need to collect the Maintenance Keycard and the VIP Keycard. Then, head to the bunker in the south and enter the mysterious Golden Cube.
9. Is there a “true” ending to Sons of the Forest?
There’s no definitively stated “true” ending. All three endings are valid and offer different interpretations of the game’s narrative. The choice is ultimately up to the player.
10. Can I still build and explore after choosing to stay?
Yes, choosing to stay allows you to continue building, exploring, and fighting on the island indefinitely. The game world remains active, and you can continue to uncover its secrets.
11. What happens to the cannibals and mutants after I reach the ending?
Regardless of which ending you choose, the cannibals and mutants will still be present on the island. If you choose to stay, they will continue to pose a threat and challenge your survival skills.
12. Is it possible to replay the ending?
Yes, you can replay the ending by reloading a save from before you made your choice at the helicopter. This will allow you to experience a different ending without starting a new game.
13. Does wearing the Golden Armor affect the ending?
Wearing the Golden Armor is essential to progress the main story to reach the ending in Sons of the Forest. You must use it to access the Golden Cube. However, it doesn’t affect which of the three endings you will receive.
14. How long does it take to reach the ending of Sons of the Forest?
The time it takes to reach the ending depends on your playstyle and how thoroughly you explore the island. On average, focusing on the main objectives can take around 12-13 hours.
15. Are there any missable items that affect the ending?
There are no missable items that directly affect which ending you receive. However, acquiring the keycards and exploring certain locations is necessary to progress the main story and unlock the ending sequence. Failing to recruit Virginia and Kelvin means that you will not get the best secret ending.