Escaping the Forest: What Happens When You Board the Helicopter in Sons of the Forest?
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So, you’ve braved the cannibals, navigated the treacherous caves, and maybe even befriended a three-legged mutant. You’ve reached a pivotal moment in Sons of the Forest: the chance to escape via helicopter. But what happens if you actually enter the helicopter? The choice to board the helicopter in Sons of the Forest triggers one of the game’s two “standard” endings. If you choose to board the helicopter, you will leave the island with Eric Leblanc, the father of Timmy from the first game, essentially “winning” the game and unlocking the “Leave” achievement. Leaving your companions Kelvin and Virginia behind. This marks a definitive end to your survival experience on the island, concluding the main storyline and presenting a resolution to the core conflict.
The Helicopter Ending Explained
The Point of No Return
Reaching the helicopter is more than just stumbling upon a vehicle; it’s the culmination of your efforts to explore the island, uncover its mysteries, and survive its dangers. Interacting with the helicopter initiates a cutscene that acts as a definitive point of no return. Once triggered, you’re committing to the “Leave” ending.
Eric’s Departure
The primary consequence of boarding the helicopter is witnessing Eric Leblanc’s departure from the island. Eric, a central figure connecting Sons of the Forest to the original The Forest, is the one piloting the escape. This signals the end of his personal arc within the game’s narrative.
Leaving Your Companions
A significant aspect of this ending is the fate of your companions, Kelvin and Virginia. When you board the helicopter, Kelvin and Virginia do not come with you.
The “Leave” Achievement
Choosing this ending unlocks the “Leave” achievement, a symbolic badge of completion signifying your successful escape from the island and the successful completion of the main objectives. This is the game’s way of formally recognizing your choice and its consequences.
Post-Escape Implication
The “Leave” ending provides a sense of closure to the immediate survival crisis. You have extracted yourself (and Eric) from the perilous environment. However, it also leaves lingering questions about the island’s secrets and the future implications of leaving those mysteries unresolved. The ending doesn’t definitively answer all the narrative threads, allowing for speculation and interpretation.
Considering the Alternative: Staying on the Island
Before you hop on that helicopter, it’s important to understand the alternative. Choosing not to board the helicopter and instead grabbing your backpack results in the “Fight Demons” ending. This ending sees Eric leaving without you, and you being left to continue to explore the island.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Helicopter and Endings in Sons of the Forest
1. Does Virginia follow you onto the helicopter in Sons of the Forest?
No, Virginia does not follow you onto the helicopter. Regardless of your relationship with her or her sentiment towards you, she remains on the island when you choose to leave.
2. Does Kelvin follow you onto the helicopter in Sons of the Forest?
Just like Virginia, Kelvin will also stay behind if you choose to leave on the helicopter.
3. How many endings does Sons of the Forest actually have?
Sons of the Forest has three endings: two “standard” endings (leaving on the helicopter or staying on the island) and a secret ending, the “Keep Your Friends Close” ending.
4. How do I get the “Keep Your Friends Close” secret ending?
To achieve the secret ending, you need to have both Virginia and Kelvin as companions and in your faction. This ensures that they are alive and loyal to you. You must then choose to board the helicopter; if they meet the other requirements they will board the helicopter with you and you will get the secret ending.
5. What happens if I attack the helicopter in Sons of the Forest?
Attacking the helicopter in Sons of the Forest does not prevent you from getting on it and reaching the end of the game. It may trigger some visual or auditory effects, but it will not stop the game from continuing or changing the outcome of boarding the helicopter.
6. Can I go back to the island after leaving on the helicopter?
No, once you choose to leave on the helicopter and trigger the ending, you cannot return to the island within that playthrough. You would need to start a new game to explore the island again.
7. What are the prerequisites for the “Leave” ending?
There are no specific prerequisites for the “Leave” ending other than reaching the point where you can interact with the helicopter and choosing to board it. You don’t need to complete specific quests or have certain items to trigger this ending.
8. Does the ending affect my save file in any way?
Completing the game with either ending typically concludes that save file. You can either start a new game or load a previous save before the ending to continue exploring the island.
9. Is there anything to find in the crashed helicopters scattered around the island?
Yes! As you approach the Littlebird Crashsite, look for a Helicopter covered in ivy, surrounded by supply crates and 2 open briefcases. Grab the Pistol Rail and the Silencer from the open briefcases.
10. What is the significance of Eric Leblanc being on the helicopter?
Eric Leblanc’s presence on the helicopter connects the narrative of Sons of the Forest to the original The Forest. His departure signals a potential resolution to his story arc.
11. Does choosing the “Leave” ending mean I “beat” the game?
Whether you “beat” the game is subjective. Choosing to leave on the helicopter signifies a completion of the main storyline, but it also leaves many of the island’s mysteries unresolved. Some players may feel that truly “beating” the game involves exploring every nook and cranny and uncovering all secrets.
12. What happens to my base and resources if I leave on the helicopter?
Your base, resources, and any structures you’ve built on the island remain as they were when you left. They will still be there if you reload a save file from before you boarded the helicopter.
13. Does the golden armor affect which ending I get?
No, the golden armor does not affect which ending you get in Sons of the Forest.
14. What is the cube, and does it affect the helicopter ending?
The golden cube is the reason that there are multiple Mutants on the island. The Cube isn’t seen in person for most of the game, however, it is seen or mentioned in emails and artwork. However, it does not affect the helicopter ending.
15. Where does the helicopter take you after you leave the island?
The game does not explicitly show where the helicopter takes you after leaving the island. The ending cutscene fades to black, leaving the destination and future events ambiguous. This open-endedness allows players to speculate about what happens to Eric and the protagonist after their escape.
Exploring the narrative nuances and understanding the implications of the Sons of the Forest ending is crucial for a comprehensive gaming experience. Understanding how video games facilitate learning and decision-making can be found at the Games Learning Society website. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the educational aspects of gaming.