The Forest: Which Ending Allows You to Continue Playing?
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The answer is straightforward: both endings in The Forest allow you to continue playing after the credits roll. However, the consequences and practicalities differ slightly, impacting your post-ending experience. Read on to discover the nuances of each choice.
Understanding the Endings of The Forest
Before diving into the post-game specifics, it’s crucial to understand the two endings offered in The Forest. These endings are dependent on the player’s choice within the Sahara Laboratory, located deep within the final cave.
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Ending 1: Activating the Resurrection Obelisk: This ending involves using the Artifact to revive Matthew Cross, Timmy’s son, who had previously died in the event that initiated the game. This is often considered the “good” ending, as it fulfils Timmy’s initial mission of finding his son.
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Ending 2: Disabling the Resurrection Obelisk: This ending involves overriding the Obelisk, preventing another plane from crashing and ensuring that the events that led to Timmy’s abduction do not repeat. This is sometimes viewed as the “sacrificial” or “pragmatic” ending, as it prioritizes saving lives over reviving Timmy.
Playing After the Credits: Comparing the Two Endings
Regardless of your choice, after watching the ending cutscene and the credits, you will be returned to the game world. Here’s how the experience differs based on your decision:
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Activating the Obelisk (Resurrection Ending): You awaken in the crashed airplane, just as you did at the beginning of the game. Your inventory and crafted structures remain intact, but the world has advanced. The cannibals are now significantly more aggressive and prevalent. This heightened difficulty adds a challenging layer to your post-game experience. Resources may also be somewhat depleted compared to your pre-ending game state, as the game is now essentially considered “finished.”
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Disabling the Obelisk (Sacrifice Ending): Similar to the resurrection ending, you also wake up in the airplane, but without Timmy. You retain your inventory and structures. The cannibals also become significantly more aggressive and prevalent, although some players report this increase being slightly less pronounced than after the resurrection ending. Even with disabling the Obelisk, players have reported increased aggression from cannibals. This option also allows you to keep your base and continue building and exploring.
Essentially, both endings provide the opportunity to continue building, exploring, and fighting. The primary difference lies in the narrative implication and the perceived level of cannibal aggression. Neither option locks you out of the game or forces you to start over. The choice ultimately depends on your preferred ending and your tolerance for a more challenging post-game experience.
Why Continue Playing After the Ending?
Many players choose to continue playing after completing the main story for several reasons:
- Base Building and Expansion: The Forest offers an incredibly deep base-building system. Players can use the post-game to refine their designs, construct elaborate defenses, and create sprawling settlements.
- Exploration and Discovery: Even after completing the main quest, there are still secrets to uncover and areas to explore in the vast and dangerous world.
- Challenge and Survival: The increased cannibal aggression in the post-game provides a significant challenge for experienced players seeking a more intense survival experience.
- Cooperative Play: Continuing the game with friends amplifies the fun and allows for collaborative base building and defense.
- Achievement Hunting: Some achievements are best pursued after the ending when you have access to all the resources and blueprints.
Preparing for the Post-Game
Before triggering either ending, consider the following preparations:
- Stockpile Resources: Gather a large supply of essential resources like logs, rocks, and food. This will help you survive the initial onslaught of cannibals in the post-game.
- Fortify Your Base: Strengthen your defenses with walls, traps, and other fortifications to protect yourself from the increased cannibal presence.
- Craft Essential Weapons and Armor: Ensure you have the best possible weapons and armor to effectively combat the stronger and more numerous enemies.
- Explore the Map Fully: Uncover all points of interest, caves, and resources locations before committing to an ending. This will give you a head start in the post-game.
- Save Your Game: Create a backup save file before entering the Sahara Laboratory. This allows you to revert to a pre-ending state if you are unhappy with your chosen ending.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the endings of The Forest and continuing the game afterward:
1. Does choosing one ending lock me out of the other?
No. You can create a backup save file before entering the final cave. This allows you to experience both endings without having to replay the entire game.
2. Are the cannibals really that much harder after the ending?
Yes, the cannibal aggression and spawn rates significantly increase after either ending. Be prepared for frequent and intense attacks.
3. Do I lose my base and inventory after choosing an ending?
No, you retain your base, inventory, and crafted structures regardless of which ending you choose.
4. Is there a “true” or “canon” ending to The Forest?
There is no officially declared “canon” ending. Both endings offer valid narrative conclusions, and the choice is ultimately left to the player.
5. Does the ending affect the story of Sons of the Forest?
Sons of the Forest is a direct sequel, and your choice of ending in The Forest does not directly impact the story of the sequel.
6. Can I still build after completing the game?
Absolutely! Building is a major part of the post-game experience.
7. Can I still explore caves after the ending?
Yes, all caves remain accessible after completing the game.
8. Does the weather change after the ending?
No, the weather patterns remain the same.
9. Are there any new items or blueprints after the ending?
No, there are no new items or blueprints added after completing the game.
10. Will the cannibals destroy my base after the ending?
The cannibals will attempt to destroy your base, especially with their increased aggression. Strong defenses are essential.
11. Is there a way to reset the cannibal aggression?
No, there is no in-game method to reset the increased cannibal aggression after the ending.
12. What’s the best weapon to use against the stronger cannibals?
The Modern Axe, Katana, and crafted explosives are effective against the stronger cannibals. The Chainsaw can be incredibly useful, but requires gasoline.
13. How do I prepare for the post-game cannibal onslaught?
Stockpile resources, fortify your base, craft powerful weapons and armor, and create multiple safe zones.
14. Can I change the ending after making a choice?
Not without loading a previous save file. Always create a backup save before entering the final cave.
15. What’s the point of playing after the ending?
The point is to continue enjoying the core gameplay loop of survival, building, and exploration, with the added challenge of increased enemy presence. It allows players to further test their skills and creativity in a demanding environment.