Sons Of The Forest

79%
Game Brain Score Based on 176,327 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Sons Of The Forest Game Cover
Sons of the Forest is a great horror game and survival craft em up that balances a strong atmosphere and terrifying moments with player freedom. Whether you want to build a better tree house, or survive the story, there's something here for you.
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"Sons of the Forest" is a first-person survival horror game where players must navigate a treacherous forest filled with strange and deadly creatures. As the lone survivor of a plane crash, players must scavenge for resources, build shelter, and fend off hostile inhabitants to stay alive. With a dynamic day-night cycle, players must also manage their hunger, thirst, and fatigue to survive in this unforgiving wilderness.

  • PC
  • Windows
  • Cloud
  • NVIDIA GeForce NOW
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

79%
Audience ScoreBased on 176,327 reviews
story4,503 positive mentions
stability4,218 negative mentions
  • story24,893 mentions

    The story in "Sons of the Forest" has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it confusing, disjointed, and lacking depth compared to its predecessor, "The Forest." While some appreciate the environmental storytelling and the gradual uncovering of lore through exploration, others criticize the narrative for being too linear, short, and poorly executed, often feeling like a series of fetch quests. Many players express hope that future updates will expand and improve the story, as it currently feels incomplete and unsatisfying. Overall, while the gameplay and building mechanics are praised, the story is seen as a significant weakness in the game.

    • “The game’s story is subtle and atmospheric, often communicated through environmental clues and scattered notes, pushing players to piece together the island’s mysteries themselves.”
    • “The story is extremely interesting, and every note and new bunker builds a super rich picture.”
    • “The blend of survival elements, horror, and story-driven quests keeps the tension high, making it a standout in the genre for both fans of survival games and thrill-seekers.”
    • “The story is very confusing and most of the caves don't give you a sense of progress as they did in the last game.”
    • “The story is a convoluted mess, again.”
    • “The story is so bad it almost makes the whole game bad.”
  • gameplay12,953 mentions

    The gameplay of "Sons of the Forest" has received mixed reviews, with many players praising the improved building mechanics and stunning graphics, which offer a more immersive experience compared to its predecessor. However, some criticize the survival mechanics as shallow and the overall gameplay loop as repetitive, often feeling like a walking simulator with little incentive to build or engage deeply with the survival elements. While the game shows promise with its new features and cooperative gameplay, many players feel it still lacks substantial content and a compelling narrative, leaving room for improvement as it continues through early access.

    • “The building mechanics in this game are great, allowing for a more player-led building experience.”
    • “The gameplay mechanics are intuitive and polished, offering a satisfying mix of exploration, resource gathering, and combat.”
    • “The new building mechanics are exceptional, love the addition of the modern firearms too!”
    • “It's overall a real shame and disappointment and I do hope that future updates and improvements see a much greater need and focus on actual survival gameplay.”
    • “The mechanics are exactly the same as the first game; the environment and details are identical. They released what should have been a DLC as a new game, and the gameplay is terrible.”
    • “The gameplay loop is fucking horrendous, and more effort was put into animating eating cereal than the combat system.”
  • graphics12,516 mentions

    The graphics in "Sons of the Forest" have received widespread acclaim, with many players praising the stunning visuals, detailed environments, and realistic lighting effects that significantly enhance the immersive experience. While the game showcases impressive graphical fidelity, some users have noted performance issues and optimization challenges, particularly on lower-end systems. Overall, the graphics are considered a major highlight of the game, often overshadowing its narrative and gameplay shortcomings.

    • “This game is way better than the original; the graphics are absolutely breathtaking. I love the building mechanics, the seasons, and the inhabitants of this forest are definitely scary, especially at night.”
    • “The graphics are stunning, the gameplay is smooth, and optimization is very good.”
    • “The graphics are absolutely stunning and provide the best wilderness atmosphere I've seen in a game.”
    • “The environments, while somewhat improved in terms of graphics, often come across as repetitive, making exploration feel monotonous rather than exhilarating.”
    • “The only redeeming feature is the graphics and even those are glitchy at times.”
    • “This game just feels like a really long demo, graphics are ok, but this is just another flop of the 2020's.”
  • stability4,410 mentions

    The stability of "Sons of the Forest" has been a significant point of contention among players, with many noting that the game is plagued by numerous bugs and glitches, particularly in its early access state. While some players find the glitches amusing and part of the game's charm, others report game-breaking issues that hinder gameplay, such as crashes, freezing, and AI pathfinding problems. Overall, while the game shows promise and has received praise for its graphics and mechanics, its current stability is often described as inconsistent and frustrating, leading to a mixed reception regarding its overall performance.

    • “The game engine seems very well optimized, everything is working perfectly with no glitches or problems so far.”
    • “For an early access game, it feels like a complete game, nearly bug free from my experience, stunning visuals, the sheer awe I am in from some of the views I get still continues to amaze me, 10/10 game so far.”
    • “The early access experience for me has been relatively bug free and seems already well polished, they've already patched the game a few times to squash early problems and the developers' past performance with updates is good, so I expect much more to come.”
    • “Very buggy and extremely goofy.”
    • “Enemies are still massively buggy and just unconvincing, despite the fact this is not only the second game in the series; but has also been out for years and past 1.0 for 8 months.”
    • “The game is a buggy, sloppy mess.”
  • optimization3,800 mentions

    The optimization of "Sons of the Forest" has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues, particularly on lower-end systems. While some users with high-end hardware experience smooth gameplay, others struggle with frame rate drops and stuttering, even on low settings. Overall, the game is seen as needing substantial optimization improvements, especially given its early access status, with many players hoping for future patches to enhance performance.

    • “The graphics are stunning, the gameplay is smooth, and optimization is very good.”
    • “Performance was great and still managed to look incredible.”
    • “The level of optimization that went into 1.0 is impressive.”
    • “The performance isn't that great for me, as the fps just jumps all over the place even with DLSS or FSR enabled from 30-60fps on ultra.”
    • “Awful death mechanics nowhere near as good or polished as the original as well as removing core features/mechanics and what little optimization the first game had.”
    • “The game is simply dull and glitchy, and the performance is terrible (I could only run up to 20 fps on this game with a 3060 ti).”
  • humor1,836 mentions

    The humor in "Sons of the Forest" is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting the game's ability to generate laughter through its quirky mechanics, funny glitches, and the antics of the NPC companion, Kelvin. Many reviews emphasize that the game is particularly enjoyable when played with friends, leading to hilarious moments and chaotic gameplay, often blending horror with comedy. Overall, the humor is described as a mix of intentional jokes and unintentional hilarity stemming from the game's bugs and absurd situations, making it a memorable experience for players.

    • “They waddle and shimmy like they’re at a wedding after too many drinks, making every encounter unbelievably hilarious... until they decide you look like an appealing appetizer.”
    • “The story and the survival portion is so hilariously disconnected you simply do not need to play the survival part of the game at all to finish the story.”
    • “In conclusion, 'sons of the forest' is not just a game; it's a laugh-out-loud adventure that will test your survival skills, your building prowess, and your ability to find humor in the face of imminent doom.”
    • “In this case, I wouldn’t find the breadcrumbs as annoying if half of them weren’t related to the same unfunny golf joke.”
    • “I got in my last save on day 40 about 50 cannibals daily attacking me while building, plus mutants and cannibal leaders. This is not funny but annoying; why make a base-building mechanic when you haven't figured out how to balance the enemy spawn rates?”
    • “You know, sometimes it's funny, but sometimes it's not funny.”
  • grinding1,708 mentions

    The grinding aspect of "Sons of the Forest" has received mixed reviews, with many players finding the resource gathering and base building processes to be excessively tedious and time-consuming. While some appreciate the immersive building mechanics and the addition of an AI companion, Kelvin, who can assist with gathering materials, others feel that the overall experience is marred by the repetitive nature of tasks and the vastness of the map, which can make exploration feel like a chore. Overall, players suggest that the game requires a significant time investment, often likening it to a grind-heavy survival simulator.

    • “The crafting/survival mechanics are not too tedious, so even 'peaceful' mode is fun.”
    • “Good, open world, not too tedious story line that can be played through in about 12 hours if you rush it, perfectly difficult, cool crafting system and good building system.”
    • “Easy enough to find food especially if you have Kelvin with you to catch fish, which means you aren't grinding out most of your time just trying to stay full. A lot of people might appreciate this so they can get out and explore and have fun.”
    • “The building is somehow even more tedious than the first game.”
    • “The island feels huge which is nice, but then you realize you have to walk over every square inch of it to find what you need, and you usually don't even know what you're looking for; it gets tedious fast.”
    • “Gathering resources needed for base building is incredibly tedious, requiring you to run back and forth like a headless chicken.”
  • atmosphere1,471 mentions

    The atmosphere in "Sons of the Forest" is widely praised for its stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and dynamic environmental effects that create a vivid and haunting experience. Players appreciate the game's ability to evoke tension and dread, particularly in its eerie caves and dense forests, while the changing seasons and weather further enhance the immersive quality. However, some critiques note that the atmosphere can feel less intense compared to its predecessor, with certain gameplay elements detracting from the overall horror experience.

    • “From dense, atmospheric forests to eerie, shadowed caves, the game creates a setting that feels vivid and alive.”
    • “The dense, atmospheric forest feels alive with dynamic weather, realistic lighting, and eerie soundscapes that pull you deeper into its terrifying beauty.”
    • “The atmosphere is immersive, with a sense of tension that adds to the experience without being too overwhelming.”
    • “The game's atmosphere, which was a major strength in the forest, feels less eerie and immersive here.”
    • “The atmosphere and overall 'horror' side of the game feels like a joke now.”
    • “The atmosphere of the game is one of dread and suspense; when you leave the base at night time, you simply don't know what might pop up to beat you.”
  • music876 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its high quality and atmospheric contributions, particularly highlighting tracks like "Hey You" and the engaging in-game radio selections. However, some players noted issues with the volume levels, finding the menu music excessively loud and the overall soundtrack less impactful compared to its predecessor. Despite these criticisms, the soundtrack is often described as catchy and enjoyable, enhancing the game's immersive experience.

    • “The music in this game is phenomenal and our favorite one was 'hey you' as it was both funny and just a good song!”
    • “The music is made by 2 people and the songs are literally like Metallica and Nirvana level of quality. I absolutely love this game, the map is huge and although the building can be janky, it's still great.”
    • “The soundtrack perfectly complements the game's horror elements, creating an intense and addictive experience that will keep the player on the edge of their seat the entire time.”
    • “As I said, the game is highly atmospheric, and this is the point I don't understand why the developers implemented golf carts that play Russian hardbass and other kinds of music.”
    • “The music is too loud and doesn't fit the game mood; when you pause the game, you are getting attacked by music that is too loud.”
    • “The cannibals don't scare me, the mutants weren't done right, the soundtrack falls short of what is expected of it, the general feeling and atmosphere of the game doesn't even slightly hold a candle to what was previously demonstrated in the forest.”
  • replayability406 mentions

    The game's replayability is a contentious topic among players, with many citing a lack of engaging content and linear gameplay as significant drawbacks. While some enjoy the multiplayer experience and the potential for multiple endings, others find the repetitive nature of tasks and limited exploration options diminish the incentive to replay. Overall, opinions vary widely, with some players expressing hope for future updates to enhance replay value, while others feel it currently offers minimal replayability.

    • “The game features multiple endings, which also enhance its replay value, providing fresh experiences with each playthrough.”
    • “The enhancements in gameplay, graphics, replayability, and AI make it a standout sequel that builds impressively on its predecessor.”
    • “What impressed me most about Sons of the Forest was the sheer amount of content and replayability.”
    • “Boring gameplay loop with bad replayability; no one wants to go from A to B to C to D to E every time they start a game to get basic tools. Once you've filled your inventory, you can no longer loot anything. There's no scarcity of resources, and the exploration and story are linear, so what's the point?”
    • “In the end, it does not have enough replay value to go in again. I bought the game at launch and honestly don't see too much change so far in the very linear story, which is fine, but there is really no replayability.”
    • “Tasks such as resource gathering and combat quickly become tedious, and the lack of variety in objectives limits replayability. They are always the same and have to be played in a predefined order due to each being locked behind a key item only found in the previous one; as a result, replayability does not exist.”
  • emotional374 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Sons of the Forest" has received mixed reviews, with many players feeling a lack of emotional depth compared to its predecessor, "The Forest." While some appreciate the character interactions with companions like Kelvin and Virginia, which foster a sense of connection, others criticize the overall narrative for being underdeveloped and lacking impactful character arcs. The game's attempts at emotional engagement often fall flat, leading to a disjointed experience that fails to resonate with players on a deeper level.

    • “The game's narrative depth adds an emotional weight to the journey, making every discovery feel meaningful and rewarding.”
    • “I absolutely love how Virginia progressively trusts you more and more, and seeing her smile at you more frequently once she trusts you is incredibly wholesome.”
    • “The bond between Virginia and yourself as you go through the hardships of the island was so beautifully done that I cried at the end.”
    • “Real bad and boring story, same mechanics with forest, dungeons/caves are boring and empty and most of the game feels like a walking simulator.”
    • “Now that I finished the short and really boring story, I have no reason to play.”
    • “Game is fun with friends but is missing a lot of things; the map is barren, caves are mostly boring, and the story is crap for the most part.”
  • monetization208 mentions

    The monetization aspect of "Sons of the Forest" has drawn significant criticism, with many players labeling it a "cash grab" that capitalizes on the success of the original game. Reviewers express disappointment over perceived unfinished content, misleading advertising, and a lack of meaningful gameplay features, leading to a consensus that the game feels rushed and underdeveloped despite being sold at full price. However, some players appreciate the absence of microtransactions, suggesting that the game could still evolve positively in early access.

    • “Pure progression from the last title in the series, no daily tasks, microtransactions, or loot boxes to speak of.”
    • “In the days of microtransactions, loot boxes, and woke culture, this game is truly a breath of fresh air.”
    • “No microtransactions, no battle passes, no nonsense.”
    • “I'm super disappointed in Endnight for playing dirty marketing tricks with much less than truthful advertising and then passing off this, still unfinished, game as a full release.”
    • “After years of development they come out with this absolutely unfinished, boring cash grab.”
    • “Now, I know that people will defend this game to the nines, I know that people will try and excuse this since it was released in early access, but everything surrounding this game screams laziness, cash grab, and/or loss of interest by the devs.”
  • character development52 mentions

    Overall, reviews indicate a significant lack of character development in the game, with many players noting minimal dialogue, no story arcs, and a failure to engage with the characters beyond their design. While the character design itself is praised for its detail and creativity, the absence of meaningful narrative depth and character progression detracts from the overall experience, leaving players wanting more in terms of story and character engagement. Many feel that the game would benefit from a stronger focus on character development to enhance its appeal.

    • “The attention to detail in both environments and character design is exceptional.”
    • “It has potential for improvement, and with more narrative depth and character development, it could elevate the overall gaming experience.”
    • “The level of depth and detail put into the game's story, world-building, and character development is truly extraordinary, and it's clear that the developers poured their hearts and souls into this game.”
    • “There is no character development, dialogue (aside from a couple lines during cutscenes) or story arc.”
    • “Overall it seems like this game either needs to be a better pure survival game or have more story/character development to keep me interested or consider it a 'good' game.”
    • “No boss fights, no 'achievements', no character development in skills, stamina, crafting.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

83% average critic score

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Play time

13hMedian play time
69hAverage play time
6-30hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 1,052 analyzed playthroughs

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