It’s not often that a survival horror game manages to build on the legacy of its predecessor and still surprise its players—but Sons of the Forest does exactly that. Developed by Endnight Games, this sequel to the cult hit The Forest drops you onto a remote island once again, but this time with more depth, more danger, and a world that feels truly alive.
From the moment we booted up the game, we noticed how far it has come since the beta. While the core concept remains—survive the elements, build your shelter, fend off terrifying mutants—the execution is tighter, the visuals more polished, and the mysteries of the island even more intriguing. Whether you’re a veteran of the first game or a curious newcomer, Sons of the Forest wastes no time in immersing you in its harsh, beautiful wilderness.
This is a game that doesn’t hold your hand. It encourages exploration, experimentation, and at times—panic. But it also rewards creativity and teamwork, especially in multiplayer sessions. We jumped back in post-release for a full playthrough with a group of six, and what followed was nothing short of chaos, laughter, and several genuine moments of horror (the good kind). It’s an experience best enjoyed with others—but even solo players will find plenty of eerie beauty and heart-pounding tension in the shadows of its forests and caves.
What We Loved
- A Smarter, More Mysterious Ending Path
Without spoiling too much, the revamped method to unlock the endgame involves charging up an ancient set of armor deep within the cave systems. It’s a far more engaging and atmospheric journey now—something that really builds tension and intrigue in all the right ways. - Seasonal Progression Feels Real
The updated seasonal system is a game-changer. The transitions between spring, summer, fall, and winter are smooth and immersive. Gone are the frustrating desync issues we had during early access—what’s here now is both visually stunning and mechanically reliable. - Mutants Got a Makeover (And They’re Terrifying)
The new enemies are downright wild. We had one moment where something… unexpected… crawled up from the ground and completely caught us off guard. Let’s just say it got pretty “hot” real fast. The mutant design team deserves serious credit. - A More Alive, Rewarding World
Parts of the map have been totally overhauled, and it shows. Everything feels more detailed, more lived-in. Even off the beaten path, there’s often something to find—a stash of loot, a curious clue, or something that’ll make you hesitate before entering the next cave.
What Could Be Improved
- The Glider Still Has Issues
While it’s been upgraded to a foldable model, using the glider still comes with some frustration. Landings are hit or miss, and cliff jumping requires a fair bit of trial and error. - Player Collision Gets in the Way
In larger groups (we played with six people), the collision system becomes more of a hindrance than a feature. You’ll often find yourself accidentally pushing teammates off ledges, blocking tight spaces, or just bouncing off one another at the worst moments. An option to toggle this would be a welcome quality-of-life improvement.
Why You Should Play It
Sons of the Forest is more than just a survival game—it’s a mystery, a horror story, and a sandbox of creativity all at once. With a deep crafting system, AI companions (yes, Kelvin and Virginia are back and more helpful than ever), and the freedom to build your ideal forest base, there’s always something to do beyond just surviving. The AI is smarter, the threats more diverse, and the secrets of the island are just begging to be uncovered.
If you’re the kind of player who enjoys atmospheric storytelling, brutal survival mechanics, and building epic tree forts in between mutant ambushes—this game belongs in your library.
Final Verdict: 8.7/10
A fantastic evolution of the original The Forest, packed with tension, lore, and creative freedom. A few technical hiccups still linger, but overall, Sons of the Forest is one of the most immersive and memorable survival experiences out there. It’s not just a sequel—it’s a bold, terrifying leap forward.
