Should You Finish the Forest before Playing Sons of the Forest?
As the next installment in the survival horror franchise, Sons of the Forest, looms, players may be wondering if it’s necessary to finish The Forest before diving into this new adventure. The Forest was originally released in 2014, and the games share some similarities in gameplay and mechanics. While they are distinct stories with separate protagonists, understanding the roots of Sons of the Forest can enrich the player’s experience.
Does The Forest Play a Critical Role in Sons of the Forest?
The games may share a common foundation, but they are largely disconnected. Sons of the Forest has its own plot, characters, and universe. Playing through The Forest can, however, provide an introduction to the survival genre, which might enhance appreciation for the horror elements present in Sons of the Forest.
Is Sons of the Forest a Sequel?
Technically, Sons of the Forest can be played independently of The Forest. While the newer title builds upon the world established in the original game, it doesn’t follow directly from the events or stories of The Forest.
What Does Completing The Forest Entail?
To provide context for your decision, here is an overview of what The Forest entails:
-
- Story Completion:** A non-competitive, single-player journey in which the player progresses through the story, helping others, and uncovering secrets.
- *Crafting and Building:** Exploring the environment, scrounging for materials, and constructing shelter.
- *Combat and Crafting Skills:** Learning to make makeshift weapons and tools using craftable materials.
- *Survival Mechanics:** Adapting to day and night cycles, disease propagation, and environmental risks such as floods and other predators.
What If You Haven’t Played The Forest?
If you are new to the survival genre or haven’t experienced The Forest, Sons of the Forest still offers:
- *Tutorial and Game Information:** In-game help explains the game’s fundamental concepts, so you’re easily introduced to the universe and mechanics.
- *Starting Point:** Sons of the Forest features a strong emphasis on character development and lore within its own world, not solely relying on knowledge gained in The Forest.
- *New Features and Settings:** Sons of the Forest comes with an updated map generator, expanded crafting tree, and refined combat, presenting a unique experience independent from The Forest.
Breaking Down the Key Diferences:
For reference, we highlight a concise overview of key differences below in a table:
| **Feature Comparison: The Forest vs Sons of the Forest** | **The Forest | **Sons of the Forest** | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Map** | Built-on-island | A new, larger environment (island and sub-island) | |
| Protagonist** | CRAFT | Stuck | Frantick and Virginia as possible companions |
| **Crafting/Craftable Items | * | Rudimentary tools/short-term fixes | Large pool of recipes and expandable crafting |
Conclusion and Conclusion
To summarize:
- Sons of the Forest has its own unique identity with a standalone story.
- Players will be starting the series from the beginning (first game or not played beforehand).
- The primary enjoyment of Sons of the Forest lies within its atmospheric scares, expanded crafting possibilities, and combat mechanics – distinct aspects within survival horror games.
Take up the adventure in Sons of the Forest, independent from The Forest, should your interest pique and feel free to explore with our guide in hand as support.