In the survival horror game Sons of the Forest, you will encounter a variety of dangerous enemies and mutants. They differ in terms of behavior, strength and attack patterns – and can quickly turn your base or exploration tour into hell. In this guide, we show you all types of mutants, their weaknesses, where to find them, drops and how to fight them effectively.
All enemy and mutant types in Sons of the Forest
The enemies in the game can be roughly divided into three groups: Cannibals, Mutants and Bosses. Each category requires its own strategies and weapons. While cannibals besiege you early in the game, you will encounter mutants in dark caves or bunkers – often in places with valuable loot.
🪓 Cannibals
- Behavior: Act territorially, react to noise, light and movement. Individual scouts approach stealthily, groups attack deliberately.
- Variants: Normal, red, masked and elite cannibals with increased aggression.
- Locations: Forests and clearings around rivers or lakes – especially common near base locations.
- Weaknesses: Fire, molotovs, spears, headshots with bows or pistols.
- Loot: Bones, meat (not recommended), occasionally masks and trophies.
- Tip: Build raised platforms and spike traps to ward off waves. Torches and light sources scare them off at night.
🧬 Mutants
- Behavior: Spawn in caves, bunkers or laboratories. Attack immediately and often travel in groups.
- Types: Fingers, Twins, Sluggy, Mutant Babies, Demon (Endgame), Puffton mutants.
- Locations: Mostly near large cave complexes or underground laboratories. The map markers show them with skull symbols.
- Weaknesses: Explosive weapons (C4), fire, shotgun, explosive arrows.
- Loot: Creepy Armor, Tech Mesh (at Pufftons), rare gold pieces and lab items.
- Tip: Always be prepared with close-range and long-range weapons in caves. Glow sticks and flashlights help to recognize attacks early on.
Bosses & elite mutants
- Behavior: Appear in special bunkers or the end story. Have high health points and area attacks.
- Known bosses: Puffton Mutants (married couple), Demon Boss, Gold Armor Guardian.
- Locations: End story cave, laboratory bunker and deep underground areas.
- Weaknesses: Explosive weapons, shotgun, targeted headshots with fire arrows.
- Loot: Gold Armor, Creepy Armor, rare materials for upgrades.
- Tip: Use tech or gold armor and have meds, energy drinks and explosive weapons ready. Bosses require timing and movement.
Mutant loot & materials
Many enemies leave behind valuable materials that you need for crafting and upgrades. Creepy Armor and Tech Mesh in particular are among the most sought-after drops. Collect them specifically after battles in caves or laboratories.
- Creepy Armor: Of mutants and bosses – significantly improves protection.
- Bone: Made from cannibals – base for bone armor and tools.
- Tech Mesh: Only for boss mutants or via 3D printer – basis for Tech Armor.
- Gold pieces: Rare drop in the endgame, especially for elite mutants – material for gold armor.
Spawn behavior, AI & difficulty level
The AI in Sons of the Forest reacts dynamically to your behavior: Enemies remember your actions and adapt their strategies. More groups patrol on higher difficulty levels (hard mode) and mutants appear earlier in the game.
- Normal mode: Even balance, good preparation is sufficient.
- Hardmode: Enemies in larger groups, faster aggro triggers and higher hit points.
- Recommended tactic: On hard mode always travel with Virginia, wear Tech Armor and use safe sleeping points.
Co-op & team tactics against mutants
Sons of the Forest unfolds its full potential in co-op mode. Mutants scale in strength when several players are active, so team coordination is crucial.
- Distribution of roles: One in close combat (axe/spear), one as a ranged fighter (arrow, firearm).
- Communication: Coordinate attacks – mutants are easier to flank.
- Traps & Distraction: One person pulls aggro while others activate traps.
- Kelvin & Virginia: Virginia with shotgun as support, Kelvin for repairs and material supplies.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions from the community
- How many mutants are there in Sons of the Forest?
Currently around a dozen types, including boss variants. Developers regularly expand the enemy behavior. - How do I prevent attacks on my base?
Build double walls, set traps and place light sources. Fire is a particular deterrent to cannibals. - Which weapons are most effective?
Shotgun, explosive arrows and firearms dominate – spear remains strong against single opponents. - What do mutants drop?
Creepy armor, tech mesh, bones, rare gold pieces. All useful for crafting and upgrades.
With knowledge of all the enemies in Sons of the Forest, you can plan ahead, save resources and survive more effectively. Know your enemies, choose the right weapons – and no mutant will take you by surprise.
