Surviving in the unforgiving world of Sons of the Forest isn't just about keeping your wits sharp—it's also about arming yourself with the best weapons you can find. Whether you're facing off against relentless cannibals, massive mutants, or just trying to carve a path through the dense forests, having the right tool for the job is crucial. But with so many weapons scattered across the island, how do you know which ones are worth the hunt? That's where we come in.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top 10 best weapons in Sons of the Forest, detailing their strengths, weaknesses, and, most importantly, where to find them. So, grab your map and get ready to discover the tools that will turn the tide in your fight against the island’s horrors!
1. Katana
The Katana slices its way to the top as the best melee weapon in the game. It's the highest DPS weapon, boasting a lightning-fast attack speed that lets you cut through enemies like a hot knife through butter. If you enjoy fast-paced combat and aren't afraid to get up close and personal, the Katana is your best friend. It also has impressive limb-cutting capabilities, which can be a game-changer when dealing with multiple foes. The downside? It eats up your stamina like crazy and has a shorter range, often leaving you exposed to stronger mutant attacks. But hey, no risk, no reward, right?
Where to find it:
Getting your hands on it requires a bit of exploration. You can find the Katana at the south-eastern green point of interest in the Residential Bunker. As you venture through the cave and its complex structures, make your way to Level 2. Here, in the center of the third room, you'll spot the Katana displayed on a traditional holder. Keep in mind, you'll need a key card to access this area, so come prepared!
See Video
2. Shotgun
The Shotgun is your go-to for close-range carnage. This beast can blow away most mutants with just 1-3 shots, making it the ultimate choice for those "oh crap" moments when enemies are closing in fast. The slugs pack the same punch as the Rifle, but with a much faster rate of fire, giving you the upper hand in rapid engagements. Plus, the Shotgun can be customized with various attachments, allowing for even more versatility. If you're looking to deal maximum damage at close quarters, this is your baby.
Where to find it:
You can find it by digging up the Operative's Grave, which is marked on your map by a GPS tracker. This location requires some excavation, so make sure you have a shovel handy. Once unearthed, you can also find an attachment rail nearby to customize the Shotgun with either a Flashlight or Laser Sight—though not both at the same time.
See Video
3. Compound Bow
The Compound Bow is the unsung hero of Sons of the Forest. Its accuracy and rate of fire are unmatched among ranged weapons, and it has the damage to back it up. Most cannibals won’t stand a chance, usually going down in just 1-2 shots. However, it doesn’t fare as well against tougher mutants or armored enemies. But the beauty of the Compound Bow lies in its versatility. You can equip it with explosive, stun, and fire arrows, turning it into a Swiss army knife of destruction.
Where to find it:
found in Maintenance Bunker B. Look for a corpse lying in a bathroom tub to locate the bow. You'll need a shovel to dig out the entrance to this bunker, so ensure you're prepared for some excavation work.
See Video
4. Crossbow
The Crossbow is the quiet killer, boasting damage that rivals the Rifle. It's perfect for hunting wildlife or taking down stronger opponents without drawing too much attention. The main drawbacks are its slow reload time after each shot and the difficulty in restocking your crossbow bolts compared to arrows. Attachments can be added, but beware—they can obstruct your view, making it harder to aim accurately. Still, if stealth and precision are your game, the Crossbow is a solid choice.
Where to find it:
It's located in the hydroponics section of the Food and Dining Bunker, right next to a corpse. You'll need at least a maintenance keycard to gain access. Look for crossbow bolts sticking in the walls; they’re a clear indication you’re in the right place. This room's grim scene hints at a desperate last stand against mutants, with bolts scattered all over the island.
See Video
5. Rifle
The Rifle is all about raw power. It has a high damage output that makes it great for sniping cannibals from a distance. However, its low rate of fire means it’s not ideal for facing multiple foes or those pesky mutants. Also, unlike other firearms, the Rifle can't be fitted with attachments, limiting its adaptability. It's best used for long-range engagements where accuracy and damage per shot are more important than speed.
Where to find it:
Found with a dead operative inside the Cultist Cave, accessible through the eastern entrance. It’s ideal for picking off enemies from a distance with deadly precision.
See Video
6. Fire Axe
If you're looking for raw melee power, the Fire Axe is your weapon of choice. It's the highest damaging melee weapon in the game, and when upgraded with the Golden modifier, it hits as hard as a shotgun blast. Its slower attack speed can make it a bit unwieldy, particularly against nimble opponents who can dodge your swings. But if you manage to land a charged-up attack, the damage is devastating. The Fire Axe is perfect for those who like to get up close and personal with their enemies.
Where to find it:
It’s located within the Maintenance A Bunker in the northwest region of the island. To reach it, you’ll first need to dig out the entrance using a shovel. Once inside, head to the emergency box situated on the wall between shelving units near a generator.
See Video
7. Revolver
The Revolver is a powerhouse in a small package. It outperforms the Pistol in terms of damage per shot using the same ammo, making it a more efficient choice for conserving ammunition. However, it has a slower rate of fire and cannot equip attachments, which might be a dealbreaker for some. Still, the Revolver packs a serious punch, making it ideal for players who want high-impact shots without worrying too much about customization.
Where to find it:
Found in Maintenance Bunker C, buried under the Golf Course Dig site. Once you’ve dug your way in, look for the weapon on the ground next to a dead worker.
See Video
8. Modern Axe
The Modern Axe is your best friend in the early game. It offers a solid balance of damage and range, with a charged-up attack that can stun most enemies. Its slow attack speed can be a bit of a drawback, as more agile foes can dodge your swings more easily. Nevertheless, it’s a reliable weapon that you’ll likely use until you can get your hands on the Fire Axe or Katana.
Where to find it:
It’s located in the chest of a dead man in an abandoned camp on the island's northern side. Conveniently, this camp is also near the bunker containing the Fire Axe.
See Video
9. Crafted Spear
The Crafted Spear is the ultimate jack-of-all-trades weapon. It’s the only weapon in the game that combines both ranged and melee capabilities, making it incredibly versatile. It has the longest melee range and can be thrown for a ranged attack, although it's not as effective as the bow from a distance. The spear excels at killing enemies like "fingers" with a well-aimed throw to the knee or stabbing wildlife. It’s the perfect weapon for those who value adaptability over specialization.
Requirements for crafting:
2x Sticks
1x Duct Tape
1x Utility Knife
10. Pistol
The Pistol is the entry-level firearm, offering low damage per shot but a fast rate of fire and decent accuracy. It can equip a variety of attachments, including a flashlight, laser sight, and silencer, which makes it quite versatile. Overall, it’s a mid-tier gun that's great for early game encounters and situations where you need a quick draw and rapid follow-up shots. While not as powerful as other firearms, it serves as a reliable sidearm when you need it.
Where to find it:
Found on a survival raft visible in the opening cutscene before the camera pans to the laptop. Be cautious, though—a shark guards the raft and won’t hesitate to attack. Your GPS will mark the raft’s location until you retrieve the GPS tag from a dead operative on board. Pistol ammo can be scavenged from various places, including crates, enemy camps, and abandoned sites.
See Video
Image Credits: snyplays
