Key Highlights:
- Uncover all three GPS Locators in Sons of The Forest and the tools required to retrieve them.
- Master their usage for navigation and companion tracking.
- Gain survival tips to overcome challenges during retrieval.
Quick Links:
When stranded on the perilous island of Sons of the Forest, finding GPS Locators can be a game-changer.
These tools enhance navigation, allowing you to mark essential areas or track companions like Virginia.
This guide will detail the locations of all three GPS Locators, the challenges involved, and how to utilise them effectively.
What Are GPS Locators in Sons of the Forest?
GPS Locators are versatile tools that enable you to create markers on your map or track companions.
They serve as navigation aids, especially valuable in the game’s dense forests and treacherous terrains.
However, retrieving all three Locators is no easy feat, you’ll need specific items like the Shovel, Zipline Gun and Rebreather to succeed.
Each Locator represents a key resource in Sons of the Forest’s survival mechanics, enhancing both exploration and strategy.
The Locations and How to Retrieve Them
Cliffside Locator

Perched precariously on a soldier’s body hanging from a cliff, the first GPS Locator presents a vertical challenge.
Found west of the snowy mountainous region, near the merging point of two rivers, this Locator tests both your navigation skills and resourcefulness.
To retrieve it, you’ll need a sharp melee weapon like the Modern Axe or a ranged weapon. The options are simple but require precision:
- Cut the rope at the top of the cliff to drop the body.
- Alternatively, shoot the rope from below if you trust your aim.
Beyond the GPS Locator, this site also yields a valuable flashlight – a dual reward for your efforts.
Pro Tip: Sticking to the left side of the cliff will lead you straight to the rock with the rope attached to it.
Grave Locator

A stark reminder of the island’s grim reality, the second Locator lies buried in a shallow grave marked by a wooden cross with red fabric. Located in the northwest, between two water bodies and an abandoned camp, uncovering this GPS requires the Shovel.
Once you’ve dug through the earth and opened the casket, you’ll find not only the Locator but also a Shotgun, a prize worth the effort.
This discovery is particularly useful for fending off the island’s more hostile inhabitants.
Raft Locator

The final GPS Locator drifts at sea aboard a small orange life raft near the western coastline.
While no special equipment is required to reach it, the surrounding waters are patrolled by sharks, making this retrieval a harrowing task.
Upon reaching the raft, you’ll find the GPS Locator alongside a Pistol. Armed with this weapon, you can fend off any aquatic threats before swimming back to safety.
Using GPS Locators
Creating Permanent Markers
GPS Locators shine as stationary markers, perfect for highlighting areas like resource hotspots or potential base locations. To set one up:
- Place a stick upright in the ground.
- Attach the Locator from your inventory.
- Select an icon to represent the marker, ensuring it’s easily identifiable on your map.
Markers remain until you retrieve the Locator by breaking the stick, making them a flexible tool for managing your exploration.
Tracking Companions
For those lucky enough to befriend Virginia, GPS Locators can be used to track her movements. By attaching a Locator to her inventory, you’ll gain real-time updates on her position.
To retrieve the device, simply interact with her again.
This feature is invaluable for coordinating with companions, especially in the island’s sprawling and often dangerous environments.
Survival Tips for Locator Retrieval
- Prepare Accordingly: Tools like the Shovel, Rebreather, and a reliable weapon are essential for accessing all three Locators.
- Stay Vigilant: Sharks near the raft and hostile wildlife near the grave site demand caution.
- Utilise Markers: Once you’ve claimed the Locators, use them strategically to manage your exploration.
In Sons of the Forest, the GPS Locators are more than just tools; they’re lifelines that enhance your survival strategy.
By understanding their locations, requirements, and potential uses, you’ll gain a critical edge in navigating the island’s many dangers. Whether marking a future objective or ensuring your companion’s safety, mastering the use of GPS Locators is essential for thriving in this hostile wilderness.