Key Highlights:
- HUD clusters survival stats around the mini-map with colour-coded bars and icons.
- Stats like health, stamina, strength, hunger, and rest are essential for survival.
- GPS map icons signal key locations including caves, collectibles, and story objectives.
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Understanding the HUD in Sons of the Forest
Sons of the Forest simplifies its heads-up display (HUD) to enhance immersion, packing essential survival stats into the lower-right corner beside the mini-map.
While it keeps the screen tidy, the compact design can leave some players, new or returning – unsure about what each icon and bar represents.
This guide breaks down every visible stat and symbol on the HUD, helping you stay alive and make better decisions in the wild.
Core Stats Displayed Around the Mini-Map
The game tracks seven primary stats:
1. Health (Red Bar)
Located to the left of the mini-map, this red bar shows your overall condition. It drops when you take damage from falls, fights, starvation, dehydration, or illness. To recover:
- Use bandages
- Eat food
- Drink water
- Sleep regularly
2. Stamina (Blue Bar)
Found on the right of the mini-map, this measures your energy for running, jumping, and combat. It depletes with physical activity and lowers more quickly if you’re hungry, tired, or dehydrated. To restore it:
- Sleep in a tent or shelter
- Eat filling food
- Stay hydrated
3. Armour (Yellow Bar Above Health)
This appears when you wear protective gear. It shows how much damage your armour can absorb before breaking. Different materials provide varying levels of defence. To maintain it:
- Replace broken pieces
- Combine new materials to craft stronger sets
4. Hunger (Meat Icon)
This meat-shaped icon turns from green (well-fed) to red (hungry). If neglected, hunger can slowly drain your health. To manage hunger:
- Hunt animals
- Fish or forage for berries
- Cook food to increase its benefit
5. Thirst (Water Drop Icon)
This icon tracks how hydrated you are. A green icon means you’re fine; red signals thirst. To refill it:
- Drink from lakes or rivers
- Use energy drinks
- Build a rain collector for clean water
6. Rest (Moon Icon)
Your energy level is reflected here. If the moon icon turns red, it’s time to sleep. Lack of rest affects stamina and combat ability. Ways to rest:
- Sleep in shelters or tents
- Use chairs
- Wear clothing with a comfort bonus to sleep more effectively
Tip: Using shelters or tents is also where you save your progress in the game
7. Strength (Arm Icon)
Strength represents how physically capable your character is. The more physical tasks you do, like chopping wood or fighting – the more this stat grows. Improves by:
- Repeated use of tools and weapons
- Staying active and healthy
Bonus: Stealth (Eye Icon)
Though not always visible, this appears when crouching. A white eye indicates low visibility to enemies, while a brighter eye suggests you’re exposed. Boost stealth by:
- Wearing leaf or hide armour
- Staying crouched in bushes or behind objects
What Each Map Icon Means
Your GPS tracker doubles as your in-game map, and understanding the symbols can help you explore more efficiently.
White Icons – Cave Entrances
These resemble mountain peaks. Caves hold rare items like the Rebreather and Zipline Rope Gun, but be warned—they’re dangerous.
Blue K – Kelvin’s Location
Kelvin is your AI companion, and this icon helps track him. He can gather resources or follow commands. Note: Virginia doesn’t have an icon, even if she joins you.
Green Circles – Story Objectives
These appear as you progress through the game and guide you toward the next part of the campaign.
Green Walkie-Talkie Icon – Virginia’s Location
Virginia is another AI companion, you can place a GPS Tracker on her so that this icon reveals her position.
Purple Exclamation Marks – GPS Locators
The GPS Locators highlight valuable collectibles, such as tools or weapons. Some may be buried, so finding the shovel early is helpful.
Sons of the Forest is out now on PC. Understanding the HUD early gives you the edge needed to adapt, survive, and uncover the island’s secrets.