Sons of the Forest Multiplayer Walkthrough Guide

Setting Up a Multiplayer Game in SOTF

From the main menu, select “Multiplayer” to start. You can either host a new server or join an existing one. Hosting gives you control over session rules:

• Customise the world name and visibility (Friends-Only or Public)
• Set the max player count (up to 8)
• Configure voice chat, server tags, and difficulty

Once launched, you can invite Steam friends directly. They’ll spawn where you first crashed unless they’ve saved their own progress. If you’re joining a session, you can either accept a direct invite or browse the server list and filter for friend-hosted games.

Multiplayer is not cross-platform and only available on PC at the time of writing.

There is no option to convert a solo save into a multiplayer session, so groups must begin with a new save or host-controlled world.

Saving Progress and Player Roles

Only the host saves world progression – this includes all structures, enemies defeated, and days survived.

Guests, however, retain individual character progress, such as inventory, recipes unlocked, and stamina upgrades.

Players must manually save to retain their personal state if they plan to return to the same server.

All player locations are visible via GPS, identified by the first initial of their Steam name. Whether you’re splitting up to scavenge or rallying for a defensive stand, communication and location awareness are essential.

Game Mechanics Unique to SOTF Multiplayer

• Shared Item Spawns: Loot like containers, backpacks, and supply caches scale with player count. With four players, each will see four versions of every resource drop.
• Healing and Reviving: Allies can revive each other after a downed state, helping mitigate sudden losses during mutant attacks.
• Fast-Travel Workaround: While fast travel doesn’t exist in-game, players can use golf carts to ferry allies. Up to three people can ride together, making traversal across camps far less tedious.
• Kelvin’s Availability: The AI assistant Kelvin is still accessible in multiplayer, but he is not respawnable. If he dies, he’s gone for the entire server instance.

Building, Exploration, and Strategy

Multiplayer transforms the game’s flow by introducing distributed responsibilities.

Early on, players should split into small groups to secure multiple shelters across the island. This provides fallback points and expands safe zones.

One team might focus on resource collection while another handles perimeter defences.

When building larger bases, multiple players chopping trees and transporting logs drastically speeds up construction. Players cooking, digging, or crafting should be paired with spotters to prevent ambushes, as the game doesn’t pause when someone opens their inventory.

For sleeping to take effect, all players must enter a shelter simultaneously. A system message alerts the group when one member initiates rest.

Co-op doesn’t just enhance combat or building speed, it changes the survival curve. Encounters with mutant patrols become dynamic group events, and larger threats like cave exploration become feasible earlier.

Even when the game pushes back harder, such as in the revamped 1.0 update caves, friends allow for tactical retries and shared decision-making.

Talking of updates, there have been plenty that have enhanced SOTF multiplayer over the course of its existence. One of the latest updates brings key improvements to co-op play. Players can now revive teammates who drown, offering a second chance during risky water traversal.

AI companions Kelvin and Virginia are more reliable too – Kelvin swims faster, can follow players more accurately in water, and both can now climb out at ledges.

Structure syncing has been refined, resolving misalignment and placement issues in multiplayer sessions.

Audio and interaction prompts are also more consistent across hosts and clients, improving coordination in combat and building.

Golf cart batteries are now storable on shelves, helping teams better manage resources.

With upgraded netcode, including more accurate transform syncing and event tracking, 6–8 player sessions now feel smoother and more responsive across the board. For those chasing achievements or pushing late-game progression, a solid team can radically reshape the pacing.

With proper coordination, you’re not just surviving, you’re turning the island into your domain.

If you want the full game walkthrough, check out our Sons of The Forest Ultimate Guide.