Key Highlights:
- SOTF masks act as camouflage to avoid conflict with cannibals.
- Red masks can be crafted at 3D printers, while golden masks must be found in a bunker.
- They only work on calm enemies and are useless against mutants or already hostile cannibals.
Quick Links:
Among the many survival tools in Sons of the Forest, masks stand out as one of the most unusual. They don’t boost stats or provide physical protection, but when used correctly, they can save your life. Both the red mask and the golden mask serve as disguises to reduce hostility from cannibals, though each works in different ways.
How Masks Work in SOTF
Masks function as camouflage. Equipping one in front of nearby cannibals often causes them to hesitate or ignore you entirely. This makes them useful for scouting villages, looting camps, or simply avoiding fights.
- Important: They only work on calm cannibals. Once a group has become aggressive, putting on a mask won’t stop the attack.
- Controls: Hold right-click (RT on controller) to wear, release to remove. Press G to put it away.
Mutants and stronger enemy types are not fooled by masks.
Red Mask
The red mask is the first disguise most players encounter. Its effect is similar to the red paint from The Forest: it causes weaker cannibals to hesitate and sometimes back away.
However, it has no impact on mutants or higher-ranked cannibals wearing gold masks.
- How to Craft:
- Found at any 3D printer (first located in the Entertainment Bunker)
- Requires 150 ml of resin
- Takes 15 seconds to print
- Each printer holds around 850 ml of resin, enough for up to 5 masks
- Usage:
- Best for avoiding early fights or looting camps
- Useless once enemies are already hostile
Golden Mask
The golden mask is rarer and more powerful. It causes stronger cannibals to back away, making it the superior disguise. Unlike the red mask, it cannot be crafted.
- Where to Find:
- Located in the residential cave bunker near the southeastern lake
- Descend to Level 5
- Found in the autopsy room, lying on a corpse beside the Maintenance Door
While the golden mask is situational, it plays into the game’s late encounters and offers a thematic link to the Golden Armour, which is also tied to story progression.
Masks in Sons of the Forest are often overlooked, but they are valuable tools for survival. The red mask is a reliable early-game item for sneaking and resource gathering, while the gold mask provides added intimidation against tougher cannibals.
Neither will save you from mutants or an active ambush, but when used proactively, they let you control encounters on your terms.