Summary
One of the first priorities for players when starting the survival horror gameThe Forestshould be the construction of a base. Base-building is a fundamental part of the game and without one, the game becomes significantly harder. When starting a playthrough,The Forestcan be very unforgiving, enemies will start to harass players soon after their plane crash.
Constructing a strong, defensible base as quickly and efficiently as possible will help playerssurvive for much longer. Creating the best possible base takes planning and time, which is something in short supply in The Forest, as players will also need to survive the elements, hunger, and frequent attacks from enemies.
Updated Jun 20, 2025, by Andy Chapman:The Forestis one of the best survival horror games available. It takes classic hardcore survival mechanics such as hunger and thirst meters, base building, and resource collecting and throws in violent mutants and hungry cannibals. Its sequel,Sons of the Forest, expands further on the lore and gameplay of the first, creating an even more immersive experience. The Forest has become a cult classic horror game that is both challenging and addictive. This article has been updated to include further entries to help new players create an effective base early in the game.
1Choose Your Base
Location Makes a Big Difference
There are three types of base available to players and each has its own pros and cons. The first option is a ground base. These are simple to build as resources are close, and players will have the most amount of space to build on, but they are very open to attack.
The second type is a tree house base. These offer a much higher level of safety for players and require fewer materials, but provide less space to expand. The third option is a water base, requiring an island or platform to build on. These offer the most safety but are the hardest to build.
2Choose Your Materials
Gathering Resources Takes Time
The Forestallows players to build with either wood or stone. Choosing which of these materials to build a base with will be a major early decision as each option takes up a lot of time to collect.
Choosing wood is by far the quickest option. If players are building a wood cabin or a stick fence, wood is the most readily available resource around. Wood is the weaker material though, and enemy attacks can lead to log walls being destroyed. Building a stone wall will take a lot longer to construct, but will offer players a much higher level of protection and durability.
3Choose A Location Carefully
Explore To Find the Ideal Area
Once players have decided what type of base they’re going to build and which materials they’ll need to use, one of the most important decisions to make next is where to start construction. This decision requires some planning, as changing locations halfway through building a base means a lot of wasted time.
Players should also consider how close they are to the resources they’ll need going forward. Ideally, bases should be built near a clean water source and not close to any enemy camps. It is a good idea toclear the surrounding area of treesas well, so enemies can’t climb them and jump into the camp.
4Know Your Neighbors
The Many Dangers of the Forest
After enteringThe Forest, it doesn’t take long before players are introduced to the island’s dangerous inhabitants. In the early stages of base building, the forest’s cannibals are a constant threat that can attack at any time, making progress tough.
While building a base right next to one of the villages scattered around the island may be inviting more trouble than it’s worth, cannibals can also be a valuable resource throughout the game. From using their bones for armor and weapons to using their meat as emergency food, the cannibals can be farmed easily. Building a base near a settlement will ensure the player has plenty of gruesome resources available.
5Use The Environment
Natural Defenses Make Life Easier
The Forestis filled with naturally occurring defenses for players to use. From large rocks to high cliffs and vast bodies of water. Utilizing these ready-made resources will help players build safer and more efficient bases.
One of the best options to choose is a body of water. Even when building a base on the shoreline of a lake, thewater is a natural wall, as none of the enemies in the game can swim. This also allows for a quick and easy escape route if the enemies attack in force.
6Preparation Is Your Friend
Don’t Rush. There is Plenty of Time
Like all big projects in-game, or even in real life, preparation is the key to success. Time management is an important aspect of surviving inThe Forest, as the game will constantly present situations that will take the player away from building their base.
Planning what to build first, with which materials, and where each section will go before collecting anything, will help players in the long run. Again, getting halfway through construction before realizing there are better locations to build on can take up plenty of time. The quicker a player builds a base, the faster they canget into exploration.
7Start Small - Aim Big
Create an Ambitious Project Over Time
The Forestcan be very overwhelming for new players. With its strong survival element, as well as aggressive enemies, it can seem like an uphill battle. One of the key tips when starting a game is to start small but aim big.
Build all thenecessary items to survivethe first few hours such as a campfire, a wall for protection, and a basic tent to save the game, but then, players should begin to expand. This will give breathing room to consider building locations and materials in a safer environment.
8Upgrade Over Time
Build Stone Walls
When building a base inThe Forest, one of the most important first steps is to create a basic structure fast. There is an abundance of wood found throughout the game that can be used to create solid log walls or treetop platforms very quickly.
While these are good for new bases, over time, strong enemies such as mutants will break down the walls and gain access to the base. Use log walls as temporary protection and slowly build stronger stone walls to replace them over time. This will ensure players are protected from the dangers ofThe Forestwhile they expand and explore the game.
9Use Traps
Defend The Base While Collecting Resources
One aspect ofThe Forestplayers will quickly realize when first starting out is thatthere are no safe zones.Players will need to make their own safe place within the game, and this can be extremely difficult when enemies find you, as attacks are random and can be common.
This element of the game can make building a base hard. One of the best ways todefend a base location is with traps. Easily built, they can protect the base effectively, without the player needing to do anything.
10Use Zip Wires
A Quick Escape Plan
The Forestis a game that rewards ingenuity, using the tools offered in ways that will allow players to not only survive but flourish in the brutal game world. One of the best building options that players should consider when planning out their base is the zip line.
This simple-to-build device can be extremely effective for fast entry and exit into the base. If you need to get into safety as fast as possible, or quickly escape when attacked in numbers, this can be a life-saving addition.
