Animals #

In The Forest, animals are essential for survival and exploration. They provide energizing food and valuable resources needed to craft vital inventory upgrades and gear. Whether you’re hunting predators or prey in the forest, ocean, or caves, these creatures are key to your progress. With the help of this guide, you’ll master the art of hunting and ensure your survival in no time!

Map of Animal Locations #

In The Forest, some animals are everywhere you look, making them easy to spot. You’ll frequently come across rabbits, deer, lizards, and squirrels as you explore. However, other animals are much more elusive and only spawn in specific regions. Without a map, tracking them down can be a challenge. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! This guide will help you locate crucial animals like the boar, raccoon, and others, ensuring you never miss out on the resources they provide.

How to Hunt Prey #

One of the most effective ways to avoid starvation and maintain your energy levels is to hunt the different animals scattered throughout The Forest. Not only do they provide plenty of meat, but their hides and fur are also essential for crafting some of the most important recipes. These items will make gathering resources and exploring the area much easier and more manageable.

Rabbit #

Rabbits are one of the most common animal resources you’ll find darting around The Forest. However, because they’re so quick and alert, hunting them can be tricky and might take some practice to master. You have a few options for catching them: you can use ranged weapons to hunt them down, set up Rabbit Traps to capture them alive, or even breed them. To breed rabbits, simply place two or more in a Rabbit Cage and give them some time—they’ll multiply, providing you with a steady supply of resources.

Bird #

Whether you’re out exploring the wilderness or hanging around your camp, you’ll notice birds flying overhead or even landing nearby—sometimes they might even perch on you! While they don’t offer much meat, they’re still a valuable resource because of their feathers. These feathers are essential for crafting arrows and upgrading your weapons, making birds a small but important part of your survival toolkit.

Lizard #

Lizards are abundant, relatively easy to hunt, and provide a solid meal when cooked. If you’re looking to stock up, you can also dry their meat to preserve it for later. Beyond their meat, their Lizard Skin is incredibly useful for crafting lightweight armor, which offers both protection and enhanced stealth. You’ll find these lizards scurrying around almost everywhere, as long as you’re south of the frozen northern regions.

Deer #

Deer can sometimes feel like they’re everywhere, while other times it seems like they’ve vanished entirely. Hunting them with a Crafted Bow and Wooden Arrows can be a bit challenging, but they go down easily if you hit them with a Thrown Spear. That’s why it’s a good idea to practice your spear-throwing skills—you can even build a Wood Target to sharpen your aim. Mastering this technique will make hunting deer much more efficient and rewarding.

Sea Turtle #

Sea Turtles can be found along specific beach areas, and they’re surprisingly easy to hunt once you know where to look. They provide a decent amount of meat, and their shells are incredibly useful for crafting Water Collectors. But that’s not all—you can also use their shells as makeshift sleds to glide downhill. Cowabunga, indeed! Just be sure to make the most of these versatile creatures while respecting their role in the ecosystem.

Tortoise #

Is this a “Dog?” Nope, it’s actually a land-dwelling turtle that hangs out near ponds and grassy areas in the northern regions, just south of the snowy biome. Like its sea-dwelling cousin, you can also take its shell for a ride downhill—totally tubular! These turtles are a fun and unique find, so keep an eye out for them as you explore!

Racoon #

You’ll spot these fuzzy little bandits—raccoons—frolicking around the eastern plateau, where they’re relatively easy to hunt. Their skin is essential for crafting a Warmsuit, which you’ll need to stay warm in the coldest areas of the map. So, if you’re planning to venture into freezing temperatures, make sure to track down these critters and stock up on their pelts!

Fish #

Fish are an excellent and reliable food source that’s incredibly easy to catch. All you need are 2 Sticks to craft a Spear, then head to a Fish Pond and start spearing. Fish Ponds are scattered across the map in various locations, so it’s a smart idea to set up a camp or outpost near one. This way, you can easily store your catch on Drying Racks to preserve the fish for later use. It’s a simple and efficient way to keep your food supply steady!

Squirrel #

These pesky little critters like squirrels or mice aren’t really worth hunting unless you’re absolutely desperate and there’s nothing else around. Their tiny portions of meat make them a poor choice for food, and they’re too small to be useful for crafting. To make matters worse, they’re just big enough to trigger your Rabbit Traps, which can be frustrating when you’re trying to catch rabbits. So, while they might seem like an option in a pinch, they’re more of a nuisance than a resource.

How to Hunt Predators #

Cannibals aren’t the only threat you’ll face in The Forest dangerous wildlife is everywhere! From boars, which are relatively low-risk but still dangerous if you’re not careful, to the deadly Great White Sharks patrolling the waters, you’ll need to stay alert. These natural predators can be just as lethal as the cannibals, so always keep an eye out for nature’s killing machines as you explore and survive in this unforgiving environment.

Boar #

While boars themselves aren’t too hard to take down, getting to their usual hangouts from the south is where things get dicey. The journey’s packed with risks cannibal patrols lurking around every corner and those unsettling mutants that seem to pop up when you least expect them. To make things easier, it’s probably a good idea to set up a small shelter close by. That way, after the long haul across the island, you’ve got a safe spot to rest up and recharge before heading back. Trust me, a little prep goes a long way out here.

Crocodile #

These scaly predators are masters of camouflage, blending seamlessly into the grass and rocks around them. One moment you’re scanning the area, and the next—snap—you’re caught off guard by a nasty bite. To make things trickier, they sometimes spawn just out of sight, sneaking up from behind without warning. If you’re venturing into crocodile territory, stay sharp and keep your eyes peeled. Those jaws are no joke, and they don’t hold back! Always assume there’s one lurking nearby, even if you can’t see it. Better safe than sorry!

Great White Shark #

Just when you start to feel a little too comfortable in the water, a dark, murky shadow catches your eye in the distance—and it’s moving fast. That’s when it hits you: the king of the ocean, the Great White Shark, is headed straight for you. There’s nothing quite as heart-stopping as realizing you’re sharing the water with one of these apex predators. Whether you’re exploring shipwrecks or diving for oysters, running into a Great White is the last thing you want. They’re lightning-fast, and their powerful jaws can tear through you and your armor like it’s nothing. If you see one, it’s time to get out of the water—fast. No treasure or resource is worth becoming shark bait!