Dying to know if the horror-survival sensation, Sons of the Forest, will be playable on Xbox. With its roots in the acclaimed 2018 title, The Forest, this gripping sequel has quickly made a name for itself as one of the most anticipated games of the year.
The game masterfully combines survival and crafting mechanics amidst a chilling backdrop of an island overrun with nightmarish cannibals. Currently, Sons of the Forest has been released on PC to early access and its growing popularity has led to a surge in interest from console players, particularly those on Xbox.
The original game, The Forest, was never released on Xbox, leaving many fans to wonder if the sequel will follow the same path or make its way onto the platform. Given the immense interest and the developer’s comments on future porting possibilities, it’s a question that merits an in-depth exploration.
So, if you’re among the many players eagerly waiting to experience the thrill of Sons of the Forest on Xbox, or just curious about the game’s availability, this guide is for you. Let’s delve into the details and find out whether Sons of the Forest is set to haunt Xbox consoles anytime soon.
Is Sons of the Forest on Xbox?
Sons of the Forest is not yet available on Xbox. The game was released in early access on February 23, 2023, for Microsoft Windows only. However, the developers have not ruled out a future release for other platforms, including Xbox.
In an interview with GamingBolt, Endnight Games co-founder and creative director, Endnight Games, said that they “love to come to consoles in the future” with a Sons of the Forest console release. However, they are currently focused on the Sons of the Forest early access period on PC exclusively.
If you are an Xbox player and are eager to play Sons of the Forest, you can still wishlist the game on the Xbox Store. This will allow you to be notified when the game becomes available for purchase on Xbox.
In the meantime, you can check out some other great survival games that are available on Xbox, such as:
- ARK: Survival Evolved
- Subnautica
- The Long Dark
- Green Hell
- Don’t Starve Together
These games offer a similar survival experience to Sons of the Forest, and they are all great games to play in the meantime.
Will Sons of the Forest be available on Xbox and Xbox Game Pass?
There is no official word yet on whether or not Sons of the Forest will be available on Xbox or Xbox Game Pass. However, there are a few reasons to believe that it is a possibility.
First, the original game, The Forest, was eventually released on Xbox One and Xbox Game Pass. This suggests that Endnight Games is open to the idea of releasing their games on Xbox platforms.
Second, Sons of the Forest is currently in early access on PC. This means that the game is still under development, and it is possible that Endnight Games is planning to release it on Xbox and Xbox Game Pass once it is fully released.
Finally, Xbox Game Pass is a very popular subscription service with over 25 million subscribers. This means that there is a large potential audience for Sons of the Forest on Xbox Game Pass.
Overall, there is no guarantee that Sons of the Forest will be available on Xbox or Xbox Game Pass. However, there are a few reasons to believe that it is a possibility. If you are an Xbox gamer and are interested in playing Sons of the Forest, you can keep an eye out for any announcements from Endnight Games.
Background of Sons of the Forest
A Short History of the Game’s Development
Sons of the Forest developed by Endnight Games and published by Endnight Games, was first announced in December 2019 with an initial release date set for May 2022. However, the game faced two significant delays.
The first delay was announced on March 25, 2022, pushing the release date to October of that year. According to Endnight Games, this delay was necessary to “deliver our vision of the next step in survival games”. In August, the game was delayed again to February 23, 2023. In an effort to avoid further delays, the game was launched in early access on February 3, 2023.
The success of its predecessor, The Forest
The Forest, the precursor to Sons of the Forest, was a significant commercial success, selling over five million copies by the end of 2018.
Key features and gameplay mechanics that make it unique
“Sons of the Forest” continues the survival horror theme of its predecessor, with players stranded on an island inhabited by cannibals. However, several new mechanics have been added to the game. For instance, it introduces 3D printing and friendly non-playable characters (NPCs). One such NPC, Kelvin, is a companion who is deaf and unable to speak.
Players can give Kelvin written commands on a piece of paper to assist with simple tasks such as collecting crafting resources or setting up fires. The game also introduces Virginia, a three-armed, three-legged woman who can be equipped with weapons to help in combat situations.
The map in Sons of the Forest is four times larger than that of its predecessor, and the game supports up to eight-player cooperative multiplayer. Depending on their actions, players can experience different endings.
Sons of the Forest on Different Platforms
Initial release platforms for the game:
Upon its initial release, Sons of the Forest was only available on PC via Steam.
Availability on Various Platforms Over Time
While the game was initially exclusive to PC via Steam, there is a possibility that it may extend to other platforms such as PS5 and Xbox Series S/X in the future4.
Why Some Games Are Platform Exclusive
Platform exclusivity can be influenced by a variety of factors. One of the main reasons is financial incentives. Console manufacturers like Sony or Microsoft often offer developers financial incentives to release their games exclusively on their platforms. This strategy helps to drive console sales, as a game’s exclusivity can convince consumers to purchase a specific console.
Another reason is resource allocation. Developing a game for multiple platforms simultaneously can be resource-intensive. By focusing on a single platform, developers can optimize the game for that specific platform, which often results in a better gaming experience.
Finally, exclusivity can also be a result of strategic partnerships or ownership. For instance, a game may be exclusive to a particular platform because the developer is a subsidiary of the console manufacturer, or because the two companies have formed a strategic partnership.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Sons of the Forest start development?
Sons of the Forest started development in 2018, shortly after the release of The Forest.
Who are the devs of the Forest?
The devs of The Forest and Sons of the Forest are Endnight Games, a British video game developer based in Guildford, Surrey.
Is Sons of the Forest connected to the Forest?
Yes, Sons of the Forest is a sequel to The Forest. The game takes place on the same island as The Forest, and players will encounter some of the same characters and enemies from the previous game.
What’s the point of Sons of the Forest?
The point of Sons of the Forest is to survive on a hostile island inhabited by cannibals and other dangerous creatures. Players must build a shelter, find food and water, and craft weapons and tools to defend themselves.
What engine is Sons of the Forest?
Sons of the Forest is built on the Unity game engine.
Why did the Children of the Forest create it?
The Children of the Forest are a group of cannibals who live on the island in Sons of the Forest. They are believed to have created the island’s technology and infrastructure, including the towers and temples that players can find throughout the game.
Final Words
We’ve journeyed through the fascinating world of Sons of the Forest, tracing its development history, acknowledging the success of its predecessor, The Forest, and exploring its unique gameplay mechanics. Initially exclusive to PC via Steam, the game’s potential expansion to other platforms, including Xbox, fuels anticipation among gamers. The game’s rich survival elements, expanded multiplayer options, and innovative features make it a highly sought-after addition to any platform’s game library.
As we wait to see if Sons of the Forest will grace the Xbox platform, we encourage you to share your experiences and insights. Whether you’ve begun your survival journey on PC or are eagerly waiting for the Xbox release, your thoughts could be invaluable to the community. So, dive into the comments and let’s continue the discussion about this captivating game.