The main enemies in Sons of the Forest are the various cannibals and mutants that inhabit the island. They will attack players on sight, so equipping weapons for protection is the best survival strategy. For example, the Compound Bow is a silent and deadly ranged weapon, especially compared to the available firearms, and it is easy to use.
While players can craft a bow and arrows, the Compound Bow deals significantly more damage than the crafted version. It also aims more accurately, so it is more likely to hit enemies in fatal spots. However, players must gather several key items before accessing the powerful bow. So, this guide covers what items are needed to get the Compound Bow and how to find it in Sons of the Forest.
Preparing to Get the Compound Bow
Before players can go after the Compound Bow, they must grab the following items:
- The Rebreather
- The Rope Gun
- The Shovel
As marked on the above map, all three items are in caves on the island's northwest side. The caves lead to dark, wet tunnels full of violent mutants, so entering them without preparing can have deadly consequences. The GPS is useless underground, and most caves have little or no light, so grabbing a flashlight or crafting a torch is useful to increase visibility. Players can also stock up on items that fulfill their hunger, thirst, and energy meters to keep themselves healthy while exploring.
Players will need the Rebreather and the Rope Gun to make it through the Shovel's cave. The Rebreather is used to have oxygen while underwater and is found on the northmost beach near one of the starting spawn points. The Rope Gun, combined with rope and grappling hooks, creates a zipline and allows the player character (PC) to ride them. Players will have to go further southwest to find it.
The Shovel's cave is near a large river between the Rebreather and the Rope Gun. The cave is rather large, so it will take time to find. Additionally, there are lots more mutants players have to worry about encountering that will ambush the PC, but the Pistol or Grenades will take them out quickly.
Compound Bow Location in Sons of the Forest
The Compound Bow is found at a digsite called Maintenance Site B on the island's southwest side. Players can use the GPS to find it by looking for the pulsating green circle past the three lakes. However, be wary because the digsite is in the middle of a large cannibal camp.
It may be empty, but if not, players can use an explosive to take out multiple cannibals at once or fight them one by one. If they have befriended Virginia and given her a Pistol or Shotgun, she can help to clear the camp. The digsite is near broken-down golf carts, equipment, and caskets. When it is safe, use the Shovel to dig up the loose dirt near the digging equipment to reveal a hatch door with a ladder.
The ladder leads to a dark, flooded corridor with a door to a flooded room on the right. Go into the room, and there will be a table at the back where players can grab the Pistol Suppressor and ammo. To the right of the Suppressor, go around the corner to find a bed and door to the bathroom. The Compound Bow is in the bathroom on the floor next to a corpse slumped in the bathtub.
After picking it up, players can equip the Compound Bow from their inventory. It uses crafted arrows from feathers, stones, sticks, and 3D-printed or Carbon Fiber arrows. A notable perk is that arrows are reusable and can be picked up after firing. The Compound Bow has a decent aim, but players can find targets in supply crates and cases to practice using it.
Sons of the Forest is out now in early access for PC.