Table of Contents
Finding the 3D Printer: The First Hurdle
The journey to the 3D Printer is a critical early-game objective for any solo speedrunner in Sons of The Forest. Rushing it unprepared can lead to wasted time and resources. My personal experience taught me that scouting the initial island thoroughly is key before even thinking about the main objectives. You need to gather basic resources – sticks, stones, and edible flora – to sustain yourself and craft essential early tools. The 3D Printer is located within a cave system, specifically the one marked by the large industrial drill. The fastest approach often involves a precise route from your initial spawn point. Don't get sidetracked by every deer or rabbit; efficiency is paramount. The cave itself presents navigational challenges and, of course, enemies. Mastering the combat or avoidance techniques within these tight spaces is crucial. I’ve found that using a simple torch and a crafted axe is usually sufficient for the initial clearing, but be ready to adapt. Getting to the printer requires careful navigation. There are often environmental puzzles or blocked paths that require specific items or actions to bypass. While some speedruns might involve clever glitches or skips to bypass certain sections, a standard optimized run focuses on efficient traversal. Remember, every item you pick up should have a purpose in your speedrun strategy.Essential 3D Printer Strats: What to Print
Once you reach the 3D Printer, the real strategic decisions begin. Not all printed items are created equal in a speedrun context. My go-to strategy prioritizes items that offer the most immediate benefit or enable faster progression. The most critical item to print is undeniably the **Rope**. You'll need multiple ropes for various traversal challenges and crafting. Printing ropes early allows you to overcome vertical obstacles and access new areas much faster.In my early attempts, I wasted so much time trying to find ropes scattered around. Printing them directly from the 3D Printer is a game-changer for consistency.Next on the list are **Medkits**. While survival is key, speedrunners aim for *efficient* survival. Having readily available Medkits means you can afford to take a few risks or recover quickly from combat encounters without lengthy downtime. Other valuable prints include: * **Arrows**: Essential for ranged combat, especially if you plan to take down specific threats from a distance or need to hunt efficiently. * **Alcohol/Tinder Fungus**: If you’re running low and need to craft Molotovs or simply want to ensure you can make fire quickly. * **Energy Drinks**: Stamina management is vital for sprinting and climbing. Avoid printing items like axes or pickaxes if you already have better versions or can find them easily. Focus on consumables and utility items that directly impact your speed and survivability. The currency used at the 3D Printer, plastic and electronics, are found scattered throughout the world and can often be gathered efficiently during your route to the printer.
The Unsung Hero: Mastering the Sled
Many players overlook the Sled, treating it as just another early-game traversal tool. However, in the hands of a speedrunner, the Sled becomes a surprisingly potent asset. Its primary function, sliding down inclines, can be exploited for massive speed gains. The key is understanding the terrain. Sons of The Forest is peppered with steep hills and slopes, especially in mountainous regions. Learning to initiate a Sled ride effectively and maintain momentum can bypass large swathes of walkable terrain. This is particularly useful when you need to reposition quickly or escape dangerous situations.The first time I properly utilized the Sled for a long downhill run, I shaved nearly two minutes off my time between two key points. It’s that significant.To maximize the Sled's utility: * **Scout Your Routes**: Identify long, uninterrupted downhill paths that are clear of major obstacles. * **Smooth Initiation**: Practice initiating the Sled ride quickly and smoothly. Jumping onto it at the right moment is crucial. * **Steering and Control**: While limited, subtle movements can help you avoid trees or rocks that would otherwise halt your progress or cause you to fall off. * **Combine with Other Strats**: Use the Sled to quickly reach areas where you might need to use your grappling hook or deploy other traversal techniques. The Sled is particularly effective in the later stages of a run, allowing for rapid transit across the island to reach the game's final objectives. Integrating it seamlessly into your movement mechanics can drastically improve your overall time.
Integrating Printer & Sled in a Speedrun
The true mastery of Sons of The Forest speedrunning lies in the seamless integration of these mechanics. Your run should be planned as a cohesive sequence, not a series of isolated tasks. A typical solo speedrun strategy might look like this: 1. **Spawn & Initial Loot**: Secure basic resources and potentially a weapon. 2. **Navigate to the Drill Cave**: Follow an optimized path, avoiding unnecessary encounters. 3. **Clear Cave & Acquire Printer**: Gather necessary materials (plastic, electronics) en route. 4. **Print Essentials**: Prioritize Rope, followed by Medkits and Arrows. 5. **Exit Cave & Strategic Movement**: Utilize printed Ropes for quick ascents/descents. 6. **Transition to Sled-Friendly Terrain**: Head towards areas with long downhill slopes. 7. **Sled Travel**: Use the Sled to cover large distances rapidly, reaching key objective areas. 8. **Objective Completion**: Execute final objectives efficiently, potentially using printed Arrows or other printed consumables. Remember that the optimal route and strategy can vary depending on the specific version of the game and any new #speedrun strats that emerge from the community. Staying updated on resources like speedrun.com is invaluable. This is why continuous practice and refinement are essential for any serious #gaming attempt.Common Pitfalls and Tips
Even with the best strats, Sons of The Forest can throw curveballs. Here are some common pitfalls speedrunners face and tips to overcome them: * **Enemy Ambushes**: Enemies can spawn unexpectedly. Always be prepared to defend yourself or use the environment to your advantage. Quick weapon switching and strategic retreats are key. * **Resource Scarcity**: Running out of plastic or electronics for the printer can halt your progress. Plan your looting path to ensure you gather enough materials efficiently. * **Navigation Errors**: Getting lost is a time killer. Memorize your route and pay attention to landmarks. Using the GPS effectively is crucial. * **Sled Mishaps**: Falling off the Sled or hitting an obstacle can cost valuable seconds. Practice your Sled control in less critical moments. * **RNG Dependence**: Some elements, like enemy placement or loot drops, are subject to RNG. Develop backup plans and focus on what you *can* control. Don't get discouraged by failed runs. Every attempt is a learning opportunity. Analyze your mistakes, refine your route, and keep practicing. The thrill of shaving off those crucial seconds and achieving a new PB is what #speedrunning is all about!Preguntas Frecuentes
How do I find the 3D Printer in Sons of The Forest?
The 3D Printer is located inside the cave system marked by the large industrial drill. You'll need to navigate through this cave to find it.
What are the most important items to print?
For speedruns, prioritize printing Rope, followed by Medkits and Arrows. These items offer the most significant benefits for traversal, survivability, and combat efficiency.
Is the Sled really useful for speedrunning?
Yes, the Sled can be incredibly useful for covering large distances quickly by utilizing downhill slopes. Mastering its use can shave significant time off your runs.
What should I do if I encounter a lot of enemies?
Prioritize evasion if possible. If combat is unavoidable, use the environment to your advantage, employ quick weapon switching, and don't hesitate to retreat and regroup if necessary.
How can I improve my Sons of The Forest speedrun times?
Consistent practice, memorizing optimal routes, mastering movement mechanics (like Sled usage and rope ascents), and staying updated on community strats are key to improving your times.
In conclusion, conquering Sons of The Forest solo through speedrunning requires a meticulous approach. Mastering the 3D Printer for essential items like Rope and Medkits, and cleverly utilizing the Sled for rapid traversal, are crucial components of any optimized run. Every decision, from your initial spawn route to your final push, must be geared towards shaving off those precious seconds. Keep practicing, keep experimenting with new strats, and most importantly, keep pushing those limits. What are your personal best times for Sons of The Forest? What strats do you use for the 3D Printer or the Sled? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below, and join our Discord server to connect with fellow speedrunners and discuss the latest techniques! Let's push the boundaries of what's possible in this intense survival experience. ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I find the 3D Printer in Sons of The Forest?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The 3D Printer is located inside the cave system marked by the large industrial drill. You'll need to navigate through this cave to find it." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the most important items to print?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For speedruns, prioritize printing Rope, followed by Medkits and Arrows. These items offer the most significant benefits for traversal, survivability, and combat efficiency." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is the Sled really useful for speedrunning?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, the Sled can be incredibly useful for covering large distances quickly by utilizing downhill slopes. Mastering its use can shave significant time off your runs." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What should I do if I encounter a lot of enemies?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Prioritize evasion if possible. If combat is unavoidable, use the environment to your advantage, employ quick weapon switching, and don't hesitate to retreat and regroup if necessary." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How can I improve my Sons of The Forest speedrun times?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Consistent practice, memorizing optimal routes, mastering movement mechanics (like Sled usage and rope ascents), and staying updated on community strats are key to improving your times." } } ] }