All 3D Printers in Sons of the Forest offer the same crafting recipes, so finding any one of them will grant access to the full suite of items. There are four known 3D Printer locations, with the easiest to access being found in a cave on the western side of the island, between the ocean and a snowy mountain range.
3D Printer Overview
The 3D Printer is a crucial crafting station in Sons of the Forest, allowing players to create various essential survival items. While there are multiple 3D Printer locations scattered across the island, it’s important to note that every single 3D Printer provides access to the exact same set of craftable items. This means that once you’ve discovered one, you won’t miss out on any recipes by not finding the others. However, having multiple printers available can be convenient for crafting on the go, especially for frequently used items like 3D Printed Arrows. Each printer room typically contains additional resources such as Print Resin, batteries, and often a sleeping spot.
To utilize a 3D Printer, you will need Print Resin, which acts as the crafting material. The amount of resin required varies per item, and crafting also takes a short amount of time. Finding Print Resin is often possible within the same bunkers or caves where 3D Printers are located, ensuring you have the necessary materials to start crafting immediately upon discovery.
All 3D Printer Locations
There are four identified 3D Printer locations in Sons of the Forest. Each location has specific access requirements, with some demanding particular tools to reach. The green markers on your GPS device will often indicate the general vicinity of these important points of interest.
| Location | Requirements | Notable Items/Features |
|---|---|---|
| Western Cave | None | Rope Gun cave, Stun Baton waterfall nearby, Print Resin, sleeping bag, batteries |
| Maintenance A Bunker | Shovel (requires Rebreather, Rope Gun) | Maintenance Keycard, Tuxedo, Laser Sight, Fire Axe |
| Maintenance B Bunker | Shovel (requires Rebreather, Rope Gun) | Compound Bow, Silencer |
| Mountain Lake Bunker | All Keycards | Best melee weapon in the game (story progression) |
The first and most accessible 3D Printer is located in a cave on the western side of the island. This spot is near where players acquire the Rope Gun and close to a waterfall that leads to the Stun Baton. You can identify the entrance by an old, overgrown golf cart nearby. This location requires no special equipment to enter, making it an excellent early-game target. Once inside, you’ll find the printer, a sleeping bag, and containers that may yield Print Resin and batteries.
Another 3D Printer is situated within the Maintenance A bunker. To access this bunker, you must first obtain the Shovel. Acquiring the Shovel itself is a multi-step process, requiring both the Rebreather and the Rope Gun. This bunker is found by digging up the leftmost green marker near the starting beach. Inside, beyond the 3D Printer, you can also secure the Maintenance Keycard, a Tuxedo, a Laser Sight, and the Fire Axe.
The Maintenance B bunker houses a third 3D Printer. Similar to Maintenance A, this location also necessitates the Shovel for access. Once you’ve dug up the site, you’ll find not only the 3D Printer but also the Compound Bow and a Silencer. This bunker is another point of interest marked by a green icon on your map.
The final known 3D Printer is located on the opposite side of the mountain from the starting beach, near a large lake. This particular location requires all keycards to navigate through its various sections. While the green marker for this area won’t appear until you are closer, it’s a significant story progression point where you will find several important items, including what is considered the best melee weapon in the game.
All Craftable 3D Printer Items
All 3D Printers offer the exact same set of crafting recipes, requiring Print Resin as the primary material. The time it takes to print each item is also consistent across all printers.
| Item | Resin Requirement | Crafting Time |
|---|---|---|
| Arrows | 50 ML | 15 Seconds |
| Flask | 100 ML | 15 Seconds |
| Mask | 150 ML | 15 Seconds |
| Grappling Hook | 100 ML | 15 Seconds |
| Tech Mesh | 250 ML | 10 Seconds |
| Sled | 1000 ML | 20 Seconds |
Among the most frequently printed items are Arrows, which provide a reliable source of ammunition for ranged combat. The Flask is another essential item, allowing players to carry a consistent supply of water, crucial for survival. The Mask, while consuming more resin, can offer protective benefits. The Grappling Hook is vital for traversal, opening up new pathways and shortcuts. Tech Mesh is a component used in advanced crafting recipes, making it a valuable print for later game progression. Finally, the Sled, though requiring a significant amount of resin, can be incredibly useful for quickly transporting items or traversing steep terrain. Efficient management of your Print Resin supply is key to maximizing the utility of these printers.
FAQ
Do all 3D Printers have the same recipes? Yes, every 3D Printer in Sons of the Forest offers the exact same set of craftable items and recipes.
What is the easiest 3D Printer to find early in the game? The easiest 3D Printer to access is located in a cave on the western side of the island, near the Rope Gun cave and a waterfall. It requires no special equipment to enter.
What resource is needed to craft items at a 3D Printer? You need Print Resin to craft items at a 3D Printer.
Do I need any tools to access 3D Printers? Some 3D Printers, particularly those in bunkers, require specific tools like the Shovel (which itself requires the Rebreather and Rope Gun) or all keycards for access. The first printer, however, requires no tools.