GPS Locators in Sons of the Forest can be found at three initial locations tied to deceased members of Team B: a hanging mercenary, a buried mercenary, and a floating mercenary. These devices are crucial for marking custom locations on your GPS Tracker and tracking Virginia.
Obtaining GPS Locators
There are three primary locations where you can find GPS Locators early in the game, each requiring a specific method to retrieve. These locations are marked by purple waypoints on your GPS Tracker and are associated with deceased members of Team B. As you approach these markers, your GPS Tracker will beep, with the frequency increasing as you get closer.
| Location | Prerequisite | Item Found (besides GPS Locator) | Retrieval Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanging Mercenary | None (Axe recommended) | Flashlight | Cut rope from above or with ranged weapon. |
| Floating Mercenary | None (Pistol/Shotgun recommended) | Pistol | Search body on orange life raft offshore. |
| Buried Mercenary | Shovel | Shotgun | Dig up grave in an open field. |
The first GPS Locator is found with a mercenary hanging from a cliff face, west of the snowy mountains. To retrieve it, you can either climb to the top of the cliff and cut the rope wrapped around a moss-covered rock with an axe, or use a ranged weapon or small rock to cut the rope from below. Once the body falls, search it to claim the GPS Locator and a Flashlight.
The second GPS Locator is located offshore on the western coastline, on a small orange life raft. While swimming to the raft is generally safe, be aware that sharks patrol the area. Upon reaching the raft, search the dead body to find the GPS Locator and a Pistol. It is advisable to have a weapon, such as the newly acquired Pistol or a Shotgun, to deal with any sharks before swimming back to shore.
The third and final initial GPS Locator requires the Shovel and is found in the northwest corner of the map. Look for a small wooden grave site in an open field. Use the Shovel to dig up the coffin, which will yield both the GPS Locator and a Shotgun.
Additional GPS Locators may be found on other deceased personnel introduced in later game development updates. Up to 10 GPS Locators can be carried in your inventory at one time.
Crafting GPS Locators
Beyond finding them in the world, GPS Locators can also be crafted. This option became available in Patch 08, providing an alternative way to acquire these useful tools. Crafting allows players to produce more locators as needed, especially after exhausting the initial found ones or if they require a larger quantity for extensive marking.
To craft a GPS Locator, you will need the following components:
| Component | Quantity | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 3D Printed GPS Case | 1 | Produced using a 3D Printer |
| Circuit Board | 1 | Found in the world |
| Batteries | 1 | Found in the world |
| Wire | 1 | Found in the world |
The most unique component is the 3D Printed GPS Case, which must be fabricated using a 3D Printer. The other components—Circuit Board, Batteries, and Wire—are common resources found throughout the island. While Batteries are a crafting ingredient, the finished GPS Locator does not consume replaceable battery charge during its normal use, making it a sustainable tracking tool once crafted.
Using GPS Locators
GPS Locators are versatile tools that enhance navigation and tracking within Sons of the Forest. They function in conjunction with the GPS Tracker, displaying markers on its interface. There are two primary ways to utilize a GPS Locator: as a stationary map marker or as a tracking device for Virginia.
Stationary Location Markers
To create a stationary marker, you must first place a stick upright in the ground. Then, equip the GPS Locator from your inventory. While holding the locator, you can cycle through various marker icons by pressing the Right Mouse Button (RMB). This allows you to assign different symbols to different locations, making your GPS Tracker easier to read and organize. For instance, you can use one icon for bases, another for resource areas, and a third for cave entrances.
Once you have selected your desired icon, aim at the stick until a white arrow and circle appear, then use the Left Mouse Button (LMB) to attach the GPS Locator. This will create a permanent marker on your GPS Tracker that persists even after saving and loading the game. The physical GPS Locator remains attached to the stick and can be recovered for reuse by simply breaking the stick. This flexibility allows you to move markers as your needs change or as you discover new points of interest.
Tracking Virginia
GPS Locators can also be given to Virginia, allowing you to track her movements across the island. If you have befriended Virginia, you can interact with her by pressing ‘E’ to access her inventory. From your inventory pouch, select a GPS Locator and use it on her. Her current position will then appear on your GPS Tracker, marked with the icon you selected for the locator before giving it to her. This is particularly useful for keeping tabs on her location, especially if she wanders far from your current position.
If you wish to retrieve the GPS Locator from Virginia, simply interact with her again and click on the empty GPS Locator slot in her inventory. The device will then return to your inventory. This allows you to reassign the locator or use it for another purpose.
It’s important to note that GPS Locators do not provide navigation information on their own; they require the GPS Tracker to display their markers. Additionally, stationary markers only indicate the locator’s position and do not store custom labels or descriptions. However, the ability to assign different icons significantly helps in distinguishing various marked locations or targets.
FAQ
How many GPS Locators can I carry? You can carry up to 10 GPS Locators at once in your inventory.
Do GPS Locators consume batteries during use? No, while batteries are required to craft a GPS Locator, the finished device does not consume replaceable battery charge during normal operation.
Can I change the icon of a GPS Locator after it’s placed? You must select the icon before deploying the GPS Locator. If you want to change an icon, you need to retrieve the locator, select a new icon, and then redeploy it.
What happens if I save and load the game with GPS Locators placed? The selected icon and position of placed GPS Locators are retained after saving and loading the game.
Can I track Kelvin with a GPS Locator? No, Kelvin’s position is automatically marked on your GPS Tracker. GPS Locators are specifically for Virginia or creating custom stationary markers.