To find Kelvin, simply progress through the game’s opening sequence; he is an automatic companion from the start. To find Virginia, you must encounter her in the wild and earn her trust through non-aggression and gift-giving over several in-game days.
Acquiring Kelvin: Your First Companion
Kelvin, a fellow passenger from the helicopter crash, automatically joins you at the very beginning of Sons of the Forest. There is no special recruitment process required to find him, as he is present from the game’s intro sequence. The crash renders him deaf and unable to speak, necessitating communication via a notebook. He serves as a tireless helper, working day and night without needing food or rest, making him a fundamental asset for any base.
Kelvin’s primary functions revolve around gathering resources and assisting with construction. You can assign him tasks using his notebook, such as chopping down trees for logs, collecting sticks, rocks, and leaves, or fishing for food. He can also fill log and rock holders, maintain fires, and even build and repair structures you designate. It is crucial to protect Kelvin, as he can die from enemy encounters or significant falls. In single-player mode, his death is permanent, and he will not respawn. The only way to bring him back in such a scenario is by using the console command addcharacter robby. Therefore, keeping him out of direct combat is highly recommended to ensure his continued assistance.
Befriending Virginia: The Mutant Ally
Virginia, the three-legged, three-armed mutant daughter of the Puffton family, is found wandering the island. Unlike Kelvin, she is not an automatic companion; you must earn her trust to recruit her. Her initial behavior is skittish, but she is not hostile. The key to befriending her lies in demonstrating non-aggression and patience.
When you first encounter Virginia, immediately holster any weapons and put away your torch. Stand still or crouch, and avoid chasing her or blocking her path. Allow her to approach you on her own terms, and if she appears spooked, back off. Over several in-game days, repeat these calm encounters. Leaving gifts nearby, such as a can of drink or a weapon like a pistol, can accelerate the process of raising her sentiment towards you. It is critical never to hit or shoot Virginia, as any hostile action will reset her trust to zero. Once she trusts you, she will join your camp and become a formidable ally in combat, capable of dual-wielding pistols or revolvers due to her extra arms. If you wish to instantly spawn a Virginia with full affinity, the console command addcharacter virginia can be used.
Companion Roles and Capabilities
Kelvin and Virginia fulfill distinct roles within Sons of the Forest, each offering unique advantages to your survival efforts. Understanding their capabilities and limitations is essential for maximizing their utility.
| Companion | How You Meet Them | Type | Main Role | Controllable | Uses Weapons | Can Die |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kelvin | Automatic (crash) | Human | Gathering & Building | Yes (notebook) | No | Yes (permanent in solo) |
| Virginia | Befriend in wild | Mutant | Combat | No (acts on own) | Yes (dual-wields) | Yes |
Kelvin is your primary workhorse for base management and resource acquisition. His ability to gather logs, sticks, rocks, and leaves, along with his capacity to build and repair structures, significantly reduces the manual labor required for survival. He operates continuously without needing food or rest, making him invaluable for establishing and maintaining your base. However, his lack of combat ability means he is vulnerable, and players must actively protect him from threats.
Virginia, once befriended, transforms into a powerful combat ally. Her unique physiology allows her to wield two firearms simultaneously, providing substantial firepower against enemies. She roams and defends your base, acting independently in combat situations. While you cannot directly control her actions like Kelvin, equipping her with weapons like pistols or revolvers dramatically enhances her effectiveness. Like Kelvin, Virginia can die, and her loss can be a significant blow to your defensive capabilities. Her combat prowess makes her ideal for protecting your base or assisting during dangerous expeditions.
FAQ
How do you befriend Virginia in Sons of the Forest? To befriend Virginia, you must demonstrate non-aggression. Holster your weapons and stand still when you see her, allowing her to approach on her own terms. Avoid chasing or blocking her, and leave gifts like drinks or weapons nearby to raise her sentiment over several encounters. Never hit or shoot her, as this will reset her trust.
How do you get Kelvin in Sons of the Forest? Kelvin is acquired automatically at the very start of the game. He is a survivor of the opening helicopter crash and joins you without any special recruitment steps.
Can Kelvin die in Sons of the Forest?
Yes, Kelvin can die from enemy attacks or significant falls. In single-player mode, his death is permanent, and he will not respawn naturally. To bring him back, you must use the console command addcharacter robby.
What does Kelvin do in Sons of the Forest? Kelvin is a versatile helper who can chop down trees, gather logs, sticks, rocks, and leaves. He can also fish, collect water, build and repair structures you mark, and fill log holders, rock holders, and fires. He works continuously without needing food or rest.
Can Virginia use guns in Sons of the Forest? Yes, once Virginia trusts you, you can give her weapons. She can dual-wield pistols or revolvers due to her three arms, making her a highly effective combat companion.