Ancient Armor Overview
The item formerly known as the Golden Armor is now officially called the Ancient Armor, a change implemented with the 1.0 update for Sons of the Forest. This mysterious armor set is a critical progression item, essential for reaching the endgame and successfully escaping the island. It is not merely a cosmetic item but a mandatory piece of gear. The Ancient Armor is hidden deep within a challenging cave system, requiring careful preparation and navigation to obtain.
Prerequisites for Acquiring the Armor
Before attempting to retrieve the Ancient Armor, it’s crucial to gather specific items to ensure a successful journey through the flooded cave system. The most vital prerequisite is the Rebreather, as large sections of the cave are submerged, making underwater breathing capabilities indispensable. The Rebreather can be found in a smaller cave located near the northern beach spawn points, typically marked on your GPS.
In addition to the Rebreather, it is highly recommended to stock up on Air Tanks. While the cave itself contains some Air Tanks, having a personal supply ensures you won’t run out of air during extended underwater segments. Players should also bring powerful weapons, ample food, and medical supplies for healing, as the cave is populated with dangerous mutants. Bringing tarps can also be beneficial for setting up save points during the lengthy expedition.
Golden Armor Location and Cave Navigation
The Ancient Armor is situated within a large cultist cave on the western side of the map, specifically near a prominent lake and the edge of the snowy mountains. The cave’s entrance is boarded up, and two deceased cultists in white clothing can be found nearby. To enter, players must break through the wooden boards using an axe or another suitable weapon.
Upon entering, the cave, while seemingly overwhelming, is surprisingly linear. Players should follow the path forward, keeping an eye out for golden material markings around doorways and passages, which indicate the correct route. The cave system is filled with various enemies, including blind mutants and Finger Mutants, requiring players to either engage them or navigate past them carefully.
Key navigation points within the cave include:
- Initial Flooded Section: After picking up an Air Tank near the water, dive in and swim through a flooded tunnel. Another Air Tank can be found upon resurfacing.
- Rock with Blood Drawing: Continue following the path until you reach a rock with a drawing resembling blood.
- Second Flooded Area: Slide down into another flooded section, swim straight, and emerge near some life jackets.
- Large Open Area: Proceed into a large open area filled with dead cultists, offering various resources and ammunition. Locate a cultist under a light next to a yellow mural on the wall.
- Red-Lit Path: Follow a path to the left of the cultist, leading to a large body of water illuminated by a red light. Take the path to the right.
- Golden Beams and Grate: Crouch through low ceilings, pass golden beams in the rock, and continue past a waterfall on the right and a golden grate on the left. Aim for the light on the opposite side of the cave, passing two dead cultists on a rock.
- Suspended Crosses: Follow golden structures on either side towards a light, through an area with crosses, and break down another boarded-up section. Navigate a corridor with suspended crosses.
- Fork in the Path: Drop onto a ledge and proceed through a tight corridor leading to a fork. The left path is a dead end but contains breakable boxes with loot. Take the right path.
- Space Suit Body and Flooded Tunnel: Find an Air Tank near a body in a Space Suit. Enter the water and swim right through a flooded tunnel.
- Golden Light and Panel: Upon resurfacing, a gold light will be visible in the distance. Dive down when you reach it to swim through another flooded section. At a gold panel underwater, dive further down and go left.
- Darkened Corridor: Emerge and head towards a golden glow, then turn right at the ore in the wall, passing another Space Suit body. This leads to a darkened corridor where electricity can be heard. Follow it left.
Acquiring and Upgrading the Ancient Armor
Following the darkened corridor will lead you into a room where electricity pulses, surrounded by multiple bodies in Space Suits. This is the location of a crashed spaceship, serving as your landmark. To acquire the Ancient Armor, go behind the spacecraft and break down the wooden planks at its back entrance. Inside the cockpit, you will find one piece of the Artifact and the Ancient Armor itself on a body.
Once the Ancient Armor is obtained, it can be upgraded to unlock its true endgame potential. To do this, head to the Luxury Bunker and locate the Sofalite Upgrader blueprint near the entrance to the Hell Cave. Construct the upgrader, place the Ancient Armor on it, and load the vat with Sofalite ore. The upgrade process will trigger a wave of mutants that must be defeated as the upgrade completes.
FAQ
What is the new name for the Golden Armor? The Golden Armor is now officially called the Ancient Armor, as of the 1.0 update.
Do I need any special equipment before entering the cave? Yes, you absolutely need the Rebreather to navigate the flooded sections of the cave. It’s also recommended to bring extra Air Tanks, powerful weapons, food, and medical supplies.
Where is the cave located? The cave is on the western side of the map, near a large lake and the outskirts of the snowy mountains.
How do I know which way to go inside the cave? The cave is surprisingly linear. Look for golden material markings around doorways and passages; these indicate the correct path. You will also follow audio cues of lightning strikes as you get closer to the armor.
What is the final landmark before finding the Ancient Armor? The final landmark is a crashed spaceship. The Ancient Armor is found inside its cockpit after breaking through boarded planks at the back.
Can the Ancient Armor be upgraded? Yes, the Ancient Armor can be upgraded using the Sofalite Upgrader and Sofalite ore at the Luxury Bunker. This process will summon mutants you must fight.