Kelvin: The Unconventional Companion
Kelvin, an elite soldier who survived the helicopter crash that strands players on the island in Sons of the Forest, quickly became a beloved, if sometimes perplexing, AI companion. He suffered brain damage during the crash, rendering him unable to hear or speak, necessitating communication via a notepad. Despite these injuries, Kelvin is designed to be a helpful ally, aiming to replicate the multiplayer experience for solo players and assist those in co-op. His primary role is to aid in tasks that can be tedious in single-player, such as resource gathering and building, a direct response to feedback from the first game, The Forest, where these activities could be a “slog” alone.
Players can issue various commands to Kelvin using the notepad. These include instructing him to follow, retrieve items like logs, sticks, and rocks (which he can then give to the player, drop, or place in storage), build simple structures like shelters or fires, stay in a specific location or try to remain hidden, or simply take a break and relax. He can also be ordered to clear bushes and trees within a five, ten, or twenty-meter radius. Additionally, Kelvin can be equipped with clothing found by the player. His efficiency can be affected if he is constantly made to perform tasks without rest, and his commands can be interrupted if he becomes scared.
Why Kelvin Acts ‘Odd’
While Kelvin is undeniably useful, his behavior can sometimes be described as “mad” or bizarre, leading to many humorous and unexpected moments for players. One frequently cited example of his unconventional actions is his tendency to chop down trees indiscriminately. Players have reported instances where Kelvin, when instructed to collect wood, fails to differentiate between free-standing trees and those that are part of a player’s meticulously constructed treehouse, leading to unintended demolition.
Another characteristic that contributes to his ‘weirdo behavior’ is his habit of appearing out of nowhere, often startling players. This unexpected presence has even led some Reddit users to jokingly label him as the biggest jumpscare in the game. These seemingly illogical actions contribute to his unique charm and the community’s affection for him. The developers, Endnight Games, created an advanced AI system for enemies and animals, which was then adapted for Kelvin, allowing for a dynamic, albeit sometimes unpredictable, companion. IGN’s Mark Medina aptly summarized Kelvin’s play-by-his-own-rules nature, stating, “there are no rules man, we’re lost!”, which perfectly encapsulates Kelvin’s often chaotic yet endearing presence on the island.
Managing Kelvin’s Tendencies
To effectively manage Kelvin and minimize his more “mad” tendencies, understanding his command system and limitations is key. When instructing him to gather resources like wood, be mindful of his proximity to established structures. If you have a treehouse or other critical wooden buildings, it might be safer to direct him to clear trees in a more open, unbuilt area, or specifically tell him to “stay” away from sensitive zones.
Utilizing the “Take A Break” command is crucial for maintaining his efficiency. Constantly tasking him without allowing him to rest can impact his performance. If you need him to remain out of sight or in a specific area, the “Stay” or “Stay Hidden” commands are effective. Remember that his command list changes based on what is nearby, so context matters. If he gets scared, his current task might be interrupted, so be aware of his surroundings, especially in dangerous areas. While his occasional bizarre actions are part of his charm, strategic command usage can help direct his helpfulness more effectively.
The Future of Kelvin
Endnight Games has expressed significant plans for Kelvin’s evolution throughout Sons of the Forest’s Early Access period and beyond. The developers intend to expand the range of tasks Kelvin can perform, making him an even more versatile companion. Beyond new functionalities, there are also plans to integrate him more deeply into the game’s main storyline. This integration will include giving Kelvin his own epilogue or ending, which will be dependent on whether players manage to keep him alive throughout their journey.
The community’s overwhelmingly positive reception to Kelvin has been noted by Endnight Games, with many players demonstrating a strong protective instinct towards him. Observations include players making sure not to overwork him and feeling guilty if they accidentally cause his demise. This early attachment from the player base reinforces the developers’ belief that they created something special with Kelvin. His ongoing development promises to solidify his role as a central and evolving character in the Sons of the Forest experience.
FAQ
Can Kelvin hear or speak? No, Kelvin suffered brain damage in the helicopter crash and can no longer hear or speak. Players communicate with him via a notepad.
What kind of tasks can Kelvin perform? Kelvin can follow the player, retrieve items like logs, sticks, and rocks, build simple shelters and fires, stay in a designated spot, take a break, clear bushes and trees within a radius, and be equipped with items.
Why does Kelvin sometimes chop down my base? Kelvin, when commanded to chop trees, may not distinguish between free-standing trees and those that are part of player-built structures, leading to accidental damage.
Can Kelvin get scared? Yes, Kelvin can get scared, which may interrupt his current commands.
Will Kelvin’s role in the game expand? Yes, Endnight Games plans to add more tasks for Kelvin, integrate him further into the main story, and provide him with his own epilogue/ending if he survives.