Although it only launched for early access on February 23rd, 2023, Sons of the Forest may well have broken the internet.
Ok, so maybe it was more specifically Steam that it broke, but that is still some pretty impressive stuff. What is it about this horror, open world survivor game that has us flocking in droves to play it? The crafting? The photo-realistic graphics? Or is it the spine-tinglingly terrifying mutant cannibals? (We all know it’s Kelvin, c’mon.) We all love a good gaming stat around here, so we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to marvel at the impressive numbers racked up by Sons of the Forest on its first night!
What Happened?!
Sons of the Forest became available to play in Early Access on February 23rd. Approximately 265,000 people were trying to simultaneously download this new game from Endnight Games LTD, which might well have been the reason Steam servers crashed. Just three hours after its launch, the Sons of the Forest shot to the third most-played game on Steam.
That’s not all. There were 777,579 people streaming gameplay in the first twenty-four hours of its release. Let me say that number again, 777,579. Even as I write this, there are over 100,000 people streaming Sons of the Forest. These numbers are equal parts insane and amazing.
These stats are from SteamDB, with even more mind-boggling stats to explore.
What is Sons of the Forrest Even About?
Sons of the Forest is the much-anticipated sequel to The Forest. (The stats don’t lie!) You are sent to find a missing billionaire on a remote island, but instead find mutant cannibals. After you crash-land, you have to survive this hellscape, either in solo or multiplayer gameplay. Craft new tools and weapons, build shelter, and always stay vigilant for danger.
Helping you is the absolutely loveable AI companion, Kelvin. He was damaged in the crash, impairing his intelligence circuits and hearing, but he will take simple written commands. Only, don’t make him do too much, or he’ll sit down in protest. (Honestly, a mood I am here for.)
The most exciting thing about Sons of the Forest is that it is completely open. No NPCs hand out missions and the game doesn’t give strict orders on how to play. It’s all up to you. Explore every inch of the island or set up camp in a relatively safe corner – you do you, boo.
It’s easy to see why so many people rushed to download it!
Sons of the Forest Official Specifications
Have we convinced you yet? Well, let’s see if your gaming PC meets the requirements to play this indie hit.
| Component | Minimum Specs | Recommended Specs |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 10 64-bit |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-8400 AMD Ryzen 3 3300X | Intel Core i7-8700K AMD Ryzen 5 3600X |
| Memory | 12GB RAM | 16GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3GB AMD Radeon RX 570 4GB | NVIDIA GeForce 1080Ti AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT |
| DirectX | Version 11 | Version 11 |
| Storage | 20GB available space | 20GB available space |
| Notes | SSD preferred | SSD preferred |
TL;DR Can My PC Play It?
On the Overclockers UK YouTube, we have a series of videos taking a closer look at the spec requirements for new and popular games. In this episode, Briony puts Sons of the Forest under the microscope.
Our Top Picks to Play
If your gaming PC is operating in a similar manner to Kelvin, perhaps it is time to trade in temper tantrums for buttery smooth frame rates.
Refract Gaming Jade Pre-Built PC
Need to get your hands on a gaming PC and Sons of the Forest, like, yesterday? Then the Refract Jade is the gaming PC for you. As a pre-built gaming PC, it is eligible for next-day delivery and comes with our three years parts and labour warranty for free. In the unlikely situation it arrives in a similar condition to Kelvin, we’ve got you covered. Ok, so what about the hardware? With an AMD Ryzen 7 7700 CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti GPU, the Jade will render Sons of the Forest in an unsettlingly realistic quality. Live every gory detail like Endnight Games intended. Plus, with an SSD for primary storage, you won’t be sat waiting on slow loading screens.
MSI Cyborg 15 Gaming Laptop
Need the same flexibility Sons of the Forest offers in gameplay from your hardware? The MSI Cyborg 15 Gaming Laptop is the perfect machine for on-the-go gaming. Equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU and 12th Gen Intel mobile CPU, you can play all your favourite horror games with exceptional performance and AI enhanced graphics. Plus, with a refresh rate of 144Hz, the 15.6” FHD screen will display Sons of the Forest with ultra-smooth frame rates. No mutant cannibal will be able to sneak up on you!
Did You Pick Up Sons of the Forest?
Were you one of the 200,000 consecutive players on opening night? Or did you catch one of the 700,000+ streams to try before you buy? Let us know in the comments below if you’ll be taking to the trees to see if you have what it takes to survive!
PC specs are subject to change.
- 5 min read
Emily Haylock
Author
Emily is a board and cosy gamer, keyboard obsessive, and content copywriter for Overclockers UK. She has been with Overclockers UK since 2020, writing about everything from noblechairs to 8Pack PCs. She writes from within her desk nest with a foster pup at her feet. (What, a desk duvet is a totally normal thing!) In her downtime, she likes to play board games, farming sims, and old-school Final Fantasy. IX to be specific. It is the best, and that is a hill she will die on.
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