Users wrote

Reviews consistently praise The Forest for its tense atmosphere, strong coop play, and deep crafting. Players highlight exploring caves and building bases as core appeal, with the mood of danger staying constant. The game is often described as addictive with friends, though some note bugs and performance issues. A few reviews compare it to Sons of the Forest and Minecraft, but many still praise its unique survival horror experience.

Last updated: 2026-03-01

Most Mentioned Advantages

• Atmosphere and horror (43 mentions) - Reviews praise the tense, immersive atmosphere. Night and dark caves heighten fear and keep you on edge. The sound design and limited visibility add to the sense of danger. Players keep coming back because the mood is so engaging, especially when playing with friends.
• Cooperative play with friends (40 mentions) - Many reviewers say The Forest shines in coop with friends. Playing with others makes the game more fun, scary, and chaotic in a good way. It improves building, exploration, and surviving together. The shared moments create memorable experiences.
• Deep crafting and base-building (38 mentions) - Crafting and base-building are repeatedly praised for depth and freedom. You can build large, creative structures and customize defenses. The system supports many approaches and rewards planning and experimentation. Players enjoy watching progression from simple shelters to impressive fortifications.
• Exploration and caves (34 mentions) - Exploration of the forest and caves is a central draw. Caverns and underground areas offer challenging puzzles and rare items. The varied locations and secrets keep exploration rewarding. Navigating caves can be tough but is part of the thrill.
• Longevity and replayability (20 mentions) - The game remains engaging long after release. Players mention replayability, multiple endings, and ongoing discoveries when playing with friends. It’s a title that many return to over the years. The sense of freedom and the evolving experience contribute to its lasting appeal.

Most Mentioned Disadvantages

• Bugs and performance issues (40 mentions) - Many reviews report bugs and performance problems. Some players experience crashes, glitches, clipping, and inconsistent frame rates. The game can feel unstable or poorly optimized on various hardware. These issues can take away from an otherwise strong survival experience.
• Repetitive and shallow core loop (30 mentions) - Several reviewers say the core gameplay loop can get repetitive and shallow. The game often feels like a slog once the initial tension wears off. Some content may require long hours to progress or achieve 100% completion. This makes the experience less varied for some players.
• Solo play is less engaging (25 mentions) - A number of reviews note that The Forest is much more enjoyable with friends. Solo play can feel slow or less exciting, and some players lose interest quickly. The pace and challenge seem designed for coop.
• Navigation and caves can be confusing (20 mentions) - Dark caves and labyrinthine passages can be hard to navigate. Players report getting lost or disoriented in caves and during exploration. The map system is not intuitive for quick navigation.
• Cannibal AI can be punishing/unpredictable (15 mentions) - Reviews mention the cannibal and mutant AI can be very challenging and relentless at night. Some note that encounters feel punishing and the AI behavior can be inconsistent. This adds tension but can lead to frustration.

Compared Games

• Sons of the Forest (9 mentions) - The sequel Sons of the Forest is referenced as expanding and refining the original's mechanics; reviewers note the sequel improves gameplay and builds on The Forest.
• Minecraft (2 mentions) - Some reviewers compare the crafting and building style to Minecraft, noting similar freedom.