Kelvin is a valuable companion in the Sons of the Forest survival game if players know how to appropriately order him around.
The presence of friends in the game is one of the key changes between Sons Of The Forest and its predecessor, The Forest. Players will note that they are accompanied by a crew of rescue workers from the start of the tale, the most of whom go missing following the opening crash.
Kelvin, at least according to his nametag, is one buddy who has remained. After the crash, Kelvin becomes deaf and is handed orders in writing, which the player can display to Kelvin in order to issue commands. While these commands may appear to be limited at first, new possibilities will arise depending on Kelvin’s environment, and it is possible that further commands will be included as the game progresses from Early Access to a more mature level.
Make A Fire
Building a fire is one of Kelvin’s most basic and helpful instructions. Aside from providing warmth throughout the winter season and a place to prepare food all year, one of the most significant uses of the fire is simply to brighten the surrounding forest.
Cannibals do not always make their presence known with gargled cries, and will frequently stalk the player from the surrounding trees in stealth. Though making the fire is not difficult, it can be more time-efficient to have Kelvin handle such mundane activities so that you can focus on more important things like resource and item collection.
Build A Shelter
Kelvin can construct a simple shelter in addition to fire. This is especially beneficial at the start of the game when deciding on a decent position, or for players who want to escape tracking by using a mobile base type. While the shelter he constructs will be of the most basic type and will lack any meaningful defence, it will nevertheless serve as a handy spot to save and sleep, as well as a marker and point of reference if out exploring the depths of the wilderness.
Much like the previous instructions, simply approach Kelvin to communicate with him, and the notepad will open up with a range of options, including ‘Build Shelter’. Kelvin will begin working immediately after receiving the command. If he shakes his head in displeasure, cannibals are probably close.
Gather Materials
For Drift Boss gamers wishing to construct a more robust and long-lasting home, Kelvin can be put to work gathering materials ranging from logs to sticks to stones—all the essentials needed to get started building a decent-sized castle. He will already have an axe, therefore he will require supplies or tools. To issue the command, simply open the notebook when in close proximity to Kelvin and select ‘clear area’. A radius of 5 metres, 10 metres, or 20 metres can be chosen from here, and Kelvin will demolish everything in range.
If you use this command in or near a player-built base, especially a treehouse, Kelvin will begin to hack at the base of the tree, even if it is part of the building design. Kelvin’s intellect was affected by the crash in ways other than deafness.
Get Food
Though players do not need to bother about personally feeding Kelvin because he can do so on his own, he can be directed to bring food for players who wish to focus their time on other chores. The notepad’s ‘Get’ command will display a range of alternatives depending on the player and Kelvin’s surroundings. Kelvin can be told to collect berries or catch fish if there are plants or a water supply nearby, in addition to typical building and crafting resources like sticks and rocks. This is especially beneficial because Kelvin can often catch fish in places where the player cannot, such as waterfalls and small streams.
Kelvin can also be ordered to retrieve unique items in his proximity, such as radios and special equipment. Players can then tell him to ‘Drop Here,’ ‘Give to Me,’ or ‘Follow Me,’ depending on the situation.
Spot Enemies
Kelvin’s use of nonverbal gestures is another way he may be of tremendous value despite his lack of a voice. Kelvin will alert the player to oncoming opponents as well as tell him how he feels. Despite his inability to fight, Kelvin serves as a good spy and a sort of ‘alert’ for the base if players can read his motions swiftly and accurately.He, like Virginia, will point and wave in an attempt to draw players’ attention to the approaching cannibals or mutants.
Kelvin’s fighting weakness can be a liability, although he can typically be revived without losing resources. If he receives another crucial strike while incapacitated, he will perish and will only be able to return by reloading a save or beginning a new game. He can, thankfully, equip armour that reduces the frequency with which he is killed.
Sons of the Forest is now available in PC Early Access.
