Sons of the Forest offers five game modes that determine enemy difficulty, resource availability, and overall survival challenge. Choose the mode that best fits your playstyle and community preferences.
Critical: The game mode cannot be changed after a save is created. You must create a new save to change the difficulty. Choose carefully before starting your server for the first time.
Changing the Game Mode
- Navigate to the Wabbanode Control Panel and Stop your server.

- Click the Settings tab and select Sons of The Forest Game Settings.

- Locate Game Mode and select your desired mode.

- Click Save and Start your server.
Available Game Modes
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Peaceful | No enemies spawn. Abundant resources. Focus on building and exploration. |
| Normal | Standard enemy spawns and resource availability. Recommended for most players. |
| Hard | Increased enemy spawns and damage. Limited resources. |
| Custom | Fully customizable settings for difficulty, spawns, and resources. |
Choosing the Right Mode
Choose Peaceful if:
- You want to focus on building and exploration
- New players are learning the game
- You want a relaxing experience without combat
Choose Normal if:
- You want the intended survival horror experience
- Your group has mixed skill levels
- You're playing for the first time
Choose Custom if:
- You want specific control over difficulty settings
- You want unique gameplay combinations
- You want to fine-tune the experience for your community
The game mode has been configured for your server.

