5 Critical Reasons Sons Of The Forest Still Doesn't Have A PS5 Release Date (And When You Can Actually Expect It)

The question on every PlayStation fan’s mind remains: When is Sons of the Forest coming out on PS5? As of today, December 17, 2025, the official answer from developer Endnight Games is that there is still no confirmed release date for the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S console port. Despite the PC version being out of Early Access since February 2024, the console version remains in development limbo, leading to significant speculation and, recently, fan frustration.

The highly anticipated sequel to the survival horror hit, The Forest, has seen massive success on PC, thanks to its deep building mechanics, terrifying new cannibal mutants, and the introduction of beloved AI companions, Kelvin and Virginia. However, Endnight Games has historically prioritized a fully stable PC experience before committing to a console port, a pattern that is repeating with the PS5 version.

The Current Status of the Sons of the Forest PS5 Port

Understanding the console release timeline requires looking at the game's journey on PC. Sons of the Forest spent exactly one year in Early Access, from February 23, 2023, to its full 1.0 release on February 22, 2024. This period allowed the small team at Endnight Games to iron out major bugs, add crucial story elements, and implement community-requested features. The PC version is now considered stable, which is the first major step toward a console port.

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However, the transition from PC to a dedicated console like the PlayStation 5 is a complex process. It involves extensive optimization for the PS5's unique hardware architecture, redesigning the user interface (UI) for controller input, and ensuring the game meets Sony's strict certification requirements. The developers have consistently maintained that they will not release a console version until it meets their high standards for performance and quality.

1. The Precedent Set by The Forest’s PS4 Port

To predict the PS5 release window for Sons of the Forest, we must look at its predecessor, The Forest. The original game followed a similar trajectory: it was in Early Access on PC for several years before its full PC release. Critically, the PS4 version of The Forest was released on November 6, 2018, approximately seven months after the final 1.0 PC launch on April 30, 2018.

If Endnight Games follows a similar seven-to-twelve-month development cycle for the PS5 port, a conservative estimate based on the February 2024 PC release would have placed the console launch in late 2024. Since that window has passed, the delay confirms the PS5 port is taking longer, likely due to the sequel's much larger scope, more complex world, and the advanced capabilities of the PS5 console itself.

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2. The Technical Challenges of Porting to PS5

Sons of the Forest is a much more graphically intensive and complex game than its predecessor. The game features a massive, dynamic open world, intricate building mechanics, and sophisticated AI for both the terrifying cannibal tribes and your companions, Kelvin and Virginia.

• Performance Optimization: The game needs to run at a consistent frame rate (ideally 60 FPS) on the PlayStation 5 to provide a smooth survival experience. This requires significant work to optimize the game's engine (Unity) for the PS5's CPU and GPU.
• Controller Mapping: The deep inventory and complex crafting system must be seamlessly mapped to the DualSense controller.
• DualSense Features: To deliver a truly next-gen experience, Endnight may be integrating haptic feedback and adaptive trigger functionality, which takes substantial development time.
• Co-op Stability: Ensuring the 8-player cooperative multiplayer mode is stable and reliable on the PlayStation Network (PSN) platform is a major technical hurdle.

3. The Controversial Announcement of "Forest 3"

A recent development has fueled both excitement and frustration within the community: the announcement of a third game in the series, tentatively titled "Forest 3" (or a similar sequel), at a major industry event in late 2025.

The revelation that Endnight Games is actively developing a new title *before* delivering the console port for Sons of the Forest has caused a backlash among PlayStation and Xbox fans. Many players feel that the developers are neglecting the current game's console audience. This situation highlights a potential shift in resource allocation, where a portion of the development team may already be focused on the new project, further pushing back the PS5 release date.

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4. The Most Likely Console Release Window

Given the lack of a formal announcement and the context of the game's development history and the new sequel announcement, industry analysts and reliable gaming sources can only offer informed speculation. The most realistic release window for Sons of the Forest on PS5 is now:

• Late 2025: This is the earliest possible window, assuming the console port development is already well underway and not heavily impacted by the "Forest 3" pre-production.
• Early to Mid-2026: This is the most likely scenario. A 2026 launch would give Endnight Games ample time (two years post-PC Early Access) to ensure the PS5 port is polished, stable, and a true next-gen experience, avoiding the potential pitfalls of a rushed release.

Any rumored dates, such as a specific day in June 2025, should be treated with extreme skepticism unless they come directly from Endnight Games' official channels or their publisher.

5. What PS5 Players Can Expect: Gameplay and Features

When Sons of the Forest finally arrives on PlayStation 5, players can look forward to a massive upgrade in the survival horror genre, far surpassing the original The Forest. The PS5 version is expected to include all the major updates and features currently available on the PC 1.0 version:

• Dynamic Seasons: A fully realized seasonal cycle where gameplay changes dramatically. Winters are brutal, requiring players to find new ways to secure food and shelter, while summers offer greater exploration opportunities.
• Companion AI: The introduction of Kelvin, your injured military companion who can be directed to gather resources and build structures, and Virginia, a three-legged, three-armed mutant who can be befriended and assist in combat. These companions add a unique layer of emergent storytelling and cooperation.
• Advanced Building System: A highly detailed, realistic building system that allows for the construction of complex, structurally sound bases, from small log cabins to massive fortresses. This is a core feature that will need careful controller optimization.
• New Cannibal Mutants: A terrifying array of new enemy types, including the massive Fingers and the grotesque Twins, ensuring the survival horror element is more intense than ever.
• Deeper Lore: The sequel expands the mysterious narrative involving the Puffton family, the Sahara Therapeutics corporation, and the strange artifacts found deep within the island's caves.

Sons of the Forest: A Waiting Game for Console Fans

The wait for Sons of the Forest on PS5 is a testament to the game's popularity and the high standards set by Endnight Games. While the lack of a firm release date is frustrating, it is a strategic move to ensure the console version is not a subpar port. The focus remains on delivering a polished, high-performance survival experience that can fully utilize the power of the PlayStation 5. Keep an eye on official announcements from the developer; until then, the most realistic expectation is a launch sometime between late 2025 and mid-2026.

For now, PS5 players can continue to explore other top-tier survival games or revisit the original The Forest on PS4, knowing that the sequel, with its enhanced crafting, exploration, and horror elements, is slowly but surely making its way to their console.