Is The Forest worth playing in 2025?

The Forest has been around for a while, and as we step into 2025, many are still wondering if it’s worth picking up. Whether you're a fan of survival games or dipping your toes into the genre, the big question remains: Does survivor horror title still hold up in 2025?

Well, let's answer that right away — it absolutely does! Even after a decade, The Forest continues to thrive. Last week (December 28, 2024), the game hit its all-time peak record of 109,397 concurrent players. While recent discounts have certainly helped boost its numbers, the game’s lasting appeal goes far beyond the price drop.

Note: The article is subjective and reflects the writer's views.

---

What makes The Forest worth playing in 2025?

A still from the survival horror title (Image via Endnight Games)

For a game released in 2014 (beta), The Forest hasn’t just survived — it’s thrived. Sure, the survival market has grown with games like Valheim, and Rust grabbing attention, but there’s something about Endnight's horror title that keeps players hooked.

You crash-land on a mysterious peninsula and your son Timmy is kidnapped. Your goals are clear: survive, find Timmy, and uncover the island’s secrets. This story-driven approach immediately sets it apart from the typical sandbox survival game, where narratives are often an afterthought.

Unlike its rivals, The Forest doesn’t just test your resource management skills. The AI-driven cannibals are more than mindless enemies. They observe, strategize, and terrify. The first time you hear their screeches in the dead of night? You’ll wish to have built a stronger wall.

Cannibals will test your defenses and gauge your responses. The game also offers co-op mode, allowing friends to share in the terror and triumph of survival. Show restraint, and they may hesitate to attack. Go full-on aggressive, and they’ll retaliate with better weapons, larger groups, and eventually, mutated horrors like Armsy and Cowman.

---

Combat and visuals

The cannibals encounter (Image via Endnight Games)

Graphics-wise, the survival horror title still holds up well. The NPC faces might feel a bit uncanny, but the environment including dense forest and caves remains beautifully atmospheric. Whether you’re dodging cannibals or practicing your aim with a Modern bow, every encounter feels intense and rewarding.

---

Why the recent resurgence?

The recent sale, priced at just $1.99 until January 02, 2025, attracted a huge influx of players. Furthermore, it is one of the titles on Steam to hold the coveted "Overwhelmingly Positive" rating after nearly half a million reviews, making it worth playing in 2025.

---

In summation, The Forest remains a survival masterpiece, boasting an engaging story, mutants, and an atmospheric design that’s equally enjoyable solo or with friends.