There are a lot of different armor types in Sons of the Forest, but one of them is far more important than any other. Ancient Armor, previously known as Golden Armor, will not only offer more protection than any other armor, but it’s also a requirement to finish the game, so you need it.
The problem is the Ancient Armor is located incredibly deep within the largest cave system of the entire game — the Cultist Cave, otherwise known as Cave D7.
Traversing this massive cave system is not without its issues, not least of which is the fact that you absolutely need the Rebreather before you can so much as think about stepping foot inside. It has two entrances, one on either side of the Mountain in the middle of the map, which converge in the middle, forcing players forward. In short, once you go too far in, you can’t get back out without going through.
How to find the Cultist Cave
As I said, there are two entrances to the Cultist Cave – one on the Western side of the Mountain and one on the Eastern side. Although you can enter by either entrance, I’d suggest using the Western entrance as it offers a slightly more linear path once inside the cave.
I’ve marked the Western entrance on the map above, but bear in mind that the landscape around the mountain is steep and difficult to navigate, so be prepared to climb and swim your way up the mountainside in order to get here.
If you plan to go inside the Cultist Cave, I suggest putting down a Tarp Tent and saving your game immediately before breaking down the wooden boards and going inside… Just in case.
Cultist Cave directions
I’ve been through this cave a few times, and every time, I try to figure out directions to pass on in times like these. However, and I’m sorry to tell you, I can’t give you specific directions that will lead you directly to the Ancient Armor in the middle of this cave.
The best advice I can offer is to keep going forward. The path is incredibly linear, so as long as you’re heading forward, you’re going in the right direction.
I’d also recommend equipping your Rebreather by default, as you might suddenly find yourself dropping into deep water, and you won’t be able to equip it once you’re already swimming. If you find yourself in deep water, as you often will in this cave, swim down and find tunnels that will allow you to continue your journey. When you come to holes in the ground, check for ropes and use them to avoid fall damage.
Eventually, you’ll come to a large cavern that houses a crashed spaceship in the middle, as well as a lot of enemies that need to be defeated. Move to the back of the spaceship and break through the wooden barrier there, step inside, and you’ll find the pilot wearing the Ancient Armor. As a bonus, there’s a large Artifact Piece in the Pilot’s hand as well.
How to get out of the Cultist Cave
I’m not ashamed to admit that it took me far too long and a lot of unnecessary backtracking before I figured out how to find daylight again, so I’ll make it easy for you.
Face the back of the spaceship, where you went in to get the armor and turn left. Ahead of you, there will be an incline that you’ll need to go up, turning and continuing upwards until you reach the top. Here, you’ll find the first of three very long ropes you’ll need to climb.
Once you’ve climbed the third rope, swim through the water until you can come up for air, and you’ll find another rope to climb. This is the last rope you’ll need to drag yourself up because not long after you’ve reached the top, you’ll find yourself going down another slide.
Keep following the linear path forwards, swimming when necessary and breaking down any barriers that you come across until you eventually make your way back out into the fresh air.
Congratulations, you’re now the proud owner of the Ancient Armor and able to begin preparations to leave the island. Or stay on it. The choice is yours.
