Surviving 99 nights in the forest means mastering crafting fast, or you're toast. I've pushed past day 300, and these items saved my base more times than I can count. Let's break down every craftable one, what they do, and if they're worth your resources.
Quick rundown first:
- Place certain items and resource drops in the Grinder east of the campfire to convert them into Scrap; many enemy or mechanical drops and unwanted gear yield Scrap when processed.
- Craft at your bench, upgrading it as you go:
- Level 2: 5 Wood Logs + 1 Scrap
- Level 3: 15 Wood Logs + 10 Scraps
- Level 4: 30 Wood Logs + 20 Scraps + 2 Cultist Medallions
- Level 5: 50 Wood Logs + 50 Scraps + 1 Gem of the Forest (from 4 fragments in strongholds)
- Unlock the Anvil by completing the Blacksmith mini-quest to obtain the Hammer (this grants Anvil access);
- Bandages (crafted at the Anvil from 2 Bunny Feet and 2 Wolf Pelts) will revive a downed teammate and restore health when used; they are Anvil items with single-use/limited availability, so use them strategically.
- Chainsaw (Anvil craftable) significantly speeds wood gathering and functions as a melee weapon; it consumes durability/charges so it’s not infinite : plan maintenance or replacements accordingly.
Let's talk Crafting Bench upgrades
Level 1 Bench
- Map (3 Wood Logs): Unlocks the map (press M). Took me four runs to nail this early; trust me, it’s worth it.
- Old Bed (20 Wood Logs): Adds +1 day counter to your survival time. I skipped this early on and regretted it when nights dragged.
- Bunny Trap (5 Wood Logs): Catches food near burrows, up to 10 bunnies. Great for early food without hunting.
- Farm Plot (10 Wood Logs): Grows carrots every 2 days, up to 20. Slow but steady food source.
Level 2 Bench
- Sundial (5 Scraps): Shows day/night timer. Helps plan your nights better.
- Regular/Good Bed variants: Each adds +1 day counter. Upgrade your sleep for longer runs.
- Compass (3 Scraps): Shows directions. Skip if you have the map.
- Freezer (4 Scraps): Stores food to prevent spoilage. I underestimated this and lost tons of food early on.
- Shelf (2 Scraps): Organizes items neatly. Small but handy.
- Wood Rain Storage (5 Scraps): Keeps logs dry. Essential if you’re stockpiling wood.
- Log Wall (12 Wood Logs per wall): Base defense. Build these early to keep enemies out.
- Bear Trap (3 Scraps): Low damage, needs resetting. Useful for slowing enemies but don’t rely on it alone.
Level 3 Bench
- Unlocks stronger gear and more complex items. Focus on upgrading your bench to this level fast.
- Lightning Rod (8 Scraps): Attracts lightning during thunderstorms to protect your base.
- Torch (6 Wood Logs + 6 Scraps): Illuminates a larger area, expanding your safe zone.
- Good Bed (10 Wood Logs + 10 Scraps): Adds +1 day counter.
- Biofuel Processor (12 Wood Logs + 10 Scraps): Processes scraps, pelts, meat, and food into fuel.
- Boost Pad (15 Wood Logs + 10 Scraps): Gives a temporary speed boost but requires recharging.
- Crack Pot/Crock Pot (15 Wood Logs + 10 Scraps): Combines ingredients into better dishes or stew.
Level 4 Bench
- Requires Cultist Medallions. Unlocks powerful defensive and utility items.
- Ammo Crate (2 Cultist Medallions + 30 Wood Logs + 20 Scraps): Trade scraps for ammo at your base.
- Giant Bed (1 Cultist Medallion + 20 Wood Logs + 30 Scraps): Adds +1 day counter.
- Oil Drill (1 Cultist Medallion + 25 Wood Logs + 35 Scraps): Produces an oil barrel daily for fuel.
- Teleporter (1 Cultist Medallion + 15 Wood Logs + 25 Scraps): Teleports between paired units (craft 2+).
Level 5 Bench
- Requires the Gem of the Forest. Unlocks top-tier gear and crafting options.
- Respawn Capsule (40 Wood Logs + 40 Scraps + 1 Gem of the Forest): Respawns the next dead player after charging.
- Temporal Accelerometer (40 Wood Logs + 40 Scraps + 1 Gem of the Forest): Skips the next night after charging.
- Weather Machine (40 Wood Logs + 40 Scraps + 1 Gem of the Forest): Prevents rain and thunderstorms for 3 days after charging.
Anvil and Beyond
- Unlock the Anvil by completing the Blacksmith mini-quest to obtain the Hammer (this grants Anvil access).
- Hammer: A melee tool from the mini-quest unlock.
- Bandages (2 Bunny Feet + 2 Wolf Pelts): Heal and revive teammates. I skipped these early and paid dearly.
- Chainsaw: Efficient wood gathering and melee weapon. A must-have once you get it.
For a deeper look at why this game stands out, check out this in-depth article.
Master these craftables, and you’ll survive 99 nights and beyond with ease. Each item has its place, and knowing when to craft what saved me countless times. Also, don't forget to check out the latest codes for 99 Nights in The Forest to get free gems and candy that can boost your survival chances.
