You've probably been wandering around that dense, cannibal-infested nightmare for hours looking for the VIP bunker in Sons of the Forest. It’s frustrating. You’re hungry, your stamina bar is blinking red, and Virginia is pointing at a random bush while a mutant with way too many fingers sprints toward you. Most players assume they can just stumble upon it, but Endnight Games tucked this specific location behind a very literal progression wall.
It's not just another hole in the ground.
Actually, the VIP Bunker—often called the Food and Drink Bunker by the community—is one of the most pivotal locations in the entire game. You aren't just going there for the snacks. You’re going there because, without the item hidden inside, you are effectively locked out of the endgame. You're stuck.
Why the VIP Bunker in Sons of the Forest is a Massive Chokepoint
So, here is the deal. To even step foot inside the main area of this bunker, you need the Maintenance Keycard. If you don't have that yet, stop. Turn around. You need to head to the northwest part of the island first to dig up the Maintenance A hatch.
Honestly, the sheer amount of backtracking in this game can be brutal if you don't know the order of operations. The VIP Bunker is located on the western side of the map, tucked away near a small lake. If you're looking at your GPS, it’s that green pulsing circle nestled in the trees, but the entrance itself looks like nothing. It’s a literal crack in some rocks.
Once you squeeze through, you'll find a kitchen area that looks weirdly normal compared to the gore outside. It’s unsettling. You’ll find plenty of crunchies and energy drinks here, which is great for a mid-game resupply, but the real prize is further back.
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What You Are Actually Looking For
Most people think they’re done once they find the kitchen. They aren't.
After you navigate through the flooded hallways—which, by the way, are terrifying if you don't have the rebreather—you’ll eventually hit the security room. This is where you find the VIP Keycard. This little piece of plastic is the golden ticket. It belongs to Virginia’s father, Edward Puffton.
It’s easy to miss if you’re rushing. The room is dark, and the lighting in Sons of the Forest loves to play tricks on your eyes. Look for the monitors. The card is sitting right there on the desk next to some surveillance screens. Grab it. Don't leave without it, or you’ll have to make the long trek back through the mutants you just killed.
And yeah, there will be mutants.
Survival Tips for the Flooded Sections
The VIP Bunker isn't just a walk in the park. It’s partially submerged. This adds a layer of claustrophobia that makes the combat feel much tighter and more dangerous than the open-world skirmishes.
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When you’re wading through waist-deep water, your movement speed is gutted. You can’t dodge-roll. You can't easily kite the Fingers or the Twins that might be lurking in the dark corners. I’ve found that the shotgun is your best friend here. If you haven't grabbed the shotgun yet, the cross-bow or even a well-placed Molotov will work, but you need stopping power.
- Watch the ceilings: Sometimes the physics engine lets things clip, but generally, the atmosphere is meant to keep you looking down at the water. Don't forget to look up.
- Light it up: Don't rely on the lighter. It sucks. Use the flashlight or, better yet, the weapon flashlight attachment.
- Inventory management: Since this bunker is loaded with food, make sure you arrive with some empty slots in your backpack. It’s a waste to leave behind all those MREs.
The narrative beats here are also heavy. You’ll find the dining room where the Pufftons had their last meal. It’s a macabre scene, seeing the wealthy elite of the island turned into... well, whatever those things are now. It’s one of those moments where the environmental storytelling in Sons of the Forest really shines. You see the half-eaten food next to the bloodstains and realize just how fast things went south.
The Connection to the Final Act
You might be wondering why this specific card matters so much.
Basically, the VIP Keycard is the only way to access the final bunker near the eastern coast—the one that leads to the "Cube" and the game's ending. Without it, the final door simply won't open. You'll be standing there at the literal finish line with no way to cross.
I’ve seen players get all the way to the end, realize they missed the card in the VIP bunker in Sons of the Forest, and have to traverse the entire map again. It’s soul-crushing. The island is huge, and even with the Knight V or a hang glider, that’s a twenty-minute trip one way, assuming you don't get sidetracked by a camp of cannibals.
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Common Misconceptions About the Location
A lot of the early guides for the game were a bit messy because Endnight kept moving things around during the Early Access phase. If you're looking at an old map from February 2023, it might be slightly off.
Some players confuse the VIP Bunker with the Guest Bunker. They are different. The Guest Bunker is where you find the 3D Printer and the guitar. The VIP Bunker is much more corporate and "high-end" in its decor, reflecting the Puffton family's status.
Also, it's worth noting that the "Shotgun Rail" attachment is often found in these high-security areas. If you’re trying to kitting out your firearms, pay close attention to the side rooms and offices. People often ignore the desks because they’re looking for the "big" loot, but the small attachments are what make the late-game combat manageable.
Practical Steps for Your Next Session
If you’re currently staring at your GPS and wondering where to go, here is the most efficient path forward.
First, verify you have the Maintenance Keycard. You can't even get into the "VIP" section without it. If you have it, head to the northwest quadrant of the island. Look for the lake that feeds into a river heading west. The entrance is a small cave opening—not a metal hatch—located near the base of a cliff.
Once inside:
- Clear the initial kitchen area and scavenge every bit of food.
- Move through the flooded corridors slowly. Use a torch or flashlight.
- Locate the surveillance room. The VIP Keycard is on the desk.
- Keep an eye out for the Dress—this is a clothing item for Virginia that makes her look a bit more "civilized" if that’s how you want to play. It's usually found in one of the side bedrooms.
- Exit through the back way, which usually leads to a shortcut out of the cave system so you don't have to retread your steps through the water.
After you have that card, your next goal should be the Residential Bunker or the Luxury Bunker to the south/east. You’re now officially in the "endgame" loop. Make sure your armor is repaired before you leave the VIP area, as the trek to the next story beat is long and usually involves higher-tier mutant spawns on the surface. Keep your eyes on the treeline and your finger on the trigger.