Who is the Red Man in The Forest? Explained

With Sons of The Forest on the horizon, set to release February 23rd, 2023 as a sequel to The Forest. This survival horror game that takes place on a seemingly deserted island, away from all forms of “normal” civilisation. As the goal, similarly to Minecraft, is to build shelter, find resources and food for survival, you quickly find out that you are not alone on the Island. In fact, horrible abominations roam the Island, protecting their territory. These humanoid creatures appear in all forms, all hostile towards the Island newbie. But who is the Red Man of The Forest? What does he have to do with the story and how will this affect Sons of The Forest? Let us dive in.

The Forest Story Explained

The Forest begins on a pleasant flight with a father and son. However as turbulence kicks in, the flight takes a turn for the worst. The plane crashes, resulting in no survivors but yourself and your son. However, the next thing we see is our son being taken by a man covered in red, what we believe to be paint (we hope). The game, although is a survival game at heart, its main objective is to find our son Timmy who was taken. All we cross paths with the Island abominations, we learn that these are in fact creatures created as a result from horrendous experimentation. Experiments with children as the primary patients.

Not only do these roam the land but a tribe of cannibals gladly welcome the new arrival of the protagonist with open arms and knives in their hands. It is revealed that missionaries had attempted to bring their beliefs to the tribes in hope of conversion and “rehabilitation for their sins”. With otherworldly and religious structures such as the underground obelisk. It is revealed that these events took place only a decade ago, with the cannibals coming out on top. Fast forward to now where Sahara purchased the land, building an underground lab. Are they aware of the horrors that roam the land above?

Related: Top 5 Best Armor in The Forest.

Explaining the Red Man

Plot twist, they are. As they are conducting more evil procedures than that of the cannibals. Taking children to “heal” them from terminal illnesses when in reality, they use the obelisk’s power to transform and mutate their bodies into something inhuman. The obelisk holds the ability to resurrect beings but at a price of a sacrifice. This leads us back to Red Man who is trying to sacrifice Timmy for his daughter Megan who is killed by the creation of the Red Man. His identity is revealed as Dr. Mathew Cross who leads the experimentation on children. Because karma exists, it results in his daughter being killed by one of his mutant creation, thus bringing forth his motivation to resurrect Megan through using Timmy.

Spoilers for the Ending

After a successful sacrifice, Megan is resurrected but takes revenge on her father who is killed (with crayons). As seen with all of his experimentation, the obelisk is no different when it comes to resurrection. Turning Megan from an innocent child into a multiple long limbed mutation. The story concludes with the choice, become the Red Man yourself to save Timmy by using the power of a large obelisk to bring down another plane. The same obelisk that was used by Dr. Cross to take your plane down. Or end the cycle of resurrection and mutations.

That is our explanation of the presence of the Red Man in The Forest. His story has come to an end but will sights of him appear in Sons of The Forest? As a point of trauma for now grown up Timmy? We are likely to see some forms of hallucinations or appearances crafted from the obelisk itself. For more Indie Horror Game content, take a look at 7 Best Creepypasta Video Games or How to Get All Endings in Cannibal Abduction. You can also follow us on our Facebook for all the latest gaming guides.