In critical situations, the players will be able to swap and quickly switch between weapons by using the hot bar available in Sons of the Forest. The new hotkey option will allow players to conveniently swap and exchange between different items mid-combat, which makes things a lot easier. For that, the players will have to add the items to their backpacks. Any items that you place in your backpack will be available for a quick swap and quick selection in Sons of the Forest.
- Instead of the actual Hot Bar, the players can use their backpacks to swap between different important items that they can use during exploration or combat.
- To place items on hotkeys, the players will have to open their backpacks first and click on items that they want to equip for quick access.
- To use these items, the players will have to left-click on them.
- For the time being, the players will only be able to equip two weapons at maximum and some healing items in the game.
- To customize their backpack and sort items available for quick access, the players will have to open their inventory and right-click on items to add them to their backpacks.
How Does Hot Bar Work
Unfortunately, for now, there is no such option as the hot bar in Sons of the Forest. Instead, the players have access to Quick Slots in the game. It works essentially like the hot bar, and the players will be able to assign items on some hotkeys to access them quickly.

Keep in mind that the players won’t be able to place weapons on hotkeys in the game. In order to equip and swap between different weapons, the players will have to place their weapons on quick slots in the game. To open the quick slot or Hot Bar Menu, the players will have to press and hold the I button.
Doing so will allow you to access your backpack. Here you will be able to assign different items as well as weapons to hotkeys and Quick slots. Keep in mind that you will only be able to place some items on the hotkeys for now.
How To Use The Hotkeys
First, in order to equip items and place them on your hotkeys, you will need to access your inventory. In order to open your inventory, you need to press I. As soon as you do so, your character will kneel down on the ground and open the backpack.
To see all the items that you currently have in your backpack, look at the top of the screen. Select the backpack, and it will be open completely in front of you in the crafting menu, and you can see what items you currently have.

If you want some items to not be on one of the hotkeys, then you can take off items on your backpack. Then you need to access your unfolded backpack and see what other items are available.
These items can be added to your backpack for quick access to the game. Keep in mind that you will only be able to put some items in there and not every single one. Furthermore, you will be allowed only to use one weapon in the hotkey in the game. Be careful when you are accessing your hotkeys and quick slots, as the game might glitch and crash when accessed a lot of times.
Customizing The Hot Keys
The backpack in Sons of the Forest works just like how an actual hot bar system will. Instead of holding all your inventory, it will allow you access to certain items that you select.

We recommend putting them into weapons as well as some healing items, as they will help you the most during combat. It is important to prepare your backpack or quick slots before you enter a fight. To do that, you need to follow the steps below.
- Open your inventory and select your backpack.
- Select the desired item you want to add to your bag and right-click on it.
- Doing so will allow you to equip the item in your quick slot.
In order to remove an item, you need to right-click on it again, and in this way, you can customize your whole backpack.

This is definitely not a conventional version of the hot bar that we see in survival games. Although there, it is definitely a convenient way to swap between different items during combat without wasting much time.
In case it gets too dark, make sure to use your lighter by Pressing L to see what items your backpack currently has. Make sure you have healing items as well as rebreathers and grenades in the hotkeys, as you will need them the most.
Summing It Up
With this, we conclude our detailed guide on Hot Bar and Hot Keys as well as how the Quick Swap and Quick Slots system works in the Sons of the Forest. Keep in mind that while there is no actual hot bar option, however, your backpack works essentially like one, and you will be able to quickly swap between items by simply customizing your backpack.
While you are at it, don’t forget to check out our detailed guide on how to make a rope in the Sons of the Forest to help you survive in the game. We have also mentioned a detailed process on how to get the water collector and all other methods of getting water in the game.
Don’t forget to check out our guide on the shovel and how to obtain it, as you will be required to use it from time to time. We have also formulated a detailed guide on how to make a fish trap in the Sons of the Forest so you can catch some fish and cook them for maximum protein intake.
If you are looking for key cards, then do check out our guide on them. Before leaving our page, make sure to check out our crafting guide as well to see all the items that you can craft in the game.
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