Learn how to build and use leaf pile traps
Easily the most underrated and underestimated trap in the game, the humble leaf pile trap allows the player to harness the awesome power of fire. It may not seem like much at first, but when paired with a flame, the trap rapidly transforms into a burning wall to terrify and devastate enemies.
This guide will walk you through building and setting up leaf pile traps and offer advice on the best locations to place them.
How to build the leaf pile trap
Leaf pile traps cost only a single resource, leaves. However, it costs a lot of them. Each trap will require the following:
- 50 leaves
50 leaves per trap may be a bit of a tall order. Fortunately, leaves are easy to acquire, even if they cannot necessarily be found. Leaves are added to your inventory each time you destroy a bush, sapling, shrub, or other scraps of undergrowth. Just walk through the woods swinging a weapon, and you will come out with a couple of hundred leaves.
With your pockets full of leafy goodness, open your survival book to the section labeled “Traps and Defenses.” Pick out the leaf pile trap and click on it. The trap outline is more of a strip than a pile. Set down the building outline and aggressively mash the add button.
The best locations for leaf pile trap placement
These traps are the only trap in The Forest that must be triggered manually. That means that where you place you place this trap is of utmost importance. Here are a few tips for setting effective leaf pile traps:
Defensive barriers
The elongated shape of this trap lends itself well to use as a barrier. When ignited, the traps burn anyone or anything foolish enough to try and pass through, making it useful for blocking entrances and preventing pursuit.
Ambush zones
An outside source must ignite leaf pile traps. Setting them below tree platforms and towers increases the effectiveness of flaming arrows and molotovs by spreading the flames and making it so you don’t need to score a hit to ignite your target.
Danger close
Be careful not to set leaf piles near where you will be standing, even if you don’t plan to ignite them. Burning enemies set alight by other sources can ignite leaf piles if they walk over them.
Pros and cons of the leaf pile trap
Cons
- Another source must ignite this trap.
- The flames this trap creates will burn out quickly, lasting only around 5 to 6 seconds at most.
- It can be difficult to see the leaf pile traps you have placed since their green color blends well with grass.
- This trap will burn the player if they are standing on it when it is lit.
- These traps are consumed on use and must be rebuilt rather than reset.
- The trap is useless in water crossings.
Pros
- This trap can be chained together to create a larger pyre. Only one needs to be ignited as long as the piles are touching.
- The flames created by this trap serve as an excellent if temporary, barrier.
- Leaves are very portable, and the player can carry several hundred without issue. This means leaf piles can be quickly constructed inside caves and other combat areas.
- They can be ignited by any source of flame, even burning enemies.
- This trap is placeable underneath other structures.
- Enemies cannot destroy this trap.
Tips and tricks for using leaf pile traps
- Setting a Molotov wire trap on top of a leaf pile trap can create an automated fire trap. This makes it, so the player does not have to ignite the leaves manually.
- Set numerous piles in an area and throw in a Molotov to create a massive and consistent area of fire. This technique also works well with catapult-launched molotovs and flare-gun rounds.
- These traps are perfect for blocking off pathways inside dry caves and blocking enemies from pursuing the player.
- Enemies ignited by this trap will not begin to extinguish themselves until they are out of the pile. That means the longer they are in the burning trap, the more damage they will take.
Final thoughts on the leaf pile trap
The leaf pile trap is one of our favorites due to its versatility. Offense, defense, or even just acting as a light source, this trap can do it all. Just remember, the next time you face off with cannibals, don’t pass up the opportunity to turn the battlefield into a bonfire.
For more insights, check out The Forest Traps Guide for an overview of all the available traps in Endnight Game’s The Forest.
