Learning how to find and rescue all children in 99 Nights in the Forest is one of the most important parts of completing a successful run. Four missing children are hidden inside locked caves across the procedurally generated forest, with increasingly powerful animals guarding each location.
The four missing children are Dino Kid, Kraken Kid, Squid Kid and Koala Kid. Players must upgrade the campfire to reveal more of the map, locate each coloured cave, defeat the animal guards and use the dropped key to unlock the child.
Rescuing all children in 99 Nights in the Forest is not required to remain alive, but every rescued child increases the day multiplier by one. This means the Day 99 counter advances more quickly after each completed night, shortening the run and reducing the total amount of food, fuel and ammunition required.
This guide explains how to find and rescue all children in 99 Nights in the Forest, including every child location, campfire requirement, key colour, guarding enemies and the best equipment for each rescue.
Use our interactive trackers to record every badge, class, tameable animal and item you have discovered.Track Your 99 Nights in the Forest Progress
All Children in 99 Nights in the Forest
| Missing Child | Campfire Level | Cave Key | Guarding Enemies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dino Kid | Level 2 or 3 | Red Key | Five Wolves with red collars |
| Kraken Kid | Level 4 or 5 | Blue Key | Four Alpha Wolves with blue collars |
| Squid Kid | Level 5 or 6 | Yellow Key | Two Bears with yellow collars |
| Koala Kid | Level 6 | Gray Key | Six Bears with dark collars |
The precise point at which a cave becomes visible can vary because each map is procedurally generated. Upgrading the campfire expands the revealed forest, but a cave may appear close to the edge of the newly uncovered area.
How to Find the Missing Children
The missing children do not appear in one fixed compass direction during every game. Their caves are placed around the procedurally generated map, meaning a location from one run cannot be copied exactly into another.
To find the missing children:
- Upgrade the campfire.
- Craft or obtain a Map.
- Check the Missing Children board near the starting camp.
- Select the child you want to track.
- Follow the displayed direction or distance marker.
- Search the revealed map for a coloured cave.
- Prepare before approaching the guarding animals.
- Defeat every required guardian.
- Collect the coloured key.
- Unlock the cage and rescue the child.
The Missing Children board can help track an individual child. Select the relevant child to display guidance towards their current location.
A Map and Compass make the search considerably easier. The Map helps players understand which areas have already been uncovered, while the Compass provides a reliable direction back towards camp.
How Rescuing Children Affects the Day Multiplier
Every rescued child adds one to the day multiplier.
The standard multiplier begins at one. Rescuing one child raises it to two, while rescuing all four children adds four additional days to the counter after each survived night.
Beds also increase the day multiplier. When all available beds and children are completed, the Day 99 counter can advance much faster than it would during a run with no progression bonuses.
| Rescued Children | Child Multiplier Bonus |
|---|---|
| 0 | No additional days |
| 1 | Plus 1 day |
| 2 | Plus 2 days |
| 3 | Plus 3 days |
| 4 | Plus 4 days |
Rescuing all children in 99 Nights in the Forest therefore reduces the number of actual nights the team must survive.
The earlier a child is rescued, the more value the multiplier provides. However, attempting a difficult rescue without suitable weapons can end the entire game, so speed should not replace preparation.
How to Rescue Dino Kid
Dino Kid is normally the first and easiest missing child to rescue.
The Dino Kid cave can become accessible after upgrading the campfire to approximately Level 2. Depending on the map layout, another upgrade may be needed before the full route is revealed.
Dino Kid is held inside a cave associated with a Red Key. Five Wolves wearing red collars guard the area.
To rescue Dino Kid:
- Upgrade the campfire to Level 2 or 3.
- Track Dino Kid from the Missing Children board.
- Locate the red cave.
- Bring food and at least one dependable weapon.
- Defeat the five red-collared Wolves.
- Collect the Red Key dropped after the fight.
- Use the key to unlock Dino Kid.
- Complete the rescue and return safely to camp.
Dino Kid is the only rescue that can reasonably be attempted with basic equipment. A Spear, Katana or other melee weapon can defeat the Wolves when players keep moving and avoid becoming surrounded.
A Revolver makes the fight safer, particularly for solo players. However, do not waste every round before reaching the harder child locations.
In multiplayer, one player can draw the Wolves away while another attacks them individually. Concentrating damage on one Wolf at a time reduces the number of active enemies quickly.
How to Rescue Kraken Kid
Kraken Kid is normally the second missing child.
The Kraken Kid cave becomes available after the campfire reaches approximately Level 4. Some map layouts may require Level 5 before the cave and its route are fully visible.
Kraken Kid is locked behind a Blue Key and guarded by four Alpha Wolves wearing blue collars.
Alpha Wolves are stronger and more durable than the ordinary Wolves guarding Dino Kid. Players should obtain armour, healing supplies and a stronger weapon before attempting this rescue.
To rescue Kraken Kid:
- Upgrade the campfire to Level 4 or 5.
- Select Kraken Kid on the Missing Children board.
- Follow the marker towards the blue cave.
- Bring food, armour and a Bandage.
- Equip a firearm or strong melee weapon.
- Defeat the four blue-collared Alpha Wolves.
- Collect the Blue Key.
- Unlock Kraken Kid.
- Return to camp before starting another major objective.
The Rifle, Shotgun, Revolver and Alien Tech weapons all work well against Alpha Wolves. Players using melee weapons should circle around the animals rather than standing directly in front of them.
Do not split the enemies across several players without a plan. It is generally safer to focus attacks on one Alpha Wolf until it is defeated.
How to Rescue Squid Kid
Squid Kid is the third missing child and represents a noticeable increase in difficulty.
The Squid Kid cave is usually revealed at Campfire Level 5, although some runs may require Level 6 to uncover the complete location.
Squid Kid is trapped inside a yellow cave guarded by two Bears wearing yellow collars. Defeating both Bears provides access to the Yellow Key.
To rescue Squid Kid:
- Upgrade the campfire to Level 5 or 6.
- Track Squid Kid from the Missing Children board.
- Locate the yellow cave.
- Bring strong armour and medical supplies.
- Carry a Rifle, Shotgun or powerful class weapon.
- Place Bear Traps if available.
- Attack the Bears from range.
- Avoid fighting both Bears at close range.
- Collect the Yellow Key.
- Unlock Squid Kid and leave the area safely.
Bears can quickly defeat an unprepared player. Keep moving and avoid becoming trapped against the cave, trees or uneven terrain.
Bear Traps can provide valuable crowd control. Place traps before fully engaging the guards and lead one Bear across them while concentrating ranged attacks.
A Rifle is particularly useful because it allows players to damage the Bears before they reach close range. The Tactical Shotgun provides an effective secondary weapon when a Bear closes the distance.
Solo players should carry more than one medical item. Multiplayer groups should ensure at least two players have Bandages so the only potential rescuer is not the first person defeated.
How to Rescue Koala Kid
Koala Kid is the fourth and most difficult standard child rescue.
The Koala Kid cave becomes available after reaching Campfire Level 6. It is associated with a Gray Key and guarded by six powerful Bears wearing dark or gray collars.
This rescue should not be attempted immediately after the cave appears. Collect strong weapons, armour, food, ammunition and several revival items first.
To rescue Koala Kid:
- Upgrade the campfire to Level 6.
- Select Koala Kid on the Missing Children board.
- Locate the gray cave.
- Prepare several ranged weapons.
- Carry matching ammunition.
- Bring armour, food, Bandages and Medkits.
- Place Bear Traps around the approach.
- Draw the Bears away in smaller groups where possible.
- Defeat all six guarding Bears.
- Collect the Gray Key.
- Unlock Koala Kid.
- Return to camp and secure the rescued child bonus.
Fighting six Bears simultaneously is extremely dangerous. Use ranged weapons and attempt to separate them instead of running directly into the centre of the cave area.
The Laser Cannon and Flamethrower are effective against grouped enemies, while the Rifle provides safer long-distance damage. Alien Shotgun and Tactical Shotgun work well when individual Bears move into close range.
A coordinated multiplayer group should assign different roles. One player can draw enemy attention, two can deal ranged damage and another can remain prepared to revive anybody who is downed.
Best Weapons for Rescuing the Children
The best weapon depends on which child is being rescued.
| Child | Recommended Weapons |
|---|---|
| Dino Kid | Spear, Katana, Revolver or Raygun |
| Kraken Kid | Revolver, Rifle, Shotgun or Raygun |
| Squid Kid | Rifle, Tactical Shotgun, Laser Cannon or Alien Shotgun |
| Koala Kid | Laser Cannon, Rifle, Alien Shotgun, Flamethrower or Tactical Shotgun |
Dino Kid can be rescued using basic weapons, but later caves require better equipment.
Always bring a melee weapon as a backup. A gun without ammunition or an overheated Alien Tech weapon cannot protect the player while waiting to reload or recharge.
For a complete ranking, see our [Best Weapons in 99 Nights in the Forest] guide.
Best Classes for Rescuing Children
Combat classes make the later child rescues considerably easier.
| Class | Rescue Advantage |
|---|---|
| Alien Scientist | Starts with three Alien Tech weapons |
| Cyborg | Starts with Alien Armour and a Laser Cannon |
| Big Game Hunter | Starts with a Rifle and gains animal-related bonuses |
| Gunslinger | Starts with a reliable Revolver and ammunition |
| Beastmaster | Uses tamed animals as additional combat support |
| Necromancer | Summoned Cultists can distract and attack guardians |
| Pyromaniac | Deals area fire damage against grouped enemies |
| Medic | Revives teammates quickly during multiplayer rescues |
| Brute | Draws enemy attention away from teammates |
| Explorer | Helps locate caves and carry more supplies |
Big Game Hunter is particularly useful because the rescues involve Wolves, Alpha Wolves and Bears. The class begins with a Rifle and benefits from hunting animal enemies.
Cyborg and Alien Scientist offer the strongest immediate combat kits. Explorer is less powerful in battle but can find the child caves more efficiently.
See our [Best Classes in 99 Nights in the Forest] guide for recommendations based on solo and multiplayer play.
What to Bring Before Rescuing a Child
Prepare an expedition loadout before leaving camp.
A reliable rescue loadout includes:
- A strong primary weapon
- A backup melee weapon
- Matching ammunition
- Food
- A Bandage or Medkit
- Armour
- A Map
- A Compass
- A Flashlight
- Bear Traps for later rescues
- Enough empty sack space
- Another player when possible
Do not allow one player to carry every medical item. If that player is defeated, the rest of the team may be unable to complete the revive.
Leave unnecessary crafting materials at camp. Empty sack capacity is useful for collecting pelts, weapons and other loot dropped during the rescue.
Best Time to Rescue the Children
Begin child rescue journeys early in the day.
The caves can be located far from camp, and the guarding fights may take longer than expected. Starting late increases the chance of darkness arriving before the child has been rescued.
The safest approach is to prepare during the night and leave immediately when the new day begins.
Do not attempt two difficult rescues in one day unless both caves are close together and the group still has plenty of food, ammunition and healing supplies.
After rescuing a child, return to camp and reorganise. Restock ammunition, store collected pelts and replace used medical items before beginning the next expedition.
Can You Rescue the Children in Any Order?
The children are normally rescued in order because their caves appear as the campfire reaches higher levels.
Dino Kid becomes available first, followed by Kraken Kid, Squid Kid and Koala Kid. However, players are not forced to rescue a child immediately after its cave appears.
A team can upgrade the campfire further and return for an earlier child later. This may make the rescue easier because the group has stronger weapons and armour.
Delaying every rescue reduces the benefit of the day multiplier. The ideal strategy is to rescue each child as soon as the team is properly equipped.
Do You Carry the Children Back to Camp?
After the guarding enemies are defeated and the correct key is used, interact with the child to complete the rescue.
The rescued children eventually appear safely around the camp area. Each child establishes a small tent near the campfire and contributes to the day multiplier.
Players should avoid disconnecting or leaving during the rescue interaction. Complete the objective and confirm that the multiplier has increased.
Do the Child Locations Change?
Yes. The overall map is procedurally generated, so the exact cave direction and distance can change in every run.
The child order, coloured keys and guarding enemy types remain consistent, but a guide cannot provide one permanent set of coordinates.
Use the Missing Children board, Map and Compass rather than following directions from a previous game.
Campfire upgrades remain essential because the caves cannot be properly located until the relevant section of the forest has been revealed.
What Happens After Rescuing All Children?
After rescuing all children in 99 Nights in the Forest, the team receives the maximum child-based day multiplier bonus.
The children appear around camp and remain rescued for the current run. Players can then concentrate on building any remaining beds, gathering supplies and surviving until the counter reaches Day 99.
Rescuing all four children does not immediately complete the game. The team must still survive the required nights and manage the campfire, food and enemy attacks.
Common Child Rescue Mistakes
Players learning how to find and rescue all children in 99 Nights in the Forest often make avoidable mistakes.
Common rescue mistakes include:
- Searching before upgrading the campfire
- Expecting the cave to appear in the same place every run
- Leaving camp late in the day
- Attempting Squid Kid or Koala Kid with basic weapons
- Forgetting to carry food
- Bringing a firearm without ammunition
- Fighting every guardian at close range
- Carrying no Bandages
- Allowing one player to hold every medical item
- Standing in front of several Bears simultaneously
- Leaving before collecting the coloured key
- Failing to interact with the child after unlocking the cage
Defeating the guarding animals is only part of the objective. Collect the key, unlock the cage and complete the child interaction before leaving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many children are in 99 Nights in the Forest?
There are four standard missing children: Dino Kid, Kraken Kid, Squid Kid and Koala Kid.
Where is Dino Kid?
Dino Kid appears inside a red cave revealed at approximately Campfire Level 2 or 3. Five red-collared Wolves guard the location.
Where is Kraken Kid?
Kraken Kid appears inside a blue cave revealed at approximately Campfire Level 4 or 5. Four blue-collared Alpha Wolves guard the location.
Where is Squid Kid?
Squid Kid appears inside a yellow cave revealed at approximately Campfire Level 5 or 6. Two yellow-collared Bears guard the location.
Where is Koala Kid?
Koala Kid appears inside a gray cave after the campfire reaches Level 6. Six dark-collared Bears guard the location.
Do the children spawn in the same locations?
No. The map is procedurally generated, so the direction and distance of each cave can change between runs.
How do you track a missing child?
Use the Missing Children board near camp and select the child you want to find. A Map and Compass also make navigation easier.
What do you get for rescuing a child?
Each rescued child adds one to the day multiplier, allowing the Day 99 counter to advance more quickly.
Do you have to rescue every child?
No. The children are technically optional, but rescuing them substantially shortens the run.
Which child is the hardest to rescue?
Koala Kid is the hardest standard rescue because six Bears guard the gray cave.
What is the best weapon for rescuing Koala Kid?
Laser Cannon, Rifle, Alien Shotgun, Flamethrower and Tactical Shotgun are all strong choices. Bring several weapons, armour and medical supplies.
Can you rescue children alone?
Yes, but the later rescues are much harder for solo players. Use a strong combat class and bring ranged weapons, armour, food and healing supplies.
The most reliable method for how to find and rescue all children in 99 Nights in the Forest is to upgrade the campfire gradually and rescue each child once the correct part of the map has been revealed. Dino Kid and Kraken Kid can be completed with relatively modest equipment, while Squid Kid and Koala Kid require much stronger preparation.
Rescuing all children in 99 Nights in the Forest adds four days to the multiplier and makes reaching Day 99 considerably faster. Track each cave from the Missing Children board, defeat the guardians carefully and never attempt the final Bear encounters without strong weapons and medical supplies.
