The Ram in 99 Nights in the Forest is a hostile entity that spawns after nights 2-5 in the volcanic biome, announced by the message "The Ram has woken up" and capable of destroying trees while charging at players with devastating force. Unlike the Deer or Owl, this volcanic beast cannot be killed with any weapon but can be stunned with flashlights when not charging. The Ram represents one of three unkillable antagonists in the game, serving as a key threat while players prepare for the Cultist King boss battle.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Spawn Trigger | Nights 2-5 (varies by campfire level) |
| Location | Volcanic Biome & Forest |
| Damage Type | Charge Attack + Contact Damage |
| Can Be Killed? | No - Unkillable Entity |
| Stun Method | Flashlight (not during charge) |
| Special Ability | Destroys trees while charging |
| Replaces | The Owl (on spawn nights) |
| Threat Level | Moderate-High |
As someone who's survived countless nights facing this charging nightmare, I'm excited to share everything you need to know about mastering the Ram encounter, from understanding its spawning mechanics to advanced survival strategies that'll keep you alive when this beast awakens.
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The Ram fundamentally changes how you approach survival in 99 Nights in the Forest. While the Deer relies on stealth and jump scares, and the Owl swoops from above, the Ram brings pure destructive force to your doorstep. I've watched this monster demolish entire defensive setups that would normally protect against other threats.
The most terrifying aspect isn't just its charging ability – it's the complete unpredictability of its attack direction. That meter filling above its head? Don't trust the direction it's facing when it stops. I learned this the hard way when I thought I was safe standing to its side, only to get bulldozed seconds later.
After extensive testing across hundreds of nights, here's what triggers the Ram's awakening:
The Ram typically spawns between nights 2-5, with the exact timing influenced by several factors:
You'll know it's coming when that ominous cutscene plays, showing two cultists encountering the awakened Ram. This isn't just flavor – it's your warning that the game's difficulty just ramped up significantly.
The Ram employs a two-phase pursuit system that makes it particularly dangerous:
Phase 1 - Stalking: The Ram moves at a steady pace, similar to the Deer but slightly faster. During this phase, it's actively tracking your position and calculating the optimal angle for its devastating charge. This is when flashlight stuns work best.
Phase 2 - Charging: Once the charge meter appears and fills (taking approximately 3-4 seconds), the Ram becomes an unstoppable force. It moves at roughly 2.5x its normal speed and gains the ability to destroy any trees or obstacles in its path. No amount of flashlight stunning will stop it mid-charge.
The Ram deals damage through two primary methods:
What makes the Ram particularly dangerous is its ability to chain charges. I've seen it charge three times in rapid succession when multiple players are nearby, turning what should be a manageable encounter into absolute chaos.
Before entering Ram territory, ensure you have:
Primary Defense:
Secondary Gear:
Mastering the flashlight is absolutely crucial. Here's my proven technique:
Through painful trial and error, I've developed these life-saving maneuvers:
The Zigzag Sprint: When the charge meter appears, immediately begin running in a zigzag pattern. Sharp 45-degree turns every 2-3 seconds make it nearly impossible for the Ram to predict your path.
The Tree Sacrifice: Position yourself so trees are between you and the Ram. While it'll destroy them, each tree slows it slightly, buying precious seconds.
The Lava Pool Gambit: In the volcanic biome, you can actually lure the Ram into lava pools. It won't die, but it'll be temporarily slowed and may break off pursuit.
The Campfire Return: Always maintain awareness of your campfire's location. The Ram won't enter the lit area, making it your ultimate safe zone.
The volcanic biome isn't just the Ram's home – it's a complete ecosystem of danger:
The area features multiple elevation changes, lava rivers, and unstable ground that can complicate Ram encounters. I've mapped out several "safe corridors" where natural barriers provide protection:
Surviving Ram encounters while gathering volcanic resources requires careful planning:
Priority Resources:
Always establish a forward base near the volcanic biome entrance with:
The Ram isn't just another monster – it's intrinsically connected to the Cultist King content. While you're dodging its charges, you're meant to be gathering the four Cultist Gems needed for the boss summoning ritual.
This creates a fascinating risk-reward dynamic: Do you play it safe and avoid the Ram, potentially missing valuable loot? Or do you brave its territory for faster progression toward the Cultist King battle?
The Ram essentially serves as a "gear check" for the Cultist King encounter. If you can't handle the Ram consistently, you're not ready for the King. Use Ram encounters to practice:
Playing with friends completely changes the Ram dynamic. Here's my tested team strategy:
The Baiter: One player equipped with speed boosts draws the Ram's attention and leads it away from the group. This role requires excellent dodging skills and nerves of steel.
The Supporters: Two players focus on gathering resources and clearing cultists while the Ram is distracted. They should carry extra flashlights to assist if the baiter gets cornered.
The Anchor: One player stays at a designated rally point with healing items and spare equipment, ready to support anyone who takes damage.
Clear communication saves lives. Establish these callouts:
Mistake 1: Trusting the Ram's Facing Direction The Ram's charge direction is NOT determined by where it's looking when it stops. Always be ready to dodge in any direction.
Mistake 2: Wasting Flashlight Battery Holding the beam continuously drains battery without providing additional benefit. Pulse your light for maximum efficiency.
Mistake 3: Fighting Near Base Leading the Ram to your campsite risks destroying carefully placed defenses and storage. Always engage away from critical infrastructure.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Audio Cues The Ram's snorting and huffing sounds indicate proximity and aggression level. Turn up your volume – audio awareness saves lives.
Mistake 5: Underestimating Charge Range The Ram's charge covers more distance than you'd expect – roughly 15-20 meters. Don't assume you're safe just because you've created some distance.
The Patience Game: Sometimes the best strategy is simply waiting. The Ram will eventually wander away if you remain hidden and silent for 30-45 seconds.
Environmental Awareness: Memorize every rock formation, tree cluster, and elevation change in the volcanic biome. These natural obstacles become your best friends during Ram encounters.
The Buddy System: Never explore the volcanic biome alone after night 5. Having even one teammate dramatically increases survival rates.
Resource Timing: Gather volcanic resources during early morning hours (in-game time) when the Ram is less active and visibility is improving.
The Decoy Strategy: Drop less valuable items to create distractions. The Ram sometimes investigates dropped objects, buying precious escape time.
Certain classes excel at Ram encounters:
Fire Bandit: The Inferno Crossbow and fire resistance make volcanic biome exploration safer, plus the speed boost helps with evasion.
Scavenger: Extra inventory space means more flashlights and batteries. The improved resource gathering helps maintain supplies despite Ram interruptions.
Scout: Enhanced movement speed and stamina make dodging charges significantly easier. The tracking ability helps monitor Ram position.
Several badges require surviving Ram encounters:
Focus on these during mid-game when you're comfortable with Ram patterns but before Cultist King attempts.
The 99 Nights in the Forest community is incredibly supportive. Connect with fellow survivors:
Official Discord Servers:
Reddit Communities:
Wiki Resources:
Based on developer hints and community feedback, expect:
The Ram is widely expected to receive buffs in upcoming updates due to experienced players finding it "too easy" compared to the Deer and Owl. Potential changes include:
Stay connected with the community to adapt strategies as the Ram evolves.
No, the Ram is completely invincible like the Deer and Owl. No weapon, including the Laser Sword or Rifle, can damage it. Your only option is survival through evasion and stunning.
Not necessarily. The Ram alternates with other entities and may not appear every night. Cultist Attacks can occur simultaneously with Ram spawns, creating extremely dangerous situations.
The Fire Bandit class offers excellent volcanic biome synergy, while the Scout's speed boost provides superior evasion. Choose based on your playstyle – aggressive exploration or defensive survival.
Currently, only one Ram spawns per night. However, it can appear alongside cultists and other hostile mobs, creating chaotic multi-threat scenarios.
You don't! The Ram's charge direction is independent of its facing direction when the meter appears. Always be prepared to dodge in any direction, preferably at sharp angles.
Currently, weather doesn't impact Ram behavior, but fog significantly reduces your ability to spot it early. Always carry extra flashlights during foggy nights.
The Ram cannot destroy the main campfire, only surrounding structures and trees. However, it can trap you if you're cornered near your camp, so maintain escape routes.
The Ram is limited to ground movement and cannot climb steep inclines or jump over gaps. Use elevation changes to your advantage when evading.
After hundreds of encounters with this volcanic terror, I can confidently say that the Ram has made me a better 99 Nights in the Forest player. Yes, it's destroyed countless carefully planned bases. Yes, it's ended promising runs at the worst possible moments. But each death taught valuable lessons about positioning, resource management, and staying calm under pressure.
The Ram isn't just an obstacle – it's a teacher. It forces you to truly understand the game's mechanics, map layouts, and team dynamics. Once you can consistently survive Ram encounters while gathering volcanic resources, you'll find yourself ready for anything the forest throws at you.
Remember: the Ram may have woken up, but with proper preparation, smart positioning, and steady nerves, you'll turn from prey into a master survivor. The volcanic biome's treasures await, and the Cultist King won't summon himself.
Keep your flashlight charged, your escape routes planned, and your courage steady. See you in the forest, survivors – may your nights be long and your Ram encounters survivable!