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If you’ve been exploring the mystical world of 99 Nights in the Forest, you’ve probably heard whispers about the elusive Zookeeper class. I remember when I first stumbled upon this hidden gem—it completely changed my gameplay experience! Today, I’m excited to share everything you need to know about unlocking and mastering this unique class that has become my personal favorite.
For those new to this immersive adventure, 99 Nights in the Forest is a captivating survival RPG that drops you into a mysterious woodland teeming with magical creatures and hidden secrets. The game blends exploration, crafting, and combat in a way that keeps you coming back for just one more night.
What sets this game apart is its class system, which allows you to specialize in different playstyles as you progress. While many classes are available from the start, some—like the Zookeeper—remain locked until you complete specific challenges or discover hidden paths.
Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of venturing into the forest with your animal companions by your side. When I first unlocked the Zookeeper class, I was skeptical about its combat effectiveness compared to more traditional warrior or mage classes. Boy, was I wrong!
The Zookeeper class offers a completely different approach to the game. Instead of relying solely on weapons or magic, you build bonds with forest creatures who fight alongside you. I’ll never forget the first time I led my pack of wolves into battle against a towering forest guardian. The strategic depth of positioning my allies and timing their abilities gave me a rush I hadn’t experienced with other classes.
Beyond combat, the Zookeeper class opens up unique dialogue options with certain NPCs and grants access to areas that other classes can’t reach. There’s something incredibly satisfying about solving a puzzle that’s been stumping you for hours simply by communicating with the local wildlife.
Alright, let’s get to the meat of this guide. Unlocking the Zookeeper class isn’t straightforward, but follow these steps, and you’ll be befriending forest creatures in no time.
Before you can even start the Zookeeper questline, you need to have a character at level 15. This ensures you have enough experience with the game’s mechanics to handle the class’s unique playstyle.
The journey begins in the Whispering Woods, located in the northeastern section of the map. Look for a circle of ancient mushrooms with glowing blue caps. This can be tricky to spot, especially during daytime hours. I recommend visiting between 8 PM and 2 AM in-game time when the mushrooms emit a soft blue glow.
Once you’ve found the Hidden Grove, you’ll encounter three animal spirits: a wolf, a bear, and an eagle. Each spirit will present you with a riddle related to their nature. Here are the solutions:
After correctly answering all three riddles, the spirits will grant you the “Animal Friendship” ability, which is essential for the next steps.
With the Animal Friendship ability, you can now initiate special quests with three specific animal types:
These quests can be completed in any order, but you must finish all three to proceed.
After recruiting all three companions, return to the Hidden Grove during a full moon (occurs every 7-9 in-game days). You’ll find a ceremonial circle where you must perform the Ritual of Unity.
This involves:
Once completed, you’ll officially unlock the Zookeeper class and receive the “Beastmaster’s Mantle,” a unique armor piece that enhances your abilities with animal companions.
As a Zookeeper, you’ll have access to these unique abilities:
While there aren’t any specific codes that directly unlock the Zookeeper class, these active codes as of October 2025 can help you on your journey:
To redeem these codes, open the menu, select “Options,” then “Redeem Code,” and enter the code exactly as shown.
The most recent update (October 2025) brought some significant changes that affect the Zookeeper class:
These changes make the Zookeeper class more viable than ever, especially if you’ve been frustrated with companion AI in the past.
Now that you’ve unlocked the class, here are some advanced strategies I’ve learned through my playtime:
Currently, the game limits you to three active companions at once. However, you can befriend additional animals and store them at special sanctuaries throughout the map.
Absolutely! In fact, I find it one of the best classes for solo play due to the versatility your companions provide. You essentially have your own party, making challenging encounters much more manageable.
Yes, you can switch between any unlocked classes at special Class Shrines found in major settlements. Your progress in each class is saved separately.
Your companions maintain their levels and equipment regardless of which class you’re currently playing. This makes switching between classes seamless.
Companions can level up to match your character’s level, with a maximum of level 50. Each level grants them increased stats and occasionally new abilities.
Unlocking the Zookeeper class in 99 Nights in the Forest has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in gaming. There’s something magical about venturing through the wilderness with your trusted animal companions, facing challenges together and growing stronger as a team.
I hope this guide helps you on your journey to becoming a master Zookeeper. The path might be challenging, but trust me, it’s worth every step. Once you experience the unique gameplay and bond with your companions, you’ll wonder how you ever played without them.
Have you already unlocked the Zookeeper class? Share your favorite moments and strategies in the comments below—I’d love to hear about your adventures in the forest!