The Deer has always been the face of 99 Nights in the Forest—a terrifying guardian of the forest feared by players and revered by cultists alike. However, the new update came as a real surprise: instead of hunting down this iconic creature or fleeing from it, players found it beaten, wounded, and barely conscious.

Now the forest feels different, with something mighty and dangerous suddenly becoming defenseless. This indicates that an even more terrifying and dangerous entity has appeared in the forest. The update forces players into a caretaker role, something the game has never had before.

In this article, we'll explore what happened to the Deer, how to complete the quest, and what clues suggest about the mysterious winged creature responsible for the attack.

Story Update "The Deer is Hurt" in 99 Nights in the Forest

After launching 99 Nights in the Forest with the update, a cutscene immediately begins. The Deer stands alone in the forest biome, reacting to something moving above its head. Before it can retreat, a creature with purple wings swiftly descends and knocks the Deer off its feet, scratching it several times and leaving the beast with a cracked antler and a mangled right leg. Its roar fades among the trees as it collapses near a campsite.

What Happened to the Deer in 99 Nights in the Forest?

Cutscenes and in-game hints suggest a certain conflict between the Deer and the mysterious new beast. The Deer has always been associated with the forest biome, just as the Ram is with the volcanic one. The new entity seems to aim to take over the forest.

The Deer is usually a powerful creature, yet even it fell victim to an aerial attack and was neutralized before it could react. Now players must help it recover, hinting at future collaboration in the next update—possibly in a battle against the winged threat.

[Theory] Who Could Have Hurt the Deer in 99 Nights in the Forest?

Despite the mysterious attacker not yet being named or shown in the game, a series of clues allow for a reasonable assumption based on details seen in cutscenes and during the pursuit stage.

Key Traits of the Deer’s Attacker:

• Fast flight
• Purple wing (with bat-like characteristics)
• Preference for dark, enclosed spaces
• Large claw marks
• Dwelling in a cave

All this points to the attacker being a bat-like creature. The purple wings in the cutscene, the tufts of fur left behind, and the dark cave—all align with bat behavior, albeit somewhat exaggerated to fit the horror style of 99 Nights in the Forest.

The developers themselves have confirmed that the full reveal of the creature is scheduled for November 22, 2025, when it will be officially introduced along with its mechanics and role in the updated game storyline.

How to Save the Deer in 99 Nights in the Forest

The new update added a quest focused on rescuing the Deer and finding out who attacked it. Unlike previous situations where players had to avoid the Deer, now their survival depends on intervening and helping the wounded beast.

Step 1: Find the Deer

The wounded creature can be found east of the player’s camp, motionless, in a small clearing. The Deer doesn’t move or attack, and its injuries are apparent—a twisted leg, broken antler, and heavy, labored breathing.

Step 2: Heal the Deer

To heal the Deer, you need to bring the appropriate items and use them in the correct order. Required: a medical kit (stabilizes the leg), bandages (repair the antler), and food (speeds up recovery).

Step 3: Protect the Deer

While you’re healing the Deer, wolves and other wild animals will attempt to disrupt the process. In this state, it cannot defend itself, so the player constantly switches between the roles of medic and guardian, warding off wolves and other potential threats. It’s best to have a weapon on hand to protect both yourself and the Deer.

Step 4: Help the Deer Find Its Attacker

Once the Deer regains its strength, you need to find and give it a key item—Purple Fur Tuft. This allows the Deer to track its attacker. A pursuit begins, leading you deeper into the forest and then into a cave. Inside, a new cutscene begins: a healthy Deer confronts the winged creature that crippled it.

After the battle, the player can enter the cave and claim a reward chest. From now on, the Deer becomes an ally, guarding your campfire from cultists and hostile animals.

FAQs about the Wounded Deer in 99 Nights in the Forest