99 Nights in the Forest New Classes & 2x Gems Guide (March 2026)

The forest is calling, survivors! The most anticipated 99 Nights in the Forest: New Classes & 2x Gem Update has finally arrived, bringing game-changing content that will revolutionize your survival experience. As someone who’s spent countless nights exploring every corner of this mysterious forest, I can tell you this update is an absolute game-changer that you won’t want to miss.

Quick Overview: New Classes & 2x Gem Event (March 2026)

Feature	Details	Duration
2x Gem Bonus	Double gems from chests, day 50 & 100 rewards	October 11-18, 2026
New Classes	Support, Gambler, Chef, Big Game Hunter	Permanent addition
Update Party	30-minute celebration with exclusive drops	October 11, 1:00 PM ET
Talents System	Upgrade classes using gems	Permanent feature

What’s New in This Game-Changing Update?

1. Brand-New Classes That Transform Gameplay

The highlight of this update is undoubtedly the introduction of four revolutionary new classes that add entirely new dimensions to your survival strategy. After testing each extensively, I can confirm these aren’t just reskins – they’re fundamentally different playstyles that will change how you approach every aspect of the game.

Support Class (45 Diamonds)

The Support class is perfect for players who thrive on teamwork and cooperation. What makes this class special is its unique bonding mechanic that creates a symbiotic relationship with another player from the very start of the game.

Key Features:

• Bond System: Automatically connect with another player at game start
• Damage Absorption: Take damage for your bonded partner (20/80 split)
• Proximity Power: Deal increased damage when closer to your supported player
• Shared Hunger: Your support character eats for both players (80/20 distribution)

Progression Requirements:

• Tier 1: Absorb 500 damage + Deal 200 bonus damage with supported player
• Tier 2: Absorb 1,500 damage + Deal 500 bonus damage with supported player
• Ultimate Ability: See the connection beam to your supported player from any distance

Pro Tip: I’ve found that pairing the Support class with a high-damage dealer like the Berserker or Assassin creates an unstoppable combo. The Support tanks damage while the damage dealer cleans up enemies efficiently.

Gambler Class (55 Diamonds)

For those who love living on the edge, the Gambler class introduces risk/reward mechanics that can make or break your run in spectacular fashion. This class is perfect for players who trust their luck and want to maximize their chest-opening potential.

Key Features:

• Chest Gamble: 50/50 chance to upgrade or downgrade standard chests
• Advanced Gambit: 60/40 upgrade chance for standard chests at higher tiers
• Coin Drops: 10% chance for additional coins from chest openings
• Ruby Specialist: Enhanced abilities with ruby chests

Progression Requirements:

• Tier 1: Open 70 standard chests
• Tier 2: Open 150 standard chests + 10 ruby chests
• Ultimate Ability: Consistent coin drops and improved chest upgrade ratios

Personal Experience: I’ve had incredible luck with the Gambler class, turning basic chests into diamond-rich bonanzas. However, be prepared for the occasional downgrade – it’s all part of the thrill!

Chef Class (150 Diamonds)

The Chef class revolutionizes the food and survival mechanics in 99 Nights in the Forest. As someone who’s always struggled with hunger management, this class has been an absolute revelation for long-term survival strategies.

Key Features:

• Master Chef: Cook unique recipes with massive bonus effects
• Auto-Seasoning: All cooked items automatically receive seasoning bonuses
• Recipe Unlocks: Access exclusive dishes unavailable to other classes
• Efficient Cooking: Reduced cooking times and improved food quality

Progression Requirements:

• Tier 1: Cook 200 food items + 50 special dishes
• Tier 2: Cook 400 food items + 100 special dishes
• Ultimate Ability: Unlock multiple exclusive recipes with game-changing effects

Strategy Insight: The Chef class shines in extended games where food scarcity becomes a real issue. I’ve survived nights that would have been impossible with other classes, thanks to the powerful buff foods available only to Chefs.

Big Game Hunter Class (600 Diamonds)

The Big Game Hunter class is the ultimate choice for players who love hunting and want to maximize their gains from every animal encounter. This high-tier class transforms hunting from a necessity into a powerful progression system.

Key Features:

• Pelt Consumption: Eat animal pelts for permanent stat bonuses
• Enhanced Drops: Significantly higher pelt drop rates from all animals
• Mammoth Mastery: Infinite mammoth tusk consumption for permanent health increases
• Hunter’s Focus: Improved tracking and hunting capabilities

Progression Requirements:

• Tier 1: Kill 70 wolves + Consume 50 animal pelts
• Tier 2: Kill 150 wolves + Consume 100 animal pelts
• Ultimate Ability: Permanent health increases through mammoth tusk consumption

Endgame Potential: This class becomes incredibly powerful in the late game. I’ve built characters with astronomical health pools thanks to the permanent bonus system, making even the toughest enemies manageable.

2. The Game-Changing 2x Gem Weekend

The 2x Gem Weekend isn’t just another double event – it’s potentially the most lucrative gem-earning opportunity in the game’s history. Running from October 11 to October 18, 2026, this event doubles your gem earnings from multiple sources.

What Gets Doubled:

• Chest Rewards: All gem drops from chests are doubled
• Milestone Bonuses: Day 50 and Day 100 rewards provide double gems
• Event Activities: Special event activities during the update party

What Doesn’t Get Doubled:

• Purchases: Gem costs for items and classes remain the same
• Badge Rewards: Gem rewards from badges are not affected
• Trading: Player-to-player gem trading values remain unchanged

Event Schedule (All Times ET):

• Start: Saturday, October 11 at 1:00 PM ET
• Update Party: First 30 minutes only (exclusive drops and bonuses)
• End: Saturday, October 18 at 11:05 PM ET

Time Zone Conversions:

Region	Start Time	End Time
US Pacific (PT)	Oct 11, 10:00 AM	Oct 18, 8:05 PM
US Eastern (ET)	Oct 11, 1:00 PM	Oct 18, 11:05 PM
UK (GMT)	Oct 11, 6:00 PM	Oct 19, 4:05 AM
India (IST)	Oct 11, 10:30 PM	Oct 18, 8:35 AM
Australia (AEST)	Oct 12, 3:00 AM	Oct 19, 1:05 PM

3. The Exclusive 30-Minute Update Party

The event kicks off with a 30-minute celebration that offers exclusive rewards you won’t want to miss. Based on my experience with previous update parties, this is where the most valuable and rare items are typically distributed.

Update Party Features:

• Gem Showers: Periodic gem drops for all online players
• XP Boosts: Temporary experience multipliers
• Developer Appearances: Chance to interact with game developers
• Exclusive Items: Limited-time items only available during the party
• Community Events: Special mini-games and challenges

Pro Strategy: Log in at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure you’re online when the party begins. Server congestion can be intense during these events, and you don’t want to miss the initial drops.

4. Revolutionary Talents System

Perhaps the most significant long-term addition is the new Talents System, which allows you to upgrade your favorite classes using gems. This system adds incredible depth to character progression and makes every gem count toward long-term power development.

How the Talents System Works:

• Gem Investment: Spend gems to unlock talent points for your classes
• Class Specialization: Focus on specific aspects of your chosen class
• Permanent Upgrades: Talent improvements carry across all games
• Synergy Bonuses: Certain talent combinations unlock additional bonuses

Best Classes to Upgrade with Talents:

1. Support: Enhanced damage absorption and bonding effects
2. Gambler: Improved chest upgrade ratios and coin drop rates
3. Chef: Access to even more powerful exclusive recipes
4. Big Game Hunter: Increased pelt drop rates and consumption bonuses

Preparation Guide: Maximizing Your Update Experience

Before the Event Starts

Inventory Management:

• Clear out unnecessary items to make space for gem drops
• Organize your storage for efficient access during the event
• Prepare crafting materials for potential new recipes

Resource Stockpiling:

• Collect essential materials for new class requirements
• Stockpile food for extended gaming sessions
• Gather crafting components for potential new items

Team Coordination:

• Form groups with friends to maximize efficiency
• Assign roles based on new class synergies
• Establish communication channels for coordinated play

During the 2x Gem Weekend

Optimal Farming Strategies:

• Focus on Chests: Prioritize chest runs during the 2x multiplier
• Milestone Planning: Time your gameplay to hit day 50 and 100 during the event
• Event Participation: Engage in all special event activities for bonus rewards

Class Experimentation:

• Test new classes in low-risk environments
• Experiment with class combinations and synergies
• Document which classes work best for your playstyle

Resource Management:

• Balance immediate spending vs. long-term talent investment
• Prioritize classes that align with your preferred playstyle
• Consider the long-term value of talent investments

2026 Advanced Strategies for Each New Class

Support Class Mastery

Team Composition:

• Pair with high-damage dealers (Berserker, Assassin)
• Combine with ranged specialists for balanced team composition
• Avoid pairing with other support-focused classes

Positioning Tactics:

• Stay close to your supported player for damage bonuses
• Use yourself as a shield during boss encounters
• Position between threats and your supported player

Progression Acceleration:

• Intentionally take damage to build absorption stats
• Focus on coordinated attacks with your supported player
• Practice movement to maintain proximity bonuses

Gambler Class Optimization

Risk Management:

• Start with safer chest runs to build confidence
• Gradually increase risk as you understand the patterns
• Have backup plans for potential downgrades

Economy Building:

• Reinvest coin drops into additional chest opportunities
• Balance between standard and ruby chest approaches
• Track your success rates to identify optimal strategies

Advanced Techniques:

• Time chest openings with other bonus events
• Combine with luck-boosting items or abilities
• Develop intuition for chest upgrade patterns

Chef Class Dominance

Recipe Optimization:

• Experiment with different ingredient combinations
• Focus on recipes that provide the best hunger-to-cost ratio
• Discover exclusive recipes through trial and error

Kitchen Management:

• Organize your cooking area for maximum efficiency
• Stockpile rare ingredients for special recipes
• Coordinate with teammates for ingredient sharing

Survival Impact:

• Use buff foods before challenging encounters
• Maintain a steady supply of healing foods
• Share powerful foods with teammates during crises

Big Game Hunter Class Excellence

Hunting Routes:

• Map out optimal hunting paths for maximum efficiency
• Focus on high-value targets (wolves, alpha wolves)
• Time hunting with animal spawn cycles

Pelt Management:

• Prioritize pelts for consumption vs. trading
• Track which pelts provide the best stat bonuses
• Balance immediate benefits vs. long-term progression

Endgame Building:

• Focus on mammoth hunting for health increases
• Combine with health-boosting items and abilities
• Build unstoppable late-game characters through pelt consumption

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Event Participation Errors

Poor Timing:

• Missing the 30-minute update party entirely
• Starting the event too late to maximize benefits
• Not planning for time zone differences

Resource Mismanagement:

• Spending gems immediately instead of investing in talents
• Ignoring preparation and starting with empty inventories
• Focusing on short-term gains over long-term progression

Class Selection Mistakes:

• Choosing classes that don’t match your playstyle
• Not experimenting with new classes during the bonus period
• Overlooking the importance of team composition

Long-Term Strategy Errors

Talent Investment Mistakes:

• Spreading talents too thin across multiple classes
• Not researching talent synergies before investing
• Ignoring the long-term value of permanent upgrades

Progression Missteps:

• Focusing too much on one aspect of the game
• Not balancing immediate needs with long-term goals
• Missing opportunities for permanent character improvements

Community Insights and Meta Analysis

Based on community discussions and my own extensive testing, here’s what the meta looks like post-update:

Tier List for New Classes:

1. S-Tier: Big Game Hunter (endgame potential)
2. A-Tier: Support (team play value)
3. B-Tier: Chef (sustainability)
4. C-Tier: Gambler (high variance)

Best Class Combinations:

• Big Game Hunter + Support: Unstoppable tank/damage combo
• Chef + Gambler: Sustainable resource generation
• Support + Chef: Ultimate team sustainability

Emerging Strategies:

• Talent Stacking: Focusing talents on one primary class
• Hybrid Builds: Combining new classes with existing favorites
• Economy Focus: Using gem bonuses for long-term talent investment

Future Update Predictions in 2026

Based on the patterns I’ve observed and developer communications, here’s what we might see in future updates:

Likely Additions:

• Additional classes to complement the new ones
• Expanded talent trees with more specialization options
• New biomes that synergize with the new classes
• Enhanced social features for better team coordination

Balance Changes:

• Potential nerfs to overly powerful class combinations
• Buffs to underutilized existing classes
• Adjustments to gem economy based on this event’s impact
• Talent system refinements based on player feedback

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

Q: When exactly does the 2x Gem Weekend start and end?

A: The event runs from October 11 at 1:00 PM ET to October 18 at 11:05 PM ET. The exclusive 30-minute update party happens right at the start, so log in early!

Q: Are the new classes permanent additions or limited-time?

A: All four new classes (Support, Gambler, Chef, Big Game Hunter) are permanent additions to the game and will be available after the event ends.

Q: How much should I expect to spend on the new classes?

A: Class costs vary significantly: Support (45 diamonds), Gambler (55 diamonds), Chef (150 diamonds), and Big Game Hunter (600 diamonds). Plan your gem spending accordingly!

Q: What happens if I miss the 30-minute update party?

A: While you’ll miss the exclusive party-only drops, the 2x gem bonus continues for the entire week, so you’ll still benefit from the main event features.

Q: Can I use the 2x gem bonus to buy the new classes?

A: Absolutely! The doubled gems from chests and milestones can be used to purchase any of the new classes, making this the perfect time to unlock them.

Q: How does the new Talents System work exactly?

A: The Talents System allows you to spend gems on permanent upgrades for your classes. These improvements carry across all games and provide long-term power progression.

Q: Are there any special requirements to unlock the new classes?

A: Beyond the diamond cost, each class has specific progression requirements that must be met to unlock their full potential. Check the class details above for specific requirements.

Q: Will there be another 2x gem event soon?

A: While nothing is confirmed, these major bonus events typically happen every 2-3 months. Make the most of this one, as it might be a while before the next!

Q: Can I combine multiple new classes in one team?

A: Yes! In fact, some of the most powerful team compositions involve multiple new classes. Try Support + Big Game Hunter for an incredible frontline presence.

Q: What’s the best way to farm gems during the 2x weekend?

A: Focus on chest runs and try to hit both day 50 and day 100 milestones during the event period. The update party also provides excellent gem-earning opportunities.

Final Thoughts: Why This Update Matters

The 99 Nights in the Forest: New Classes & 2x Gem Update represents one of the most significant content drops in the game’s history. As someone who’s been playing since launch, I can confidently say this update transforms the game in meaningful ways:

Gameplay Evolution:

• The new classes add unprecedented depth and variety
• The Talents System introduces meaningful long-term progression
• The 2x gem event provides perfect timing for class investment

Community Impact:

• New team compositions and strategies are emerging daily
• The meta is evolving in exciting ways
• Players are discovering new synergies and combinations

Personal Experience: After spending dozens of hours with this update, I’m more excited about 99 Nights in the Forest than ever before. The new classes each offer unique playstyles that cater to different preferences, and the Talents System gives me long-term goals to work toward.

My Recommendation: Don’t just dip your toes in this update – dive in headfirst! The 2x gem weekend provides the perfect opportunity to experiment with new classes and invest in the Talents System. Even if you’re a casual player, this event offers enough value to make it worth your time.

Looking Forward: This update sets the stage for an exciting future for 99 Nights in the Forest. The introduction of the Talents System suggests that long-term character progression will become increasingly important, and the new classes open up countless possibilities for future content and updates.

Remember to save this guide and check back regularly for updates as we discover more about the new classes, talents, and strategies. The forest is full of secrets, and with this new update, there’s never been a better time to explore them!

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Looking for more 99 Nights in the Forest content? Check out our comprehensive 99 Nights in the Forest: Complete 2025 Guide, grab some free diamonds with our 99 Nights Diamond Codes, master crafting with our 99 Nights Forest Crafting Recipes Guide, or learn about the Next 99 Nights in the Forest Update. For more survival gaming content, explore our Best Space Survival Games and Challenging Open-World Games guides!