How To Get Fake Santa Boss 99 Nights in the Forest (January 2026) Full Guide

Updated by Sunny Kaushik
December 30, 2025
Gaming

Are you ready to take down the most festive villain in Roblox’s survival horror sensation? The Fake Santa boss in 99 Nights in the Forest has taken over the North Pole Workshop, and it’s up to you to restore Christmas and claim some epic rewards! As someone who has spent countless hours mastering this encounter, I’m here to walk you through every strategy, tip, and trick you need to defeat Imposter Santa with ease.

Whether you’re struggling with the pre-fight setup or looking to optimize your boss battle strategy, this comprehensive guide has you covered. I’ve gathered information from the latest patch notes, tested multiple approaches, and compiled everything you need to know about this seasonal boss that arrived in the Christmas Week 3 update on December 27, 2025.

Quick Reference: Fake Santa Boss Overview

Aspect	Details	Requirements
Boss Location	Santa’s Workshop, North Pole Biome	Campfire Level 4
Health	Similar to Bear	N/A
Main Attack	Wrench melee attack	N/A
Special Mechanic	Deploys Candy Turrets	Destroy turrets first
Best Weapons	Laser Cannon, Raygun, Rifle	Ranged weapons preferred
Required Tools	Ladder (15 coins), Shovel (20 coins)	35 total Mossy Coins
Pre-fight Tasks	Light 12 Christmas Trees	12 Christmas Light Balls

Who Is Fake Santa in 99 Nights in the Forest?

Fake Santa, also known as Imposter Santa or Evil Santa, is the final boss of the Christmas Week 3 update that transformed the North Pole biome into a hostile territory. According to the official lore, this malicious entity has hijacked Santa’s Workshop, stopped present production, and taken the elves hostage. Unlike typical boss fights in 99 Nights in the Forest, this encounter requires significant preparation and biome management before you can even damage the boss.

The Fake Santa boss represents the culmination of the entire Christmas event storyline, making him more than just another enemy to defeat. He’s a gatekeeper to some of the best seasonal rewards, including the unique Peppermint Pelter weapon and access to the Present Machine that generates free loot.

Step-by-Step: How to Unlock the Fake Santa Boss Fight?

Before you can face Imposter Santa, you need to complete several crucial prerequisites. Many players get stuck here, but I’ll break down each step to ensure you’re fully prepared.

1. Upgrade Your Campfire to Maximum Level

The first and most critical requirement is upgrading your campfire to level 4, the maximum level needed to unlock access to the North Pole biome. This requires:

Logs: Gathered from chopping trees throughout the forest
Fuel drops: Obtained from defeating enemies and exploring containers
Multiple upgrade cycles: You’ll need to expand the fire several times

Pro Tip: Focus on collecting fuel early in your gameplay session. The biome won’t unlock fully if your fire level is insufficient, so prioritize this upgrade before heading to the North Pole.

2. Collect and Place 12 Christmas Light Balls

This is often the most time-consuming step and where many players get frustrated. Here’s exactly what you need to do:

How to Get Christmas Light Balls:

Chop down trees decorated with festive lights and ornaments
Defeat wolves and other enemies that have lights tangled around them
Explore containers and buildings in the forest

Placement Strategy:

Find the 12 lush green pine trees in the North Pole biome (avoid snow-covered ones)
Approach each tree and hold the ‘E’ key to decorate it
Some trees won’t activate until your campfire is expanded further
Each decorated tree rewards you with 3 Candy Canes

Important Note: The Christmas Light Balls drop randomly, so be patient. I recommend stocking up on at least 15-20 lights to account for any mishaps or missed placements.

3. Purchase Essential Tools from the Christmas Sack

The Christmas Sack, located near your campfire, contains crucial tools needed to navigate the workshop defenses:

Tool	Cost	Discounted Cost	Purpose
Ladder	15 Mossy Coins	10 coins	Access elevated turrets
Shovel	20 Mossy Coins	15 coins	Remove snow barriers
Ice Skates	20 Mossy Coins	15 coins	Save elves on ice
Sled	25 Mossy Coins	20 coins	Faster snow travel

Critical Tools for Boss Fight: You absolutely need the Ladder and Shovel (35 coins total) to access all areas of Santa’s Workshop where the turrets are hidden.

Mossy Coins Strategy: These special currency items can be found as loot on the ground, in buildings, and from defeated enemies. I recommend farming cultists and exploring thoroughly to gather enough coins before attempting the boss fight.

Best Classes and Weapons for Fake Santa Fight

Choosing the right class and weapons can make the difference between a smooth victory and a frustrating defeat. Based on extensive testing, here are my top recommendations:

Top Class Choices

Cyborg Class: My personal favorite for this fight. Offers high survivability with excellent ranged laser damage. The turrets are more dangerous than Fake Santa himself, so survivability matters more than burst damage.
Santa’s Helper Class: If you have 30 Candy Canes to spare, this limited-time class provides extra Candy Canes and makes farming easier for future attempts.
Engineer Class: While not directly useful for the boss fight, if you have this class maxed upgraded, your turrets start with more ammo and shoot faster, which can be helpful for overall progression.

Weapon Tier List for Fake Santa

Tier	Weapon	Why It’s Good
S-Tier	Laser Cannon	High damage, infinite ammo, perfect range
S-Tier	Raygun	Infinite ammo, good damage output
A-Tier	Rifle	Reliable damage, can reload turrets
A-Tier	Tactical Shotgun	High close-range damage
B-Tier	Morningstar	Good melee option if you get cornered

Pro Strategy: Focus on ranged weapons. Fake Santa uses a wrench for melee attacks, so maintaining distance gives you a significant advantage. The turrets also have limited firing arcs, making ranged attacks ideal for safely destroying them.

Complete Workshop Turret Destruction Guide

Before Fake Santa appears, you must clear three Candy Turrets defending the workshop. Each turret requires specific tools and strategies to destroy safely.

Turret #1: Entrance Turret

Location: Near the workshop entrance
Access Requirement: Ladder needed to reach elevated position
Strategy: Approach from behind to avoid its fixed forward firing arc
Reward: 2 Candy Canes upon destruction

Turret #2: Doorway Turret

Location: Mounted under a doorway deeper inside the building
Access Requirement: Can be reached without special tools
Strategy: Use cover and approach from the side
Reward: 2 Candy Canes upon destruction

Turret #3: Underground Turret

Location: Hidden underground in a snow-covered section
Access Requirement: Shovel required to access the basement area
Strategy: Use the shovel to dig down, then approach from behind
Reward: 2 Candy Canes upon destruction

Combat Tips:

Each turret fires in a fixed forward arc and cannot rotate fully
The best approach is always from behind
Turrets deal heavy damage if ignored, so destroy them quickly
You can use a Riot Shield to reduce damage from turret bullets if needed

Fake Santa Boss Battle Strategy

Once all three turrets are destroyed, Fake Santa appears as the final boss. Here’s my proven strategy for defeating him efficiently.

Boss Mechanics to Understand

Health: Similar to a standard bear
Main Attack: Uses a wrench for melee damage
Special Ability: May occasionally deploy additional turrets during the fight
Movement: Moves around frequently but deals low direct damage
Primary Threat: The turrets he summons are more dangerous than his direct attacks

Step-by-Step Battle Strategy

Positioning: Start the fight with good distance between you and Fake Santa. He’s next to the gift-wrapping conveyor belt in the workshop.
Target Priority: If Fake Santa deploys additional turrets during the fight, destroy these first before focusing on the boss.
Movement: Keep moving and don’t tunnel vision the boss. Use the workshop terrain to break line of sight when needed.
Attack Pattern: Use ranged weapons consistently. The fight is essentially a damage race, so maintain steady DPS.
Terrain Usage: Use ladders and workshop structures to break line of sight and avoid turret fire.

Common Mistakes to Avoid In 2026

Getting Too Close: Fake Santa’s wrench attack can be deadly if you let him corner you
Ignoring Turrets: Always prioritize newly spawned turrets over damaging the boss
Poor Positioning: Don’t get caught in narrow areas where you can’t dodge effectively
Insufficient Ammo: Bring plenty of ammo or use weapons with infinite ammo

Fake Santa Rewards: Is It Worth the Effort?

After defeating Fake Santa, you unlock some of the best seasonal rewards in the game. Here’s exactly what you get:

Primary Reward: Peppermint Pelter

This unique weapon is the main attraction for many players:

Weapon Type: Ranged projectile weapon
Damage: Fires curved peppermint projectiles with decent damage
Special Feature: Slow reload time but unique visual effects
Utility: Better for fun and collection than high-level combat
Ammo: Uses special peppermint projectiles

My Assessment: While not meta-changing for endgame content, the Peppermint Pelter is a fantastic collector’s item and decent for mid-game progression.

Present Machine Activation

Defeating Fake Santa immediately reactivates the workshop and starts the Present Machine, which spawns three presents:

Regular Presents: Contain a mix of Candy Canes and high-tier loot
Golden Present Box: Always included, guarantees 5 extra Candy Canes plus rare items
Possible Loot: Weapons, survival gear, Bandages, Revolver/Rifle Ammo, Fuel Canisters

Additional Rewards

Candy Canes: Earned from destroying turrets (2 each) and opening presents
Workshop Access: Permanent access to the Present Machine for future loot
Elf Shop Unlocks: New items become available for purchase with Candy Canes

Complete Christmas Shop Guide

After defeating Fake Santa, you’ll have access to an expanded Christmas Shop with exclusive items. Here’s the complete list with my recommendations:

Must-Buy Items

Item	Cost	Value	Recommendation
Gem Pack	100 Candy	10 Diamonds	Excellent value
Santa’s Seat	200 Candy	Unique furniture	For collectors
Christmas Tree	300 Candy	Furniture	Great for base building
North Pole Snowglobe	300 Candy	Decorative item	Nice addition

Utility Items

Item	Cost	Use	Recommendation
Elf Scanner	30 Candy	Shows elf locations	Essential for farming
Present Machine	50 Candy	Generates presents	Great passive income
Christmas Decor	10 Candy	Crafting skins	Nice customization

Event Flames (Not Usable During Week 3)

Halloween Carnival Flame (20 Candy): Guarantees Halloween event
Alien Flame (20 Candy): Guarantees alien invasion event
Frog Flame (10 Candy): Guarantees frog invasion event
Meteor Flame (10 Candy): Guarantees meteor shower event

Pet Skins

Christmas Bear (350 Candy): Changes tamed bear appearance
Christmas Wolf (350 Candy): Wolf skin variant
Christmas Fox (150 Candy): Fox skin variant
Rudolph Alpha Wolf (350 Candy): Special alpha wolf skin

Advanced Tips and Pro Strategies

Based on my extensive experience with this boss fight, here are some advanced strategies that most guides miss:

Farming Strategy

Elf Scanner Investment: Buy the Elf Scanner first (30 Candy Canes). It shows all elf locations on the map, including unexplored areas, saving tremendous time.
Group Elf Saving: Elves typically spawn in pairs of 2-3. Plan your route to save multiple elves efficiently.
Tool Management: Keep extra ladders on hand as they’re one-time use items. Shovels and ice skates can be reused.

Combat Optimization

Riot Shield Usage: If you have access to a Riot Shield, use it to reduce damage from turret bullets while repositioning.
Terrain Exploitation: Use workshop structures to break line of sight with turrets. Many players forget this crucial tactic.
Ammo Management: Bring weapons with infinite ammo (Raygun, Laser Cannon) or carry plenty of ammo for conventional weapons.

Resource Management

Mossy Coin Farming: Focus on cultist kills and thorough exploration to gather enough coins for tools.
Christmas Light Stockpiling: Collect more lights than you need (15-20) to account for mistakes or missed placements.
Fire Fuel Priority: Always maintain enough fuel for campfire upgrades before heading to the North Pole.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

“I Can’t Access the North Pole Biome”

Solution: Ensure your campfire is upgraded to level 4. The biome won’t unlock with lower fire levels.

“Christmas Trees Won’t Activate”

Solution: Some trees require a higher campfire level. Try expanding your fire further, then attempt to decorate the remaining trees.

“I Can’t Reach All Turrets”

Solution: Double-check that you have both the Ladder and Shovel. The underground turret specifically requires the Shovel to access.

“Fake Santa is Too Hard”

Solution: Focus on destroying turrets first, maintain distance, and use ranged weapons. The boss himself is easier than the pre-fight setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Fake Santa boss released?

The Fake Santa boss was released on December 27, 2025, at 6:30 pm UTC as part of the Christmas Week 3 update.

Can I fight Fake Santa solo?

Yes! Fake Santa can be defeated solo with proper preparation and the right strategy. In fact, many players find it easier to manage alone without coordination issues.

What happens to the Christmas content after the event?

According to official sources, the forest will revert back to normal after the Christmas event ends, so complete all objectives while you can.

Can I fight Fake Santa multiple times?

Yes, you can defeat Fake Santa multiple times, but the Present Machine has a cooldown period between present spawns.

Is the Peppermint Pelter worth getting?

While not meta-breaking, the Peppermint Pelter is a unique collector’s item with decent damage. It’s definitely worth obtaining for completionists and players who want variety in their weapon choices.

Do I need to defeat Fake Santa to get other Christmas rewards?

No, you can earn many Christmas rewards by saving elves and participating in other event activities, but Fake Santa provides the best rewards and unlocks the Present Machine.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

The Fake Santa boss fight in 99 Nights in the Forest represents one of the most well-designed seasonal encounters in Roblox survival games. While the preparation phase can be time-consuming, the actual boss fight is manageable and rewarding.

My Final Recommendations:

Prioritize Preparation: Spend more time on pre-fight setup than on the actual battle. Proper preparation makes the fight trivial.
Invest in the Right Tools: Don’t skip buying the Ladder and Shovel – they’re absolutely essential.
Choose Ranged Weapons: The fight design favors ranged combat, so plan accordingly.
Farm Efficiently: Use the Elf Scanner and plan your routes to maximize Candy Cane earnings.
Enjoy the Experience: This is a limited-time event, so take your time and enjoy the unique seasonal content.

The Fake Santa boss is more about exploration, resource management, and completing biome objectives than raw combat skill. If you know what to prepare—fire upgrades, Christmas Light Balls, and basic tools—you can clear the entire encounter smoothly and grab the Peppermint Pelter without frustration.

Remember, the Christmas event won’t last forever, so make sure to defeat Fake Santa and claim your rewards before the forest reverts to normal. Happy hunting, and may your Candy Cane collection be plentiful.