Ori and the Will of the Wisps Burrow Ability Location Guide
Learn the exact Ori and the Will of the Wisps burrow ability location and how to master sand movement to unlock hidden treasures in the Windswept Wastes.
Published: Ori and the Will of the Wisps Wiki Editorial Team
Video Guide
Ori And The Will Of The Wisps | Burrow Through Sand - Ep 14Table of Contents
Navigating the vast, shifting dunes of the Windswept Wastes can be a daunting task, but mastering the right movement skills makes all the difference. Many players find themselves stuck searching for the Ori and the Will of the Wisps burrow ability location, which is essential for progressing through the game's challenging sandy environments. Unlocking this power not only opens up new paths but also allows you to reach hidden areas that were previously inaccessible.
Understanding where to find this ability is crucial for any player looking to complete their map and upgrade their mobility. By following this guide, you will learn exactly where to go, how to acquire the Burrow ability, and how to utilize it to uncover secrets throughout the game.
Exploring the Windswept Wastes for the Burrow Ability
The journey to find the Ori and the Will of the Wisps burrow ability location begins deep within the Windswept Wastes. Unlike other upgrades that might be hidden behind complex puzzles, this ability is found at a Spirit Tree located in the northwestern section of the region. As you traverse the area, you will encounter a Gorlek Miner who expresses distress over the lack of water—this is a key indicator that you are heading in the right direction.
Region
Milestone
Status
Windswept Wastes
Locate Gorlek Miner
Reachable
Windswept Wastes
Spirit Tree Access
Requires navigation
Windswept Wastes
Burrow Ability
Unlocked
To reach the location, focus on navigating the elevated platforms and avoiding the hazards unique to this sandy biome. According to official game information on Steam, this area is designed to test your platforming precision. Players often mistake the southwest path for the main route; however, you must head northwest to find the specific Spirit Tree that grants the power to traverse sand.
How to Effectively Use the Burrow Ability
Once you have secured the ability from the Spirit Tree, the game changes significantly. Burrowing allows Ori to press the RB button to dive into sandy surfaces, effectively using them as a medium for rapid traversal. This isn't just for movement; it is a tactical tool. You can perform a "Burrow Dash" by pressing the button again while inside the sand, which launches you outward with significant momentum.
Tip
Mastering Burrow Momentum
If you are struggling to reach a high ledge, try burrowing into the sand near the edge and timing your dash exit to catapult Ori upwards. This technique is essential for clearing gaps and reaching high-value collectibles.
Advanced Mechanics Table
Action
Input Command
Primary Use
Initiate Burrow
RB Button
Entering sand patches
Burrow Dash
RB (Inside Sand)
Gaining momentum/Jumping
Surface Egress
Jump/Directional
Exiting the sand
Community reports suggest that players often forget they can use this ability to bypass hazards entirely. If a section is filled with spikes or dangerous creatures, simply diving into the sand provides a safe passage. Always look for the distinct visual markers—circular sand sacks or loose piles—that indicate where you can perform a dash.
Solving Related Puzzles: The Midnight Burrows
After mastering the Burrow ability, you may want to investigate the Midnight Burrows, an optional area that rewards players with significant combat buffs. Getting into this area involves a musical bell puzzle that requires precise timing. Community members emphasize that the stone formation near the entrance provides the clue for the sequence: Left, Center, Right, Right, Left, Center, Left.
Bell Position
Stone Size/Clue
Timing Order
Left Bell
Tall Stone
1st, 5th, 7th
Center Bell
Small Stone
2nd, 6th
Right Bell
Medium Stone
3rd, 4th
Using the Bash ability, you can ring these bells in quick succession to open the gate. This puzzle is a prime example of how the game encourages players to apply their movement skills in creative ways. Successfully completing this will grant you access to a spirit upgrade, increasing your overall damage output by 25%.
Managing Spirit Shards and Combat Strategy
Finding the Burrow ability is only half the battle. To truly excel, you must pair your new movement capabilities with the right Spirit Shards. In the Windswept Wastes, you might stumble upon the "Last Stand" shard, which is incredibly useful when your health is low.
Last Stand: Increases damage by 20% when Ori’s health is below 15%.
Turmoil: Makes enemies respawn faster—great for farming spirit light if you are skilled in combat.
Common mistakes include neglecting to swap out your shards based on the challenge at hand. If you are exploring, prioritize mobility shards; if you are tackling a boss or a difficult room, switch to combat-focused shards. Always check your loadout at a Spirit Well before proceeding into unknown territory.
FAQ: Mastering Burrow and Wastes Exploration
Q: Where exactly is the Ori and the Will of the Wisps burrow ability location?
A: You can find it at a Spirit Tree in the northwestern part of the Windswept Wastes. It is located near a Gorlek Miner who is asking for water.
Q: Do I need the Burrow ability to complete the game?
A: Yes, Burrow is a core movement ability required to progress through the Windswept Wastes and reach the later stages like the Windtorn Ruins.
Q: How do I dash while burrowing?
A: Simply press the RB button again while you are already submerged in the sand to perform a powerful Burrow Dash that launches Ori forward.
Q: Are there any specific collectibles I should grab while in the Wastes?
A: Yes, be sure to keep an eye out for Gorlek Ore, Life Cell Fragments, and Energy Cell Fragments. These are scattered throughout the sand and are easily missed if you don't fully explore the subsurface areas.
By following these steps and keeping your movement sharp, you will easily navigate the challenges of the Windswept Wastes. Remember, the key to success in this game is not just raw skill, but the intelligent application of the abilities you unlock along the way.