How to Solve the Ori and the Will of the Wisps Bell Puzzle

The world of Ori and the Will of the Wisps is filled with secrets, hidden paths, and environmental challenges that reward the observant player. One of the most frequently encountered early-game obstacles is the ori and the will of the wisps bell puzzle located in the southern region of Inkwater Marsh. While the game provides subtle hints on how to proceed, many players find themselves stuck, unable to decipher the musical notation required to unlock the path forward.

If you are struggling to gain access to the mysterious Midnight Burrows or are looking for that elusive 25% damage increase, you are in the right place. In this guide, we will break down exactly how to approach the ori and the will of the wisps bell puzzle, providing step-by-step solutions for both the main entrance and the hidden reward area.

Understanding the Bell Puzzle Mechanics

Before you start haphazardly hitting bells, it is important to understand the logic behind the ori and the will of the wisps bell puzzle. The game rewards players who pay attention to their surroundings. When you arrive at the location, you will notice a series of stone columns behind the NPC Tokk.

These columns are not merely decorative; they act as a map of the solution. The columns vary in height—tall, medium, and short—which correspond directly to the three flower bells you see on the right side of the screen.

• Tall Columns: Correspond to the Left Bell.
• Short Columns: Correspond to the Center Bell.
• Medium Columns: Correspond to the Right Bell.

By reading the columns from left to right, you can decipher the sequence needed to open the doors. However, simply knowing the order isn't enough; you must execute the "Bash" ability with precision to strike the bells in the correct rhythm. If you are playing the game for the first time, you can find more information on the official Ori and the Will of the Wisps Steam store page.

Locating the Bell Puzzle in Inkwater Marsh

The puzzle is situated in the southern part of the Inkwater Marsh, a lush, vibrant area that serves as one of the game's early hubs. You will likely encounter this area while completing early quests for Tokk, a recurring character who often provides lore and hints about the surrounding environment.

Tokk will be standing near the puzzle, acting as a subtle guide. He will mention that he is looking for a lost stone tablet and that he cannot decipher the music notation required to open the path. The ori and the will of the wisps bell puzzle is right behind him, characterized by a jump pad and three distinct flower-shaped bells hanging from the ceiling.

Solving the Midnight Burrows Access Puzzle

The primary objective of this puzzle is to open the gate that leads into the Midnight Burrows. According to community reports and player experiences, the sequence for this specific gate is derived from reading the stone columns from left to right.

To perform the action, you must use your Bash ability. Jump onto the launch pad and air-dash toward the bells. As you approach a bell, use Bash to push yourself away from it—this action causes Ori to strike the bell, creating a chime.

Sequence to Open the Midnight Burrows

Use the following table to keep track of your inputs while in the air.

Once you execute this sequence correctly, the path to the Midnight Burrows will open. If you mess up, don't worry; the puzzle resets, and you can simply try again.

Accessing the Ancestral Tree (25% Damage Increase)

Getting into the Midnight Burrows is only half the battle. Many players miss the fact that this specific ori and the will of the wisps bell puzzle can be solved in reverse to unlock a second, highly valuable reward: the Ancestral Tree.

This tree provides a flat 25% damage increase, which is a massive boon for early-game combat, especially if you find yourself struggling to take down enemies quickly. To unlock the right side of the room where this buff is located, you need to play the bells in the opposite direction (effectively reading the columns from right to left).

Sequence to Unlock the Ancestral Tree

Follow this sequence carefully to claim your damage buff:

After completing this second sequence, the right side of the room will open, granting you access to the Ancestral Tree. This is a perfect example of how the game rewards exploration and experimentation. Even if you aren't a completionist, the damage buff is well worth the few minutes it takes to solve the puzzle.

Mastering the Bash Ability

The most common point of failure for players attempting the ori and the will of the wisps bell puzzle is not the sequence itself, but the execution of the Bash ability. Bash is one of the most versatile tools in Ori's arsenal, and mastering it is essential for both traversal and combat.

Tip

Bash Technique When you Bash a bell, Ori moves in the opposite direction of your input. To hit a bell, you need to aim your cursor (or stick) away from the bell. This can feel counterintuitive at first. Practice by jumping on the launch pad and bashing off projectiles or lamps before tackling the bells to get a feel for the trajectory.

If you find yourself missing the bells, try to pause between each bash. You do not need to hit them all in one fluid motion; you have enough time to land, reset your position on the jump pad, and then hit the next bell in the sequence.

Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting

Even with the correct sequence, players sometimes run into issues. Below are a few common problems reported by the community regarding the ori and the will of the wisps bell puzzle.

• Wrong Sequence: If you hit a bell out of order, the sequence does not "lock" you out, but it does reset the puzzle. You will hear a discordant sound if you hit the wrong bell. Simply wait for the bells to stop moving and start over.
• Missing the Bash: If you are playing on a controller, ensure your thumbstick input is precise. A common error is drifting slightly, which causes Ori to bash into thin air rather than the bell.
• Visual Confusion: Ensure you are looking at the bells and not the vines. As noted by many guides, the length of the bell itself is the indicator, not the length of the vine it hangs from.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the reward for solving the Ori and the Will of the Wisps bell puzzle?

Solving the puzzle grants access to two areas. The first sequence opens the path to the Midnight Burrows. The second sequence (the reverse order) unlocks a hidden area containing an Ancestral Tree, which provides a permanent 25% damage increase.

Do I need a specific ability to solve the bell puzzle?

Yes, you need the "Bash" ability. This ability allows you to use enemies, projectiles, and certain environmental objects—like the flower bells—as launch points. You will unlock this ability naturally as you progress through the early stages of the game in Inkwater Marsh.

Is the bell puzzle mandatory to complete the game?

Accessing the Midnight Burrows is optional, but highly recommended. The 25% damage buff obtained from the Ancestral Tree is extremely helpful for combat encounters, especially for players who find early-game enemies difficult to manage.

Why does my character keep flying in the wrong direction?

In Ori and the Will of the Wisps, the Bash ability pushes you in the opposite direction of your input. If you want to hit a bell on your right, you must aim your Bash to the left. If you are struggling with the ori and the will of the wisps bell puzzle, take a moment to practice aiming your Bash on stationary objects before attempting the sequence.

By following these steps, you should have no trouble unlocking both the Midnight Burrows and the damage-boosting Ancestral Tree. Remember that the game is designed to be explored; don't be afraid to take your time and enjoy the atmosphere of Inkwater Marsh while you solve these intricate environmental riddles. Happy gaming!