Ori and the Will of the Wisps: How to Break Purple Walls Guide

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Navigating the breathtaking, yet treacherous, world of Niwen can be a daunting task, especially when you encounter obstacles that seem impervious to your standard attacks. Many players find themselves frequently asking, "Ori and the Will of the Wisps how to break purple walls?" These glowing barriers often guard secret paths or essential progression routes, and understanding the mechanics behind them is key to mastering the game's exploration.

In this guide, we will break down the specific ability required to shatter these obstacles and provide you with actionable strategies to overcome them. Whether you are a newcomer to the Ori series or a returning veteran, this essential mechanic will help you unlock the full potential of your movement and combat capabilities.

Understanding the Purple Wall Obstacle

The purple walls in Ori and the Will of the Wisps are unique environmental hazards. Unlike breakable wooden crates or loose stone piles that shatter under a standard sword strike, these purple barriers require a more creative approach involving the environment around you.

According to official game information on Steam, the game relies heavily on physics-based puzzles and ability-gated progression. These walls are not merely visual clutter; they are designed to teach players how to manipulate enemy projectiles, a core mechanic that will serve you throughout the entire game.

Why You Can't Break Them Initially

Many players assume their standard light-based weapons or dashes should eventually crack these walls. However, the game intentionally gates this interaction until you have unlocked a specific movement-based ability. Trying to force your way through without the correct skill will only lead to frustration.

Obstacle Type	Interaction Method	Required Ability
Wooden Crates	Basic Attack	None
Purple Walls	Redirect Projectiles	Bash (or similar)
Large Stone Blocks	Heavy Attack	Hammer/Smash

The Key to Success: Mastering Projectile Redirection

To break through these purple glowing rock walls, players must utilize the ability that allows Ori to slow down time and redirect incoming projectiles. This technique is often referred to as "Bash" in the community.

When you encounter an enemy firing projectiles near a purple wall, you must trigger this ability to grab the projectile in mid-air. Instead of simply dodging, you are effectively turning the enemy's own weapon against the environment.

Step-by-Step Execution

Identify the Source: Locate the enemy or environmental hazard that is firing the projectiles.
Time Your Input: Wait for the projectile to enter your immediate vicinity.
Engage the Ability: Use the Bash input to freeze the projectile and aim your movement indicator away from the wall.
Release: Once you aim the arrow in the opposite direction of the barrier, Ori will launch away, and the projectile will be propelled directly into the purple wall, shattering it instantly.

Tip

Pro Positioning Always look for the "spitting" enemies nearby. If you don't see one, the wall is likely not intended to be broken yet, or you need to lure an enemy from a different platform.

Community Insights and Common Pitfalls

Through various general discussions on Steam, players have shared their experiences with these specific barriers. A common point of confusion is believing that the wall has a "health bar" that needs to be depleted.

In reality, these walls function on a binary state: they are either intact or destroyed by a specific interaction. If you are struggling to land the shot, consider these common mistakes:

Common Mistake	Consequence	How to Fix
Aiming at the wall	You hit the wall instead of the projectile	Aim away from the wall to launch the projectile
Rushing the timing	You take damage from the projectile	Slow down and wait for the projectile to enter the Bash range
Ignoring the enemy	You run out of projectiles	Stay near the source and kite the enemy

Advanced Environmental Manipulation

Once you have mastered how to break purple walls, you will notice that this mechanic is the foundation for much of the game’s late-game platforming. The ability to redirect projectiles isn't just for breaking walls; it is essential for reaching high-altitude platforms and bypassing dangerous spikes.

Experienced players often treat these walls as "practice rooms." By the time you reach the more complex areas of the map, such as the Watermill or the Windswept Wastes, you will need to chain these redirections to navigate safely.

Why This Mechanic Matters

The brilliance of Moon Studios' level design lies in how they teach you a mechanic in a safe environment (breaking a wall) and then evolve it into a high-stakes traversal challenge. If you find yourself stuck, remember that Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a Metroidvania; if an obstacle feels impossible, you likely haven't found the required upgrade yet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I break purple walls with my basic sword attack?

No, standard attacks do not affect purple walls. You must use the Bash ability to redirect enemy projectiles into the barriers to destroy them.

What if there are no enemies near the purple wall?

If no enemies are present, you may need to look for a nearby projectile-spitting plant or lure an enemy from a different section of the map. If you truly cannot find a source, you might need to return to that area later with more traversal abilities.

Is there a specific order to break these walls?

Generally, no. However, since these walls often guard optional collectibles or shortcuts, you can tackle them whenever you feel confident in your projectile redirection timing.

Are purple walls the same as breakable rocks?

No. Breakable rocks (often gray or brown) can usually be smashed with a heavy attack or a specific ability like the Hammer. Purple walls are exclusively tied to the projectile redirection mechanic.