The world of Niwen is filled with hidden nooks and challenging puzzles that reward curiosity with significant power upgrades. One of the most sought-after secrets in the early-to-mid game is the optional area located in the Inkwater Marsh. Many players find themselves stuck when trying to figure out the Ori and the Will of the Wisps into the burrows sequence, a musical puzzle that stands as a gatekeeper to a powerful passive ability.
Whether you are a newcomer to the Metroidvania genre or a returning fan of the series, navigating these secret areas is essential for maximizing your combat efficiency. In this guide, we will break down the exact steps required to access the Midnight Burrows, navigate its treacherous interior, and secure the substantial 25% damage boost that awaits at the end. By understanding the mechanics behind the bell puzzle and the platforming challenges within, you will be well-equipped to master this optional zone.
Unlocking the Secrets of Inkwater Marsh
The Inkwater Marsh serves as the starting point for your journey, but it hides more than just the basics of survival. The Midnight Burrows is a completely optional side area that many players overlook during their first playthrough. However, the incentive to venture into this subterranean network is high. Completing the challenges found within grants you a passive skill that increases your damage output by 25%. For those playing on harder difficulties, this upgrade is invaluable.
When you first arrive at the entrance, you will encounter an NPC named Tokk. He is a recurring character who often provides cryptic hints about the history of the land. Tokk will mention that he is looking for a lost stone tablet within the Burrows, but he cannot figure out how to read the musical notation required to open the way. This is your primary clue. The stones placed behind Tokk are not decorative; they are the key to the entire puzzle.
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Step-by-Step: Solving the Midnight Burrows Bell Puzzle
The bell puzzle is the first major hurdle when attempting to enter the Midnight Burrows. The game requires you to interpret visual cues to perform a sequence. According to community reports, the most common mistake players make is misinterpreting the relationship between the stone heights and the flower bells.
The stones behind Tokk correspond to the three flower bells located to the right of the entrance. It is important to note that the size of the stone correlates to the size of the bell, not the length of the vine.
Bell Puzzle Logic Breakdown
| Stone Size | Corresponding Bell |
|---|---|
| Tall Stone | Left Bell |
| Short Stone | Center Bell |
| Medium Stone | Right Bell |
To open the entrance, you must strike the bells in a specific sequence using your Bash ability. You can perform this by hopping on the jump pad and dashing toward the bells.
Correct Sequence to Open the Burrows
To unlock the path, strike the bells in the following order:
- Left
- Center
- Right
- Right
- Left
- Center
- Left
Once you complete this sequence correctly, the roots blocking the path will retract, allowing you to descend into the Midnight Burrows. If you fail to trigger the opening, simply reset your position and try again. It is a rhythmic challenge, so timing is key.
Tip
Mastering the Bash Ability The Bash ability is your best friend in this puzzle and the interior of the Burrows. It allows you to launch Ori in the opposite direction of a projectile or a lantern. Use the jump pad to gain height, then use Bash on the flower bells to strike them quickly. If you struggle with the timing, try to center your camera on the bells to ensure you are hitting the correct one every time.
Navigating the Depths: Tips for the Midnight Burrows
Once you have successfully entered the area, the gameplay shifts from a puzzle-solving experience to an intense platforming gauntlet. The Midnight Burrows is characterized by its reliance on portals and precise movement. You will need to utilize the Bash ability constantly to traverse gaps and avoid hazards.
As you explore, keep an eye out for the Spirit Well on the left side of the entrance. Activating this is crucial, as it serves as your checkpoint. If you make a mistake and perish during the difficult platforming sections, you will respawn at this well rather than the entrance.
Essential Navigation Strategies
- Utilize Portals: The Burrows are filled with interconnected portals. Some portals will launch you with momentum, while others are static. Always look for the faint dotted lines on your map—these indicate which portals are linked.
- The Keystone Hunt: To progress, you must collect Keystones to open a locked door. These are scattered throughout the cavern.
- Lever Management: There are timed wooden doors in the area. You will need to hit a lever and then use your mobility skills (like Light Burst and Bash) to reach the door before it closes.
- Map Completion: If you find yourself lost, look for Lupo. He is located within the Burrows and sells a map of the area. Purchasing this map is highly recommended, as it clarifies the complex portal layout.
The Final Reward: Claiming Your Damage Boost
The primary reason players undergo the trouble of navigating the Midnight Burrows is the passive skill reward. After you collect the Keystones and navigate the portals, you will eventually reach a Spirit Tree. However, getting the reward requires one final step: completing Tokk’s quest.
Inside the Burrows, you will find the "Curious Tablet" that Tokk was looking for. Once you retrieve this item and return to the entrance to speak with Tokk, you will be rewarded. More importantly, the area will reveal the final piece of the puzzle regarding the Spirit Tree.
Some players have reported that there is a "reverse" sequence for the bells that can be played even without the tablet, but it is safer and more reliable to simply complete the challenge as intended. Once you have the tablet and have spoken to Tokk, you can absorb the energy from the Spirit Tree to the right of the entrance. This grants you the 25% damage boost, which acts as a permanent buff to your combat capabilities.
Essential Combat and Movement Techniques
In Ori and the Will of the Wisps, your movement is your defense. The Midnight Burrows provides a perfect training ground for mastering these mechanics. If you are struggling with the platforming sections, focus on these core techniques:
| Technique | Application in Burrows |
|---|---|
| Bash | Used to navigate portals, hit bells, and launch off enemies. |
| Double/Triple Jump | Essential for reaching high platforms that are otherwise inaccessible. |
| Light Burst | Used to trigger switches and reach high-up portals. |
| Air Dash | Crucial for closing gaps between moving platforms. |
Players often find that they are attempting the Burrows too early. While it is possible to do this area once you have the Bash ability, having the Double Jump and Triple Jump upgrades makes the platforming significantly more forgiving. If you find yourself repeatedly failing the jumps, consider exploring other areas of the map to gather more Spirit Shards and ability upgrades before returning.
Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting
Even with a guide, the Midnight Burrows can be a source of frustration. Here are some common issues players encounter and how to solve them:
- "I hit the bells, but nothing happened." Double-check your order. It is easy to accidentally hit a bell twice or skip one if you are moving too fast. Slow down and ensure each strike registers.
- "I can't reach the high portals." You likely need more movement upgrades. If you have not unlocked Triple Jump, consider coming back later when you have more mobility.
- "I can't find the last Keystone." Explore the portals thoroughly. Some portals are hidden behind breakable walls or require you to use Bash on projectiles to reach them. If you buy the map from Lupo, the Keystone locations will be marked on your HUD.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need any specific abilities to enter the Midnight Burrows? Yes, you absolutely need the Bash ability. Without it, you cannot strike the flower bells to open the entrance. It is also highly recommended to have the Double Jump and Triple Jump upgrades to make the platforming sections inside the Burrows much easier to manage.
2. What is the exact bell sequence for the entrance? The correct sequence is: Left, Center, Right, Right, Left, Center, Left. Ensure you are hitting the bells in this order to retract the roots blocking the path. If you make a mistake, simply reset and start the sequence again.
3. Is there a penalty for failing the Midnight Burrows puzzle? No, there is no penalty. You can attempt the bell puzzle as many times as you need. It is a safe environment, so feel free to practice your timing until you get it right.
4. How does the 25% damage boost work? Once you complete the challenge and interact with the Spirit Tree at the end of the Burrows, the 25% damage boost is applied to your character permanently. It is a passive bonus that helps you deal more damage to all enemies, which is particularly useful for boss fights in the later stages of the game.
By following this guide, you should be able to navigate the secrets of the Midnight Burrows with ease. Remember, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a game that rewards patience and experimentation. If a puzzle seems difficult, take a step back, observe the environment, and trust in the abilities you have unlocked. Good luck, and may your journey through Niwen be successful!