Ori and the Will of the Wisps Beginner Guide: Essential Tips
Master the game with this comprehensive Ori and the Will of the Wisps beginner guide. Learn essential survival tips, combat strategies, and exploration tricks.
Published: Ori and the Will of the Wisps Wiki Editorial Team
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Starter tips you should know - Ori and the Will of the WispsTable of Contents
Embarking on your journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Niwen can be as daunting as it is beautiful. If you are looking for the ultimate Ori and the Will of the Wisps beginner guide, you have come to the right place to sharpen your platforming skills and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Understanding the core mechanics early on is vital because the game’s difficulty spikes can catch unprepared players off guard. By mastering movement and resource management from the start, you will transform a potentially frustrating experience into a seamless adventure of discovery and triumph.
Mastering Movement and Exploration Fundamentals
Exploration is the heartbeat of this title. Unlike many other platformers, the world is densely packed with secrets that require you to think vertically and creatively. Do not rush through objectives; instead, treat every new area as a puzzle waiting to be solved.
Essential Traversal Techniques
Movement in the game evolves as you unlock ancestral trees. However, even with basic skills, you can perform advanced maneuvers. Players often overlook the fact that attacking at the apex of a jump provides a slight vertical boost, which can be the difference between reaching a ledge or falling into a hazard.
Ability
Purpose
Pro Tip
Double Jump
Basic aerial mobility
Combine with dash for distance
Bash
Momentum redirection
Use on projectiles to launch Ori
Grapple
Vertical scaling
Look for mossy surfaces to latch onto
Dash
Horizontal speed
Use mid-air to clear wide gaps
Community reports frequently emphasize that backtracking is not a chore but a design feature. If you see a path you cannot reach, mark it on your map and return once you have acquired new abilities.
Combat Strategies for New Players
Combat is more than just mashing buttons. You are equipped with a variety of spirit-based skills, and success depends on your ability to adapt to enemy patterns. As noted by experienced players, you do not need to hoard your Spirit Light; spending it on upgrades early will significantly smooth out your progression.
Managing Your Spirit Shards
Spirit Shards act as passive buffs that define your playstyle. You start with three slots, but you can expand this to six by completing Combat Shrines. These shrines are essentially wave-based tests that reward you with permanent inventory expansions.
Tip
Combat Shrines Priority
Always prioritize completing Combat Shrines as soon as you find them. The extra Shard Slot is arguably the most valuable upgrade in the game, allowing for more complex build combinations.
Resource Management: Spirit Light and Currency
Spirit Light is your primary currency, used to purchase shards, map updates, and abilities from NPCs like Twillen and Opher. While it might be tempting to save your currency for expensive items, early-game investments are highly recommended.
Where to Spend Your Resources
Item
Benefit
Why Buy Early?
Map Fragments
Reveals hidden areas
Prevents getting lost
Spirit Smash
Breaks floor obstacles
Required for progression
Water Breath
Allows infinite swimming
Essential for Luma Pools
Triple Jump
Improved mobility
Massive boost to platforming
According to official Steam store information, the game encourages experimentation. Do not be afraid to swap your assigned abilities frequently based on the specific challenge you are facing, whether it is a boss fight or a complex platforming sequence.
Advanced Tips for Survival
Survival is about more than just your health bar. Managing your energy is equally important, as energy is required for both healing and powerful combat abilities.
Life and Energy Management
Collect Life Cell Fragments: These increase your maximum health. Prioritize these if you find yourself dying frequently.
Collect Energy Cell Fragments: These increase your energy pool, allowing for more frequent use of healing and special attacks.
Use the Environment: Many enemies can be knocked into spikes or deep water, which is an instant kill or a high-damage tactic that saves your limited resources.
Listen for Audio Cues: Some puzzles in the game are sound-based. If you are stuck, turn up your volume and pay attention to the environmental sound effects.
Navigating the Wellspring Glades
The Wellspring Glades serves as your central hub. Helping Grom the Builder is one of the most rewarding side quests you can undertake. By providing him with Gorlek Ore, you can clear debris and unlock new sections of the village that contain NPCs and additional shops.
The Importance of Side Quests
Side quests are not just filler content; they are the primary way to obtain rare upgrades and lore. Always check your map for quest markers and talk to every NPC you encounter, even those in seemingly unreachable locations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is it necessary to play the first game before this one?
A: While this Ori and the Will of the Wisps beginner guide focuses on the sequel, playing the first game provides helpful context for the story, though it is not strictly required to enjoy the mechanics of the second entry.
Q: How do I get more Spirit Shard slots?
A: You can increase your slots from three to six by successfully completing the various Combat Shrines scattered throughout the world.
Q: Should I save my Spirit Light or spend it?
A: Do not hoard it. Spend your Spirit Light on upgrades and shards early on to make your journey significantly easier.
Q: What should I do if I get stuck in a section?
A: If you cannot progress, it usually means you lack a specific ability. Explore other areas, collect more upgrades, and return to that section later when you are better equipped.