Ori and the Will of the Wisps Spirit Trial Guide & Tips
Master every Ori and the Will of the Wisps spirit trial with our expert guide. Discover pro tips, movement strategies, and shortcuts to beat the clock.
Published: Ori and the Will of the Wisps Wiki Editorial Team
Video Guide
Ori and the Will of the Wisps - All Spirit TrialsTable of Contents
Speed, precision, and mastery of movement are the hallmarks of a true spirit guardian. If you are struggling to dominate the leaderboards or simply want to complete your 100% world map, the Ori and the Will of the Wisps spirit trial challenges are your ultimate test.
These high-octane races force you to push the game’s fluid platforming mechanics to their absolute limit. Whether you are a casual player looking to finish the game or a completionist aiming for every achievement, understanding the nuance of each Ori and the Will of the Wisps spirit trial is essential for success.
Understanding the Spirit Trial Mechanics
Spirit Trials are time-attack challenges scattered throughout the breathtaking world of Niwen. Unlike standard platforming sections, these trials demand flawless execution. You aren't just traversing an area; you are optimizing your path, managing your energy, and utilizing advanced movement abilities like Bash, Grapple, and Burrow.
According to community feedback, the primary reason players fail these trials is not a lack of skill, but a lack of preparation. You must understand the terrain before attempting a gold-medal run.
Core Movement Abilities for Trials
Ability
Trial Utility
Pro Tip
Bash
Essential for gaining height and directional bursts
Use enemies or projectiles as springboards.
Grapple
Quickly closes gaps between platforms
Chain multiple grapples to maintain momentum.
Burrow
Essential for sand-based trials
Use it to bypass obstacles without losing speed.
Dash
Your primary speed booster
Always reset your dash with a jump or wall touch.
Mastering the Silent Woods Spirit Trial
The Ori and the Will of the Wisps spirit trial located in the Silent Woods is widely considered one of the most demanding challenges in the game. It requires a perfect blend of high-speed platforming and precise timing.
Players often report that the final stretch is where most runs fall apart. You need to utilize the "Bash" mechanic on floating projectiles to gain vertical distance, followed by a series of precise dashes. If you find yourself stuck, remember: speed is important, but rhythm is everything.
Step-by-Step Execution Strategy
Initial Burst: Start with a clean Dash from the pedestal to pick up early momentum.
The Grapple Sequence: Chain your grapples to the blue plants immediately to avoid the wind tunnels.
Burrowing Phase: When you reach the sandy sections, stay in the ground as long as possible to avoid enemy projectiles.
The Final Jump: This is where most players fail. Double-jump, dash, and bash through the final obstacles to reach the finish line.
Tip
Practice Makes Perfect
Don't be discouraged by repeated failures. Even top speedrunners spend hours refining their routes. Use the "Retry" button frequently to build muscle memory for specific sections.
Why Spirit Trials Matter for Completionists
If you are aiming for 100% completion or the "Completionist" achievement, you cannot skip these trials. Each Ori and the Will of the Wisps spirit trial provides a unique look at the developers' level design philosophy—showing how the game can be broken and conquered with the right movement tech.
For those who find the races too difficult, remember that they are optional for the main story progression. However, for those who seek the thrill of the race, the rewards include spirit shards and, more importantly, bragging rights.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Over-dashing: Attempting to dash when you are already at max air speed often leads to losing control.
Ignoring Energy: Some trials require specific energy-based abilities. Ensure you have enough energy shards equipped before starting.
Static Thinking: Don't stick to one path. If a route isn't working, look for alternative grapple points or wall-jump surfaces.
Community Insights: Tips from the Pros
The official Steam community forums are a goldmine for players looking to shave milliseconds off their times. Many veterans suggest that you should practice the individual segments of the trial separately rather than running the full course from start to finish repeatedly.
Recommended Loadouts for Trials
Shard
Effect
Why it helps
Sticky
Allows you to cling to walls
Essential for recovery after a missed jump.
Triple Jump
Adds an extra jump
Provides a massive margin for error.
Finesse
Increases critical hit chance
(Less relevant for trials, but good for clearing mobs).
Wingclip
Deal more damage to flying enemies
Helps clear the path during combat-heavy trials.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I have to complete every Ori and the Will of the Wisps spirit trial to finish the game?
A: No, the trials are entirely optional. They are not required to beat the main story, though they are necessary for 100% completion and certain achievements.
Q: Which spirit trial is the hardest?
A: Based on community reports, the Silent Woods trial is widely regarded as the most challenging due to its requirement for precise "Bash" and "Burrow" chain movements.
Q: Can I use fast travel during a spirit trial?
A: No, once you start a trial, you are locked into the race area. You must finish or abandon the trial to regain full control of the map.
Q: Are there any rewards for winning the trials?
A: Yes, completing trials provides spirit shards and contributes to your total completion percentage, which is essential for unlocking specific game achievements.
Mastering the Ori and the Will of the Wisps spirit trial challenges is a journey of patience. Keep refining your movement, learn from your deaths, and you will eventually see your name climb the leaderboards. Good luck, Spirit Guardian!
