Ori and the Will of the Wisps: Which Wisp First? Expert Guide
Struggling with Ori and the Will of the Wisps? Discover which wisp to go for first, optimal ability paths, and essential tips to master your journey.
Published: Ori and the Will of the Wisps Wiki Editorial Team
Table of Contents
Navigating the breathtaking world of Nibel and Niwen can be overwhelming, especially when the game asks you to track down mysterious lights. Many players often find themselves wondering, "Ori and the Will of the Wisps which wisp first?" to ensure their progression remains smooth and efficient.
Understanding the order in which you tackle the wisps is crucial because it directly influences your ability to traverse difficult terrain and survive the game’s toughest encounters. In this guide, we break down the optimal pathing and provide the strategies you need to conquer the forest’s greatest challenges.
Understanding Your Objectives: The Wisp Quest
After your initial separation from Ku and your encounter with Kwolok, the game tasks you with finding three specific wisps to restore the heart of the forest. While the game provides a non-linear sense of exploration, there is a community-recommended sequence that minimizes backtracking and maximizes your survival potential.
According to veteran players, the difficulty of these zones varies significantly. Attempting to enter a high-level zone without the proper movement abilities can lead to unnecessary frustration. By choosing the right wisp first, you gain momentum early on.
Recommended Sequence for Wisp Acquisition
Priority
Zone
Key Ability Gained
Reason
1
Baur's Reach
Launch/Feather
Necessary to wake the bear and clear paths.
2
Luma Pools
Dash/Swim
Provides high-mobility upgrades for mid-game.
3
The Depths
Flash
Essential for navigating dark, hazardous areas.
Why Baur's Reach is the First Stop
Most community reports suggest that Baur's Reach should be your primary destination. Once you have acquired the feather ability, you are equipped with the "create wind" mechanic. This is not just a combat tool; it is a vital movement upgrade that allows you to wake the sleeping bear and access the higher reaches of the map.
If you are still asking yourself "Ori and the Will of the Wisps which wisp first?", consider that Baur's Reach offers a balanced introduction to the mid-game mechanics. It acts as a gateway to unlocking more of the world map, making subsequent zones significantly easier to manage.
Tip
Don't Forget the Spirit Wells
Always prioritize activating Spirit Wells as soon as you find them. If you are struggling with navigation, remember that you can purchase the "Fast Travel" ability from Opher to warp between wells, though you must first unlock the facility in the Wellspring Glades.
Optimizing Your Combat and Ability Loadout
Your path through the game is dictated not just by where you go, but by how you fight. When you visit the weapon vendor, you are presented with several choices. Players frequently ask which weapon is the best investment early on.
Based on expert gameplay analysis, the Spirit Smash is widely considered the best initial purchase. It provides a powerful sweeping blow that deals significant damage and, more importantly, allows you to break through ground-based walls that were previously impassable.
Essential Weapon & Shard Upgrades
Ability/Shard
Purpose
Why Purchase First?
Spirit Smash
Combat/Traversal
Breaks ground barriers and deals high area damage.
Shard Slot
Passive
Increases the number of active Spirit Shards.
Double Jump
Movement
Fundamental for reaching hidden collectibles.
Navigating the Challenges of Inkwater Marsh
Early in your journey, you will spend considerable time in the Inkwater Marsh. This area serves as the perfect training ground for mastering the game’s controls. If you find yourself stuck, remember that Ori’s movement is fluid—use the environment to your advantage.
Clinging to blue moss and utilizing the grapple hook are essential skills. If you are struggling to find a keystone, look for hidden alcoves that require precise jumps. The game design often hides these items in plain sight, rewarding players who take the time to explore every corner. You can find more details on official game mechanics at the Ori and the Will of the Wisps Steam page.
Common Pitfalls for New Players
Even experienced players can make mistakes that stall their progress. One common issue reported in community forums is the confusion surrounding the "three wisps" quest gate. If the gate tells you the heart is not safe, it means you have not yet completed the prerequisite boss fights or environmental puzzles associated with each wisp.
Troubleshooting Your Progression
Missing Teleportation: If you cannot warp, ensure you have visited the Wellspring Glades and completed the necessary restoration tasks.
Locked Paths: If you reach a wall you cannot break, check your inventory to see if you have the Spirit Smash ability equipped.
Combat Overload: If a boss fight feels impossible, try upgrading your health cells by collecting fragments hidden throughout the map.
Advanced Exploration Tactics
Once you have decided on your path for "Ori and the Will of the Wisps which wisp first?", focus on collecting Gorlek Ore. This resource is vital for rebuilding the Wellspring Glades, which in turn unlocks new shops and upgrades.
Don't ignore the side quests provided by the Moki residents. These NPCs often reward you with valuable items, such as shard slot upgrades or life cell fragments, which can be the difference between life and death in the later stages of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which wisp should I go for first in Ori and the Will of the Wisps?
Most players recommend starting with Baur's Reach. It provides essential movement abilities that make traversing the rest of the game much easier and allows you to access blocked paths earlier.
How do I break the floor in Ori and the Will of the Wisps?
You need to purchase the Spirit Smash ability from the weapon vendor. Once equipped, jump into the air and press the down button along with your attack button to perform a ground-pound that shatters breakable floors.
Why can't I fast travel between Spirit Wells?
If you are unable to fast travel, you likely haven't unlocked the feature by rebuilding the Spirit Well in the Wellspring Glades or you may need to purchase the "Fast Travel" ability from Opher.
Are there any missable items in the game?
While most areas remain accessible, some side quests are time-sensitive based on the story progression. It is recommended to complete Moki side quests as you encounter them to ensure you don't miss out on vital upgrades.