Ori and the Will of the Wisps Steam: A Masterpiece Guide
Explore the emotional journey in Ori and the Will of the Wisps Steam. Get expert tips on combat, performance optimization, and mastering this metroidvania gem.
Published: Ori and the Will of the Wisps Wiki Editorial Team
Table of Contents
Why Ori and the Will of the Wisps Steam is a Must-Play
If you are looking for a gaming experience that blends breathtaking visuals with tight platforming, the Ori and the Will of the Wisps Steam version is an essential addition to your library. As a sequel that surpasses the original in almost every way, Ori and the Will of the Wisps Steam offers a deeply emotional narrative wrapped in an intricate Metroidvania world.
Developed by Moon Studios GmbH and released on March 10, 2020, this game has set a high bar for the action-platformer genre. Whether you are a fan of the first game or a newcomer looking for a visually stunning adventure, the mechanics, music, and world-building create a sense of immersion rarely seen in modern titles. From the moment you start, the game pulls you into a vibrant, decaying world that needs saving, forcing you to master movement and combat to succeed.
Quick Comparison: Ori 1 vs. Ori 2
Feature
Ori and the Blind Forest
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Combat System
Limited (Bash/Stomp)
Deep (Weapon Wheel, Shards)
World Size
Expansive
Significantly Larger/Varied
RPG Elements
Minimal
Quest System, NPC Interactions
Visual Style
Hand-painted 2D
2.5D with enhanced lighting
System Requirements and Performance Optimization
When playing Ori and the Will of the Wisps Steam, users often report that while the game is highly optimized, hardware choices can significantly impact your experience. Because the game features detailed, hand-painted artwork and complex lighting effects, ensuring your PC meets the recommended specifications is crucial for a smooth 60 FPS experience.
Official System Requirements
Specification
Minimum
Recommended
OS
Windows 10 (18362.0+)
Windows 10 (18362.0+)
Processor
AMD Athlon X4 / Intel i5 4460
AMD Ryzen 3 / Intel i5 Skylake
Memory
8 GB RAM
8 GB RAM
Graphics
Nvidia GTX 950 / AMD R7 370
Nvidia GTX 970 / AMD RX 570
Storage
20 GB available
20 GB available
Tip
Performance Optimization
Community reports indicate that if you experience stuttering or audio glitches, installing the game on an SSD is the most effective fix. Some players have also noted that disabling the in-game V-Sync and using third-party framerate limiters can help stabilize frame pacing on certain hardware configurations.
Mastering Combat and Spirit Shards
One of the biggest evolutions in this title is the combat system. Unlike the first game, which focused primarily on platforming, this sequel introduces a robust combat suite. You now have access to a variety of weapons and abilities that can be swapped on the fly.
As you explore, you will collect "Spirit Shards." These are passive abilities that you can equip to customize Ori’s stats, such as increasing damage, health, or mobility.
Essential Combat Tips
Weapon Synergy: Don’t rely on a single weapon. Use your Spirit Edge for quick melee, but switch to the Spirit Arc (bow) for flying enemies or distant targets.
Spirit Shards: Always check your shard loadout before a boss fight. Some shards provide defense, while others grant extra damage or movement speed.
Boss Encounters: As seen in many community playthroughs, boss fights are dynamic. Pay attention to attack patterns and use your dash and jump abilities to stay mobile. If a boss feels overwhelming, revisit your shards to see if defensive boosts can help you survive longer.
Exploring the World: Metroidvania Progression
The world of Niwen is vast and interconnected. If you purchase Ori and the Will of the Wisps Steam, you will quickly realize that exploration is as important as combat. The game encourages you to return to previous areas once you unlock new abilities, such as the double jump or the dash, to reach previously inaccessible secrets.
Exploration Checklist
Strategy
Why it helps
Marking the Map
Use the map to highlight areas you couldn't reach; return later with new powers.
NPC Quests
Speak to every NPC you encounter; they often reward you with shards or currency.
Spirit Wells
Always unlock Spirit Wells (fast travel points) as soon as you find them to save time.
Resource Gathering
Collect Life Cells and Energy Cells to increase your survivability.
The Ori and the Will of the Wisps Steam community often highlights that the "Metroidvania" aspect is perfectly balanced. You are rarely stuck for too long, but the game provides enough challenge to make discovering a secret area feel rewarding. Always keep an eye out for hidden walls and platforms that seem slightly out of reach.
Community Insights and Common Pitfalls
The Steam community for this game is very active, sharing tips on how to overcome difficult segments and technical hurdles. One recurring theme in player feedback is the lack of a manual save system. The game utilizes an auto-save mechanic, which means you should be mindful of checkpoints before attempting risky platforming sequences.
Warning
Common Pitfalls
Save Anxiety: Since there is no manual save, ensure you save at Spirit Wells frequently. Do not quit the game immediately after a major event until you see the save icon.
Over-reliance on one style: Don't ignore the ability trees. Investing in upgrades is essential for later stages of the game.
Ignoring Side Quests: While optional, side quests provide essential upgrades that make the main story significantly easier.
Where to Buy and Support
To ensure you are getting the official version with all the latest patches and updates, it is recommended to purchase the game through the official platform. You can find the store page here: Ori and the Will of the Wisps on Steam.
Buying through official channels ensures you have access to the community hub, cloud saves, and the latest developer updates. Moon Studios has provided excellent post-launch support, so keeping your game updated via the Steam client is the best way to avoid the technical issues reported in the early versions of the game.
FAQ
Does Ori and the Will of the Wisps Steam run well on Steam Deck?
Yes, the game is marked as "Playable" on the Steam Deck. Most players find that it runs smoothly, though you may want to adjust settings to balance battery life and performance.
Do I need to play the first game before this one?
While it is not strictly required, playing Ori and the Blind Forest first will give you a much deeper appreciation for the story and character growth in the sequel.
Is this game considered difficult?
It features a mix of challenging platforming and combat. However, the game includes checkpoints and difficulty adjustments, making it accessible for most players while still offering a challenge for veterans of the genre.
How long does it take to complete?
A typical playthrough takes around 12 to 15 hours for the main story. If you aim for 100% completion, including all collectibles and side quests, expect to spend upwards of 20+ hours in the world of Niwen.