Getting Started

Getting Started with Ori and the Will of the Wisps: A Beginner's Guide

This guide is designed to help brand-new players jump into Ori and the Will of the Wisps without frustration. We'll cover everything from controls to the first hour, common mistakes, and a day-one checklist.

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Important Note: No Character Creation

There is no character creation in Ori and the Will of the Wisps. You play as Ori, a small forest spirit. All customization comes from equipping Spirit Shards (which modify abilities) and spending Ability Points to unlock upgrades.

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First Hour Walkthrough (Spoiler-Free)

1. Opening Cinematic: After starting a new game, you'll see a short cutscene. You then gain control of Ori at the start of the game's first area, Inkwater Marsh.
2. Basic Movement: Immediately after the cutscene, walk right. You'll learn to jump (A / Cross / Space). Follow the glowing trail of spirits.
3. First Encounter & Combat: Shortly, you'll be asked to find a sword. You'll meet Kwolok, who gives you the Spirit Edge (your first weapon). Follow the tutorial prompts to attack (X / Square / Left Mouse).
4. First Spirit Well: You'll find a Spirit Well (saving/restore point). Always activate it – it's your checkpoint and allows fast travel later.
5. Abilities in Order: Within the first hour you'll unlock:
- Wall Jump (after the first large area)
- Bash (a key ability that lets you launch off enemies and projectiles)
- Light Burst (a light projectile that can illuminate dark areas and create platforms)
6. Grom Encounter: You'll fight a large enemy named Grom. Use the sword and dodge. After defeating it, you get a Spirit Light Container (increases health).
7. First Escape Sequence: After Grom, you'll enter a short chase sequence. Just keep moving right and upward, using wall jumps and your new abilities. If you die, you respawn at the last Spirit Well.
8. Arrival at Wellspring Glades: This is the first hub area. You'll meet NPCs like Kwolok again, Lupo (map seller), Tokk (Spirit Shard vendor), and Opher (ability trainer). Spend your early Spirit Light (currency) here on map reveal (Lupo) and a starting shard (Tokk).
9. Explore West: After the hub, your first main objective is to go west (left from the central tree) into The Wellspring area. This is the intended path. Follow the objective marker.

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Controls Across All Platforms

Note for PC Keyboard & Mouse: The default controls are customizable in the Options menu. Many players prefer to rebind attack to a thumb button on the mouse for easier combat.

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UI Overview

Health Bar (top-left): Green orbs – each orb is one hit point. When you take damage, orbs break. Recover health at Spirit Wells, by using health pickups, or with the Vitality Spirit Shard.
Energy Bar (left of health): Blue bar – used for special abilities like Spirit Arc (ranged attack) and Light Burst. Recharges slowly over time or at Spirit Wells.
Ability Points (top-center): Show number of unspent Ability Points (AP). You earn AP by defeating enemies and finding hidden items. Spend them at the ability tree (press D-Pad Up / Up arrow / Up on controller).
Spirit Light (top-right): The currency. Dropped by enemies, found in chests, and given by NPCs. Used to buy maps and items.
Spirit Shard Slots (bottom-left): Equip up to 3 (later more) shards that modify abilities (e.g., reduce damage, increase attack power).
Map (Press Map button): Shows explored areas, Spirit Wells (blue icons), and main objectives (glowing markers). Buy area maps from Lupo to reveal hidden paths and collectibles.

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Essential Early Objectives

1. Activate every Spirit Well you find. They serve as save points, fast travel nodes, and health/energy refill stations.
2. Follow the main quest marker (golden circle/arrow) to progress the story. Initially, it leads to The Wellspring.
3. Earn Ability Points by defeating enemies and collecting floating green orbs. Spend them wisely – prioritize Bash upgrades (if you already have Bash), Wall Jump stamina, and Health upgrades early.
4. Buy the map from Lupo in Wellspring Glades for 150 Spirit Light. This reveals the layout of the first big area (Inkwater Marsh) and helps you find secrets.
5. Collect Spirit Containers (increase health/energy max) found in hidden areas. Look for cracked walls you can break with the Spirit Edge, or reachable ledges above the path.
6. Liberate Kwolok's Sister – This is your first major quest after reaching The Wellspring. Talk to Kwolok at the hub for guidance.

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What to Do First (Priority List)

1. After the opening, reach the Wellspring Glades hub. This unlocks fast travel and NPC merchants.
2. Buy the map from Lupo (150 Spirit Light).
3. Visit Tokk to buy your first Spirit Shard. If you have at least 100 Spirit Light, get the Vitality shard (increases health pickups). Or save for Reckless (more damage but no double jump – not recommended early).
4. Talk to Opher to learn about upgrades. He offers a tutorial on using Bash if you're struggling.
5. Head west into The Wellspring to progress the main story. This will eventually give you the Wall Jump ability (if you don't have it yet) and the Grapple ability later.
6. Collect every ability point orb you see. They are often hidden just off the main path.

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What to Avoid (Common Newcomer Traps)

Don't skip Spirit Wells. If you pass one without activating it, you'll have to backtrack later. Always stop to use the Soul Link (press Y/Triangle/X) to activate it.
Avoid fighting multiple enemies at once early on. Use hit-and-run tactics; your sword has a short range. Use Bash (if unlocked) to bounce off enemies and projectiles to reposition.
Don't hoard Spirit Light. Spend it on maps, shards, and ability purchases. Spirit Light is abundant; you won't run out.
Don't neglect upgrades. The ability tree is essential. Save at least 2-3 Ability Points for the first tier of health (Vitality) and energy (Energy) upgrades.
Don't ignore the map. If you get lost, open the map. The objective marker always points to the next story goal.
Avoid the dark areas without Light Burst. Some caves require the Light Burst ability (found in the first hour). If you enter them without it, you'll be stuck in darkness and take damage. Wait until you have the ability.

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Early Resource Priorities

1. Spirit Light: First 150 → Map. Next 100 → Spirit Shard (Vitality or Reckless). After that, save for Skill Upgrades from Opher (e.g., Quick Shot for Spirit Arc).
2. Ability Points: Spend on the following in this order:
- Vitality (increase max health) – 2 AP
- Energy (increase max energy) – 2 AP
- Bash Efficiency (if you use Bash often) – 2 AP
- Wall Jump Mastery (makes wall jumps easier) – 1 AP
- Spirit Arc Range – if you like ranged combat
3. Health & Energy Containers: Explore thoroughly to find them. Hidden areas often reward you with one or the other. Your first container should be a Health Upgrade (usually found shortly after the first hub).
4. Collectibles: Seeds (for side quests) and Gorlek Ore (for upgrading the hub) are secondary but worth grabbing when you see them.

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Common Beginner Mistakes (And How to Fix)

Mistake 1: Forgetting to use Bash.

• Fix: Bash is your most versatile tool. Use it to launch off enemies, projectiles, and even some environmental objects. Practice in safe areas. It can save you from deadly falls.


Mistake 2: Ignoring the map and getting lost.

• Fix: Open the map frequently. The golden trail indicates the planned progression. If you're stuck, buy the area map from Lupo; it reveals hidden pathways.


Mistake 3: Not upgrading health or energy.

• Fix: Spend Ability Points early on Vitality (health) and Energy (energy). You'll survive more hits and can use abilities more often.


Mistake 4: Attempting difficult enemies before unlocking better abilities.

• Fix: If an enemy seems too hard (like the large flying frogs), you're likely underpowered. Try a different path, or come back after unlocking Spirit Arc (ranged attack) or Bash upgrades.


Mistake 5: Saving too little.

• Fix: Use Spirit Wells every time you pass one. There is no auto-save in critical moments. If you die far from the last well, you lose progress.


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Day-One Checklist (First Play Session)




• [ ] Complete the opening sequence (reach Inkwater Marsh).


• [ ] Defeat Grom and escape the collapsing area.


• [ ] Reach Wellspring Glades and activate the Spirit Well there.


• [ ] Buy the Map from Lupo (150 Spirit Light).


• [ ] Buy at least one Spirit Shard from Tokk (recommended: Vitality).


• [ ] Spend Ability Points on Vitality and Energy upgrades (2 points each).


• [ ] Head west into The Wellspring and unlock Wall Jump (if not already done) and Bash (if you missed it earlier).


• [ ] Activate at least two more Spirit Wells in The Wellspring for fast travel.


• [ ] Collect any Spirit Light or Ability Point orbs you spot along the main path.


• [ ] Avoid unnecessary combat with groups – focus on exploration and getting abilities.


• [ ] If you find a Spirit Container, upgrade health first (over energy).


• [ ] End your session at a Spirit Well (so you respawn there next time).

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Final Tips

Play with sound on. The music cues and audio cues (e.g., a whistle when near a secret) are helpful.
Experiment with Spirit Shards. Each shard changes your playstyle. Don't be afraid to swap them often.
Save often manually? You can't manually save; the game autosaves at Spirit Wells. So always activate them.
If you feel stuck, watch a walkthrough of the first area – but only for the section you're in. The game is linear initially but opens up later.

Enjoy the beautiful world of Niwen, and remember: every death is a lesson. Use your new knowledge to come back stronger.