Can You Play Ori and the Will of the Wisps After the Ending? A Deep Dive
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Yes, fortunately, unlike the initial release of its predecessor, Ori and the Will of the Wisps does allow you to continue playing after you’ve seen the credits roll. After the final cutscene, the game places you back at the Willow’s End shrine, ready to warp to any location on the map and complete any remaining tasks. This means you can achieve that coveted 100% completion, gather any missed collectibles, and fully explore the vibrant world of Niwen without starting a new game. You can savor the gameplay, explore the world, and enjoy the experience of Ori and the Will of the Wisps even after the main storyline concludes.
Diving Deeper: Post-Game Exploration and Completion
The ability to continue playing after the ending in Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a welcome change from some other Metroidvania titles. This feature allows players to thoroughly enjoy the meticulously crafted world and challenging gameplay without the pressure of knowing the story is about to end. You can now spend the time to acquire every last collectible or complete every side quest.
This feature is particularly useful for players who want to:
- Achieve 100% completion.
- Find all the remaining collectibles (Life Cells, Energy Cells, Spirit Shards, Gorlek Ore, etc.).
- Complete all side quests.
- Explore any areas they may have missed during the main story.
- Experiment with different Spirit Shard combinations.
- Enjoy the game’s movement mechanics without narrative constraints.
Post-Ending Narrative Implications
While you can continue playing after the ending, it’s important to remember that the narrative has already concluded. The state of the world will remain as it was at the end of the story. You won’t find any new story content or quests that directly address the events after Ori’s transformation into the Spirit Tree. Your continued gameplay takes place in the context of the already established ending, allowing you to appreciate the world in a more contemplative state.
The Willow’s End Starting Point
As mentioned, the game returns you to Willow’s End after the credits. This is significant because it represents the culmination of Ori’s journey and the beginning of a new era for Niwen. From here, you can warp to any Spirit Well you’ve previously discovered, giving you immediate access to the entire map. This seamless transition allows for efficient and enjoyable post-game exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Ori and the Will of the Wisps Have a Secret Ending?
No, there is no alternate ending or secret ending in Ori and the Will of the Wisps. The ending you experience is the same for all players. The story remains consistent, regardless of how you play or what choices you make.
2. Is There an Ori 3?
As of now, there is no Ori 3 in development. While both Ori games were critically acclaimed, Moon Studios has moved on to other projects. The narrative arc that began in Ori and the Blind Forest seems to have concluded with Ori and the Will of the Wisps.
3. Can You Still Play Ori After Beating the Game?
Yes! This is the main topic of our discussion. You can continue playing from your save file after completing the main storyline, allowing you to explore, collect, and achieve 100% completion.
4. Can You Play Ori Will of the Wisps Without Playing the First?
While you can play Ori and the Will of the Wisps without playing Ori and the Blind Forest, it’s highly recommended that you play the first game. The sequel contains spoilers for the first game, and you’ll miss out on the emotional connection to the characters and the world that the first game establishes. You’ll also appreciate the nods to the original game more if you’ve experienced it firsthand.
5. Which is Better Ori or Hollow Knight?
This is a matter of personal preference. Both games are excellent Metroidvanias. Hollow Knight offers more open-ended exploration and build customization. Ori and the Will of the Wisps has a stronger narrative focus, stunning visuals, and a more linear progression.
6. Are Both Ori Games Connected?
Yes, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a direct sequel to Ori and the Blind Forest. The characters, story, and world are all interconnected. Understanding the events of the first game is crucial to fully appreciate the narrative and emotional impact of the second.
7. How Long Does It Take to 100% Ori and the Will of the Wisps?
To achieve 100% completion in Ori and the Will of the Wisps, you can expect to spend around 18 hours. Completing just the main objectives will take around 12 hours.
8. Is Ori Non Binary?
The developers at Moon Studios have stated that Ori is intentionally ungendered and open to interpretation. While the name “Ori” has female origins (meaning “my light” in Hebrew), the character’s gender is intentionally ambiguous.
9. What Race is Ori?
Ori is not based on any real-world race. In The Hobbit, however, Ori was one of the dwarves. Ori in the Ori games is a Spirit Guardian, a being of light and energy.
10. Does Ori Turn Into a Tree?
Yes, at the end of Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Ori embraces Seir (the Golden Light) and becomes the new Spirit Tree. This sacrifice ensures the balance and well-being of Niwen.
11. Is A Shriek an Owl?
Yes, Shriek is an owl and serves as the main antagonist in Ori and the Will of the Wisps. Her tragic backstory adds depth to her character and the overall narrative.
12. Should I Play Ori on Easy or Normal?
This depends on your experience with platformers and Metroidvania games. If you are new to the genre or prefer a less challenging experience, Easy mode is a good option. Normal mode offers a balanced experience for most players. The difficulty setting primarily affects the amount of damage you deal and receive.
13. Is Ori 2 Longer Than Ori 1?
While developers initially claimed the sequel would be triple the length of the first game, this proved to be an overstatement. Ori and the Will of the Wisps is longer than Ori and the Blind Forest, but not by that much. Most players find the sequel to offer a more substantial experience.
14. Should I Skip Ori 1?
Absolutely not! While you technically can play Ori and the Will of the Wisps without playing the first game, you’ll miss out on a significant amount of context and emotional resonance. The first game is a masterpiece and worth experiencing.
15. Does Ori and the Blind Forest Have a Happy Ending?
Yes, Ori and the Blind Forest has a happy ending. The forest begins to heal, and Ori, Gumo, and Naru live together as a family, caring for Kuro’s last egg. The ending is heartwarming and provides closure to the story.
Conclusion: Continuing the Adventure in Ori and the Will of the Wisps
The ability to continue playing Ori and the Will of the Wisps after the ending is a fantastic feature that enhances the overall experience. It allows players to fully immerse themselves in the game’s world, complete all the challenges, and savor the beautiful environments. Whether you’re a completionist or simply want to spend more time in Niwen, the post-game content provides ample opportunity to extend your adventure. The Games Learning Society encourages exploration, discovery, and perseverance in games, and Ori and the Will of the Wisps provides a perfect example of a game that rewards these qualities. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to discover more on the intersection of education, game design, and learning.