Breathe Easy: Your Guide to Underwater Exploration in Ori and the Will of the Wisps
So, you’re diving into the gorgeous, yet treacherous world of Ori and the Will of the Wisps and finding yourself struggling to navigate those mesmerizing underwater areas? Fear not, intrepid explorer! While Ori doesn’t technically breathe in the traditional sense, the ability to explore underwater environments is crucial to progressing through the game. The key to underwater traversal lies in acquiring the Water Breath ability and mastering the Swim Dash. This article will guide you through unlocking these essential skills and navigating the watery depths of Niwen with ease.
Acquiring Water Breath and Swim Dash
While the original Ori game, Ori and the Blind Forest, had a specific Water Breath ability purchasable from Opher in Wellspring Glades, things are slightly different in Ori and the Will of the Wisps. You don’t literally breathe underwater. Instead, you gain the Swim Dash ability, allowing you to move freely and quickly through aquatic environments.
Here’s how to unlock Swim Dash:
- Progress through the Main Story: You will need to have spoken to Kwolok after clearing The Wellspring.
- Locate the Fourth Keystone: Head west from Kwolok’s Hollow until you see the fourth keystone.
- Acquire the Keystone: Jump down, grab the keystone, and dash to the wall on the left to avoid falling to your death.
- Open the Keystone Door: Head east to the keystone door and unlock it using the four keystones you’ve collected.
- Claim Your Reward: Head east through the now-open doorway. You’ll find a spirit tree at the end of this path. Absorb its light to acquire the Swim Dash ability.
Once you have the Swim Dash, you’re no longer limited by the need for air! You can now dash in any direction while underwater, including vertically upwards and downwards.
Mastering Underwater Movement
Now that you have the Swim Dash, it’s time to become a master of underwater navigation. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Use Swim Dash for Speed: The Swim Dash isn’t just for getting out of the water; it’s your primary method of movement. Use it to quickly traverse underwater areas and evade enemies.
- Combine with Other Abilities: The Swim Dash can be combined with other abilities, such as Grapple, to reach otherwise inaccessible areas.
- Conserve Energy: While the Swim Dash doesn’t consume energy on its own, using other abilities in conjunction with it can. Keep an eye on your energy bar and plan your movements accordingly.
- Explore Thoroughly: Many secrets and hidden areas are located underwater. Take your time to explore and discover everything Niwen has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I break walls underwater in Ori and the Will of the Wisps?
You won’t find a single “underwater wall-breaking” ability. To open barricades underwater (and on land), look for environmental puzzles:
- Light Burst Torches: Use Light Burst to ignite unlit torches nearby.
- Stomp Stumps: Find and Stomp on nearby stumps to activate mechanisms.
- Pull Levers: Locate and pull levers to open gates or activate other contraptions.
Can you heal underwater in Ori and the Will of the Wisps?
Yes, you can heal underwater. Use your equipped healing ability, like Regenerate, or collect life shards to restore health. Be mindful that, like other abilities, using Regenerate consumes energy.
Can you swim in Ori and the Blind Forest?
No, you can’t freely swim in Ori and the Blind Forest from the start. You need to acquire the Water Breath ability to breathe underwater, but this doesn’t grant a dedicated “swim” mechanic like in Ori and the Will of the Wisps. You primarily rely on jumping and the Bash ability to navigate underwater sections in the first game after obtaining Water Breath.
What does Air Dash do in Ori and the Will of the Wisps?
Air Dash is an upgrade that enhances the base Dash ability. It allows you to use Dash while in the air. You can only dash once while airborne unless you find upgrades that allow you to dash more.
What does Dash do in Ori and the Will of the Wisps?
The Dash ability allows Ori to quickly move horizontally in either direction. In Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Dash is available in the air as soon as you acquire it, unlike Ori and the Blind Forest.
What is the Water Vein in Ori and the Blind Forest?
The Water Vein is a crucial gemstone that grants access to the Ginso Tree in Ori and the Blind Forest. It’s one of the three elemental keys required to restore the Spirit Tree’s light.
Is it hard to “breathe” underwater in Ori and the Will of the Wisps?
Because you don’t technically “breathe” in the traditional sense, underwater navigation is more about mastering movement with the Swim Dash. Once you get used to the mechanics, it becomes quite intuitive. Early on, new players might feel a little disoriented, but practice makes perfect.
What is the best ability in Ori and the Will of the Wisps?
Many players consider Spirit Smash to be one of the best early-game abilities due to its versatility and damage output. It doesn’t drain energy, deals significant damage, and stuns enemies. However, the “best” ability is subjective and depends on your play style.
Which Ori game should I play first?
Start with Ori and the Blind Forest. It’s the first game in the series and introduces the world, characters, and core mechanics. Playing it first will give you a better understanding of the story and appreciate the improvements made in Ori and the Will of the Wisps.
Can you heal in Ori and the Blind Forest?
Yes, you can heal in Ori and the Blind Forest, but health doesn’t regenerate automatically. You must collect Life Cell Fragments to restore one life cell.
Is Ori a boy or a girl?
The developers have stated that Ori has no specific gender. However, the name “Ori” means “my light” in Hebrew, which is traditionally a female name.
How long does it take to finish Ori and the Will of the Wisps?
On average, completing the main story of Ori and the Will of the Wisps takes around 12 hours. Aiming for 100% completion can extend the playtime to 15-20 hours, depending on your skill level and exploration habits.
Why does Ori turn into a tree?
In Ori and the Blind Forest, Ori sacrifices himself to restore the light and becomes the new Spirit Tree, ensuring the forest’s continued vitality. This act of selflessness secures the future of Nibel.
How do you jump higher in Ori and the Blind Forest?
To jump higher in Ori and the Blind Forest, press and hold the space key. The longer you hold the key, the higher Ori jumps. You can also combine jumping with other abilities like Bash or Double Jump to reach even greater heights.
Can you warp in Ori and the Will of the Wisps?
Yes, Ori and the Will of the Wisps features Fast Travel. After unlocking the ability, you can warp to any Spirit Well from almost anywhere on the map.
Remember, mastering underwater movement in Ori and the Will of the Wisps is all about practice and experimentation. Don’t be afraid to dive in, explore, and discover the secrets that lie beneath the surface. Happy exploring! For more insight into the educational potential of video games, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.