Spirit Orbs
Gather the forest's fading light to unlock Ori's true potential.
Spirit Orbs are the glowing essence of life scattered throughout the Blind Forest, serving as the primary currency for character progression. While officially tracked simply as Spirit in the user interface, fans commonly refer to these collectible fragments as orbs due to their spherical appearance and luminous quality. They represent the fading vitality of the Great Tree and its surroundings.
- Type
- Collectible / Upgrade Currency
- Function
- Unlocks Ability Upgrades
- Location
- Throughout the Blind Forest
- Source
- Fragments of Life Essence
- Status
- Consumable upon Use
Lore & Background
Ori's journey is defined by the collection of these essences. By returning them to the Great Tree, Ori channels their energy back into the core of the world, simultaneously strengthening their own bond with nature. This symbiotic relationship allows the spirit to grow stronger, gaining new powers necessary to traverse the corrupted lands and ultimately save the forest from total decay.
In Their Own Story
The wind howled through the skeletal branches as Ori paused on a crumbling ledge. Below, a faint blue glow pulsed rhythmically within a hollowed log. With a deep breath, the small spirit leaped, landing softly on the mossy wood. The orb floated upward, drawn to Ori's chest like iron to a magnet. It dissolved into warm light, filling the void inside with renewed purpose. Far away, the Great Tree stirred in its sleep.
Reader's Guide
These luminous fragments of life force are scattered throughout the decaying forest, often hidden within difficult-to-reach areas or guarded by enemies. To utilize them, Ori must return to the Great Tree's sanctuary. There, the accumulated spirit is exchanged for permanent upgrades to core abilities like Dash, Burst, and Spin Attack. This progression system allows players to overcome environmental barriers that were previously impassable. Collecting these orbs serves a dual purpose in gameplay and narrative. Mechanically, they gatekeep exploration, forcing the adventurer to revisit old zones with new tools. Lore-wise, gathering spirit symbolizes Ori's connection to the forest's fading soul. Each upgrade represents a step toward restoring balance against the encroaching darkness. Players should prioritize upgrades that unlock verticality or combat efficiency early on, as this drastically reduces traversal time and enemy threat levels. Some orbs are concealed behind breakable walls or require specific movement skills to reach, encouraging mastery of the platforming mechanics. The sound design changes subtly when an orb is collected, providing auditory feedback for successful gathering.
Did You Know?
- The game was developed by Moon Studios, a collective organization without a set location, with staff working from Austria, Australia, Israel, and the United States.
- Moon Studios co-founder Gennadiy Korol said the game was profitable for the company within a few weeks after its initial launch.
- The game's story was inspired by The Lion King and The Iron Giant, while gameplay elements were inspired by the Rayman and Metroid franchises.
- The game was released for Windows and Xbox One in March 2015, and for Nintendo Switch in September 2019.
- An expansion called the Definitive Edition was released in March 2016, adding new areas, mechanics, and artwork.