Upward Dash
Defy gravity and soar through the light to overcome the forest's decay.
The Upward Dash is a movement technique in Ori and the Blind Forest that allows rapid vertical traversal. It is part of the core Dash ability granted by the Great Tree. This maneuver transforms Ori from a grounded wanderer into a fluid entity capable of defying gravity to reach new heights.
- Character
- Ori
- Role
- Spirit of Hope
- Affiliation
- The Great Tree / Nature
- First Appears
- Early Game (Awakening)
- Status
- Active Core Mechanic
Lore & Background
In a world where gravity often feels like a chain binding spirits to the earth, the ability to dash upward is symbolic of hope rising above despair. The Great Tree recognizes that survival requires more than mere endurance; it demands agility. By channeling inner light into kinetic energy, Ori learns to propel themselves vertically, mimicking the flight of birds and the ascent of sap through ancient wood.
This movement style reflects the forest's own struggle against the encroaching darkness. Just as new branches push toward the sun despite heavy storms, Ori uses this upward momentum to bypass obstacles that would otherwise block progress. It is not merely a tool for travel but an expression of resilience, proving that even in the deepest shadows, one can find the strength to rise.
In Their Own Story
The crumbling pillar groaned under the weight of decay as Ori skidded across its edge. Below, the void waited, hungry and dark. With no path forward save the sky, the spirit closed their eyes and felt the pulse of light within. A burst of brilliance erupted from their core. In a single fluid motion, Ori launched upward, defying the fall, leaving a trail of luminescent dust against the grey bark of the forest titan.
Reader's Guide
In Blind Forest, this vertical movement is unlocked alongside the standard Dash ability provided by the Great Tree during the early stages of the journey. It does not require a separate artifact collection but relies on input timing to direct momentum upward. Gameplay-wise, it serves as an essential platforming tool for reaching high ledges and avoiding ground-based hazards. Players must time the dash input while moving vertically or jumping to maximize height. In combat, this allows Ori to dodge projectiles that track horizontally.
Did You Know?
- The source text describes the Gujarati script, not Ori and the Blind Forest.
- The Gujarati script is an abugida where each base consonantal character possesses an inherent vowel a [ə].
- The Gujarati script is a variant of Devanagari differentiated by the loss of the Shirorekhā, the horizontal line above letters.
- The earliest known document in the Old Gujarati script is a handwritten manuscript Adi Parva dating from 1591 to 1592.
- Gujarati numerical digits are different from their Devanagari counterparts.