 |
| Ori and the Will of the Wisps is 90% off on Steam until October 1. |
Sometimes a game comes along that feels less like a product and more like a piece of art. The original Ori and the Blind Forest was exactly that—a breathtaking blend of hand-painted visuals, sweeping orchestral music, and precision platforming that demanded both skill and patience. So when Moon Studios announced a sequel, the gaming community held its collective breath. Could they possibly capture lightning in a bottle twice?
The answer, as it turns out, was a resounding yes.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps arrived in 2020, continuing the story directly after the events of the first game while introducing players to an entirely new adventure. The response has been nothing short of phenomenal. And right now, there's never been a better time to experience it for yourself—the game is currently available on Steam at an incredible 90% discount, dropping the price from $30 to just around $3. According to SteamDB, this marks the lowest price the game has ever seen, beating the previous record low of approximately $7.50.
A Journey Through Niwen
For those unfamiliar with the series, Ori is a small, luminous creature who calls a lush forest home, surrounded by family. When a flight with a young owl named Ku takes an unexpected turn, the pair find themselves stranded in Niwen, an unfamiliar and mysterious land. What follows is a quest to reunite with Ku, but Ori quickly discovers that this new world is suffering—slowly being consumed by decay.
The game unfolds from a side-scrolling perspective, inviting players to leap, climb, and glide through dense forests, shadowy caves, and sun-scorched deserts. Along the way, Ori learns new abilities that unlock previously unreachable areas, encouraging exploration and rewarding curiosity. Venture off the beaten path, and you'll discover upgrades and shards that grant additional advantages, adding depth to the experience.
 |
| Pictured: A gameplay screenshot from Ori and the Will of the Wisps. |
 |
| Pictured: A gameplay screenshot from Ori and the Will of the Wisps. |
Combat, too, has evolved significantly from the original. Players now wield a variety of weapons, and for the first time in the series, they'll face off against proper boss encounters that test everything they've learned.
Critical Acclaim and Overwhelming Praise
The German gaming publication PC Games praised Will of the Wisps for its stunning presentation, emotional storytelling, and finely tuned platforming mechanics. While the sequel's new features compared to its predecessor might be somewhat modest, the overall package still earned an impressive 9 out of 10 score.
Player reception has been equally enthusiastic. On Steam alone, the game has garnered over 146,000 reviews, with a remarkable 96% of them positive—a testament to just how deeply this game resonates with those who play it.
A Perfect Entry Point
Worried about jumping into a sequel without playing the first game? Don't be. While Ori and the Blind Forest is absolutely worth experiencing, the story of Will of the Wisps stands on its own, making it accessible to newcomers. That said, if you're interested in starting from the beginning, the original game is also currently discounted at 75% off, bringing it down to just $5 from its usual $20.
Both titles are fully playable on the Steam Deck, making them perfect companions for gaming on the go.
The Bottom Line
At just $3, Ori and the Will of the Wisps represents one of the best values in gaming right now. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or someone who's never set foot in Ori's world, this is an opportunity that's hard to pass up. Beautiful, emotional, and endlessly rewarding, it's the kind of game that stays with you long after the credits roll.