The Ability Tree in Ori and the Blind Forest is a crucial aspect of gameplay that enhances traversal, exploration, and combat. While the game can be completed without unlocking any abilities (an achievement exists for this challenge), investing in the Ability Tree will make the game significantly easier and more enjoyable.

The tree is divided into three distinct branches:

1. Combat (Red) – Focuses on increasing damage output and making attacks more effective.
2. Efficiency (Purple) – Enhances resource management, pickup attraction, and experience gain.
3. Utility (Green/Cyan) – Improves movement, traversal, and survival capabilities.

Below, we’ll break down each branch, discuss their benefits, and provide recommendations for progression.

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Combat Tree (Red) – Offensive Power

This tree enhances Ori’s attacks, making Spirit Flame and other offensive abilities more effective.

• Quick Flame – Fires three projectiles before recharging.
• Spark Flame – Increases Spirit Flame damage.
• Split Flame – Allows Spirit Flame to hit two targets at once.
• Cinder Flame – Further increases Spirit Flame damage.
• Ultra Stomp – Enhances the radius and damage of Stomp.
• Ultra Light Burst – Boosts the radius and power of Light Burst.
• Charge Flame Burn – Increases the effectiveness of Charge Flame.
• Charge Flame Blast – Further boosts Charge Flame’s damage and area of effect.
• Ultra Split Flame – Allows Spirit Flame to hit four targets simultaneously.

Recommended for: Players who enjoy a direct combat approach and frequently use Spirit Flame.

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Efficiency Tree (Purple) – Resource Management & Exploration

This tree enhances Ori’s ability to collect resources, find secrets, and level up faster.

• Spirit Magnet – Pickups gravitate towards Ori.
• Map Markers – Collectibles and resources appear on the map.
• Life Efficiency – Doubles the healing power of life pickups.
• Ultra Spirit Magnet – Extends the reach of Spirit Magnet.
• Energy Efficiency – Energy pickups restore 50% more energy.
• Ability Markers – Ability Cells appear on the map.
• Spirit Efficiency – Increases Spirit Light gain.
• Life Markers – Life Cells appear on the map.
• Energy Markers – Energy Cells appear on the map.
• Sense – Reveals hidden areas and secrets.

Recommended for: Players who aim for 100% completion and prefer resource optimization.

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Utility Tree (Green/Cyan) – Mobility & Survival

This tree improves traversal, reduces damage taken, and provides additional movement options.

• Rekindle – Reuse Soul Links (manual save points) without consuming energy.
• Regroup – Creating Soul Links restores one life cell.
• Charge Flame Efficiency – Reduces the energy cost of Charge Flame.
• Air Dash – Enables dashing mid-air after unlocking Dash.
• Ultra Soul Link – Soul Links restore two life cells.
• Charge Dash – Allows attacking enemies while dashing.
• Water Breath – Removes the need to surface for air while underwater.
• Soul Link Efficiency – Reduces the energy cost of creating Soul Links.
• Triple Jump – Grants an additional jump in the air.
• Ultra Defense – Reduces damage taken from enemies.

Recommended for: Players who prioritize movement, survival, and exploration.

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Suggested Ability Progression

Each playthrough can be different depending on player preference, but here are some recommended paths based on playstyles:

Balanced Progression:

1. Rekindle – Essential for saving efficiently.
2. Spirit Magnet – Helps Ori collect resources faster.
3. Spark Flame & Quick Flame – Strengthens early combat.
4. Regroup – Heals when saving.
5. Ultra Spirit Magnet – Further enhances resource collection.
6. Soul Link Efficiency – More frequent saves.
7. Triple Jump – Major boost to mobility.
8. Ultra Defense – Reduces damage in late game.

Combat-Focused Progression:

1. Quick Flame – Faster attack speed.
2. Spark Flame – Increases attack damage.
3. Split Flame – Hits multiple enemies at once.
4. Cinder Flame – Further increases damage.
5. Ultra Stomp – Enhances an already powerful move.
6. Ultra Split Flame – Maximum Spirit Flame output.

Exploration & Resource Optimization:

1. Spirit Magnet – Pickups come to you.
2. Map Markers – Helps find secrets.
3. Life Efficiency – Stronger healing.
4. Ultra Spirit Magnet – Even better pickup attraction.
5. Ability Markers – Helps locate ability cells.
6. Sense – Reveals hidden paths.

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Final Thoughts

The Ability Tree is designed to fit different playstyles, and since you can eventually unlock everything, there’s no risk of making a “wrong” choice. However, certain abilities will significantly impact your gameplay experience early on, so picking the right ones first is crucial.

• Mobility enthusiasts will benefit most from Air Dash and Triple Jump.
• Completionists should prioritize Map Markers and Sense.
• Aggressive players will enjoy Ultra Stomp and Spirit Flame upgrades.

Choose wisely, experiment with different paths, and enjoy your adventure through Nibel!