Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition

Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition is a PC metroidvania and 2D action-platformer from Moon Studios GmbH, published by Xbox Game Studios. The current Steam storefront still uses the full Definitive Edition name rather than a replacement brand. It combines exploration across the dying forest of Nibel with precision platforming, ability-gated paths, environmental puzzles, and a single-player story centered on Ori, Naru, and the forest’s survival.

Exploration Built Around Movement

Ori’s adventure follows a classic metroidvania structure: areas open gradually as new movement and interaction abilities make previously unreachable routes accessible. The map is not simply a sequence of disconnected stages. It is a connected world where hidden rooms, energy containers, ability cells, map locations, and traversal shortcuts reward players who revisit older paths with a more capable Ori.

The main attraction is precision platforming. Ori begins with limited movement options, then gains tools such as Double Jump, Climb, Glide, Stomp, and Bash. Each ability changes how the environment is read. A wall becomes a route, a projectile becomes a launch point, and a vertical shaft becomes a movement puzzle rather than a simple obstacle.

Combat is integrated into traversal instead of replacing it. Ori uses the Spirit Flame to attack nearby enemies, while movement abilities often provide the safest way to avoid damage. The result is a game where positioning, timing, and momentum matter as much as raw offense. Players who enjoy expressive movement and exploration will find more depth here than the simple platformer label suggests.

Abilities, Spirit Light, and Save Strategy

Progression combines permanent movement abilities with an upgrade tree powered by Ability Points. Spirit Light collected throughout Nibel can be spent on upgrades that improve combat, efficiency, or utility. The three upgrade branches encourage different priorities, although traversal-oriented improvements are especially valuable for players who want to uncover optional paths and secrets.

The Definitive Edition adds Dash and Light Burst, two abilities that expand both exploration and puzzle design. Dash gives Ori another way to cross gaps and redirect movement, while Light Burst introduces a new projectile-based interaction that can be used alongside Bash. These additions are not cosmetic extras; they create new routes and add context to areas that were already familiar in the original version.

Ori also uses Spirit Wells as important navigation and recovery points. The Definitive Edition adds the ability to teleport between discovered Spirit Wells, making backtracking more practical when searching for collectibles or returning to areas blocked by earlier ability requirements. Players must still decide when to explore, fight, or push forward, particularly during demanding escape sequences where failure can send Ori back to the last successful save.

What The Definitive Edition Adds

The Definitive Edition includes the original campaign alongside expanded content rather than functioning as a separate sequel. It adds two environments connected to Naru’s past, new secrets, additional story material, the Dash and Light Burst abilities, more flexible backtracking, and multiple difficulty modes.

Its content model is straightforward. The main game is a premium single-player package, and the Steam listing does not present a large catalog of gameplay expansion packs. Separate soundtrack products appear as optional store content, while purchasing the Definitive Edition also provides the original game in the Steam library for users who do not already own it.

The structure is based on completing the campaign, improving map completion, collecting upgrades, and mastering difficult platforming sections. It is not a service game, a co-op adventure, or an open-ended character-building RPG. The appeal comes from learning the world and Ori’s movement set well enough to turn dangerous routes into repeatable lines.

Who Should Play Ori on PC?

This is a strong fit for players who want story-driven metroidvania exploration, responsive movement, environmental puzzles, and a focused solo campaign. The hand-painted visual style and fully orchestrated score support the emotional tone, but the game’s lasting strength is mechanical: every major ability gives the player a new way to understand Nibel.

Players who prefer slow, combat-heavy action RPGs may find Ori’s emphasis on traversal too light. Likewise, its platforming can be demanding, especially during escape sequences that require a chain of precise inputs without much room for hesitation. The multiple difficulty modes make the experience more approachable, but they do not remove the game’s reliance on timing and spatial awareness.

For a harsher and more combat-focused interpretation of interconnected 2D exploration, metroidvanias such as Hollow Knight offer broader combat systems and a darker world structure. Ori is more linear in its story direction and places greater emphasis on movement flow, visual storytelling, and set-piece escapes.

PC Features and Storefront Details

The Steam edition is listed as single-player and supports Steam Achievements, Steam Cloud, Family Sharing, and Steam Remote Play on supported devices. The storefront also lists controller support, making a gamepad a natural option for players who want analog movement and consistent access to Ori’s platforming actions. Keyboard controls are available for players who prefer direct digital input.

Steam lists interface and subtitle localization for English, French, Italian, German, Spanish from Spain, Japanese, Russian, and Brazilian Portuguese. Full audio is not listed for these languages, so players should distinguish between interface and subtitle availability when choosing their preferred language.

There is no multiplayer campaign, local co-op, split-screen mode, competitive mode, mod workshop, cabinet mode, or dedicated-server feature listed for the PC package. Its ecosystem is intentionally compact: one player, one interconnected world, a set of traversal abilities, and optional completion goals supported by cloud saves and achievements.

Related PC Metroidvanias

The most direct comparison is the larger follow-up metroidvania Ori and the Will of the Wisps, which develops the same character movement philosophy while expanding combat, exploration, and progression. It is a natural next step for players who want more Ori after completing the Nibel campaign.

Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition remains the more focused of the two experiences. Its map and ability set are built around carefully staged traversal discoveries, while its story moves toward a defined conclusion rather than offering a large collection of open-ended side systems. That focus is part of its identity, not a missing feature.

Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition FAQ

Is the current PC version still called Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition?

Yes. The current Steam listing uses Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition. No replacement PC storefront name is presented in the listing checked for this guide.

What does the Definitive Edition include?

It includes the original campaign plus new areas tied to Naru’s past, additional story sequences, new secrets, Dash, Light Burst, Spirit Well teleportation, full backtracking support, and multiple difficulty modes.

Is Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition multiplayer?

No. The PC storefront lists the game as single-player. It does not list online co-op, local co-op, split-screen, or competitive multiplayer.

Does the PC version support a controller?

Yes. The Steam listing includes controller support, alongside Steam Remote Play features for supported devices.

Does the game have a skill tree?

Yes. Ability Points unlock upgrades across utility, efficiency, and combat branches. Permanent traversal abilities such as Bash, Stomp, Dash, and Light Burst are separate progression milestones that open new routes.

Is the original version included with the Definitive Edition?

Steam states that purchasing the Definitive Edition provides a free copy of the original game in the buyer’s library if it is not already owned. The Definitive Edition itself is the expanded version to choose for a first playthrough.