In Ori and the Blind Forest, Soul Links are a unique gameplay mechanic that enhances the player’s exploration experience by introducing custom save points. These points not only serve as respawning locations upon Ori’s death but also strategically impact resource management and gameplay progression.

Key Functions of Soul Links

1. Respawning Mechanism:
– Upon death, Ori respawns at the last created Soul Link. This function serves as a checkpoint, allowing players to retry difficult sections of the game without losing significant progress. The fact that there is no limit to respawns at these links provides players with a safety net during challenging segments of the game.

2. Resource Restoration:
– When Ori respawns at a Soul Link, his health and energy levels revert to the exact values they had when the link was created. This means that if Ori had only one life orb left at the moment of saving, he would respawn with exactly one life orb. This aspect makes careful planning crucial, as players need to consider their life and energy status when establishing these links.

3. Energy Use:
– Creating a Soul Link costs one energy orb, which introduces a layer of strategy to gameplay. Especially in the early stages of the game, where energy orbs are limited, players must decide wisely when and where to place these links. This adds a tactical element to exploration and enhances the game’s challenge.

4. Healing Properties:
– While Soul Links do not function as traditional healing fountains, they provide a healing benefit based on the state of Ori’s health when the link was created. If Ori had a higher health level at the time of creating a Soul Link, that state will be maintained upon respawning, effectively acting as a healing point. Additionally, players can spend ability points for skill upgrades at Soul Links, further solidifying their importance as central gameplay hubs.

Conclusion

In summary, Soul Links in Ori and the Blind Forest are multifaceted tools that allow players greater control over their progress by serving as save points, respawn locations, and partial healing spots. They require the expenditure of energy, making their strategic placement essential for players looking to navigate the game’s challenges effectively. The dynamics of Soul Links encourage a blend of careful planning and exploration, making them a vital component of the overall gameplay experience.