In Ori and the Blind Forest, two key collectible types contribute to Ori’s progression and gameplay mechanics: Energy Shards (also known as Energy Cells) and Ability Cells.

1. Energy Shards (Energy Cells):
– These collectibles are essential for increasing Ori’s maximum energy capacity. Each Energy Shard collected adds to the blue energy spheres available to Ori.
– Energy is crucial for using certain abilities, including the casting of Soul Links, which function as save points in the game.
– By increasing the maximum energy capacity, players can enhance Ori’s ability to perform special actions and explore the game’s world more freely.

2. Ability Cells:
– Unlike Energy Shards, Ability Cells do not contribute to Ori’s energy or health metrics. Instead, they are used to unlock or upgrade skills within Ori’s ability skill tree.
– Collecting Ability Cells provides points that can be spent to enhance various capabilities, allowing players to tailor Ori’s abilities to their play style.
– These upgrades can significantly impact gameplay, making Ori more powerful or versatile, but they do not affect Ori’s health or energy levels directly.

In summary, Energy Shards increase Ori’s energy capacity, allowing for greater use of energy-dependent abilities, while Ability Cells provide points for skill enhancements without changing health or energy metrics. This differentiation emphasizes strategic collection and upgrading as players navigate the challenges of Ori and the Blind Forest.

Additionally, it’s worth noting the existence of Life Cells (although not detailed in your request), which increase Ori’s maximum health and refill health upon collection, further contributing to the gameplay dynamics.