The Wooden Doll is a secret character in Shape of Dreams that can be unlocked by completing a set of specific steps on the Lotus Map. This How to Unlock the Wooden Doll Character in Shape of Dreams guide walks you through everything you need to do, including soul collection, shrine interaction, and the final ritual that grants the unlock.
Step 1: Enter the Lotus Map
The Lotus Map is easily recognizable by its black, white, and red visual theme. It has a distinctly Japanese-inspired design.
To guarantee a run in this map:
- Visit the Lizard Vendor in your hub.
- Purchase the item that guarantees entry into the Lotus Map.
This step is optional but helps avoid RNG frustration.
Step 2: Find and Collect Three “Small Soul” Orbs
Once you’re in the Lotus Map, check your mini-map for red markers labeled “There is a small soul here.” These represent Small Soul orbs scattered throughout the map.
- Your goal is to find three of these Small Souls during the same run.
- The orbs are easy to miss, so check corners, shrines, and hidden nooks.
- Once found, interact with them to collect the souls.
Keep in mind: Only the player collecting the orbs can turn them in. This becomes important in multiplayer sessions.
Step 3: Activate Shrines of Impermanence (Optional)
Throughout the Lotus Map, you’ll come across special structures called Shrines of Impermanence.
- These shrines can be activated by interacting with them.
- After activating several, a message may appear stating:
“The Guardians of Impermanence are watching.”
Some players report that shrine activation is required, while others unlocked the Wooden Doll without interacting with any. Until this is confirmed, it’s safest to activate the shrines whenever possible.
Step 4: Proceed to the Boss Arena
After collecting the three Small Souls, head toward the boss area of the Lotus Map.
- Once inside the boss room, look to the left of the spawn point.
- You’ll see a strange figure lying on the floor—this is the Wooden Doll.
This figure is the one you’ll feed the souls to.
Step 5: Feed the Doll
Approach the Wooden Doll and offer the three Small Souls you collected earlier.
- If done correctly, you’ll receive an achievement and unlock the Wooden Doll character for future runs.
- You’ll also receive purple upgrade souls as a bonus, which are used to purchase cosmetic items or improve abilities.
Important Note for Multiplayer
If you’ve already unlocked the Wooden Doll:
- Do not collect the three Small Souls again during a run.
- Let other players who haven’t unlocked the character collect and turn them in.
- If someone who already owns the character collects the souls and feeds the doll, no one else in the run will get the unlock.
To avoid issues, coordinate with your team before collecting any red orbs.
Table
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Enter Lotus Map | Use map guarantee item from Lizard Vendor |
| Collect 3 Small Souls | Look for red map markers, labeled “There is a small soul here” |
| Activate Shrines | Optional but potentially required for unlock |
| Go to Boss Arena | Left side of spawn area contains the Wooden Doll |
| Feed the Doll | Offer the souls to unlock character and achievement |
| Multiplayer Note | Let new players collect souls if you already have the unlock |
Unlocking the Wooden Doll adds another layer of mystery and strategy to Shape of Dreams. While the exact mechanics behind shrine interaction are still debated, following the full steps ensures the best chance of success.
If you’re running with friends, be mindful of who picks up the Small Souls to avoid wasting the run. Once you unlock the Wooden Doll, you’ll not only get a new playable character but also deepen your understanding of how the game handles hidden progression paths.
Let me know if you’d like a guide for other secret characters or maps in the game.