Returning Spirits

*Not to be confused with Traveling Spirits.*

Work in ProgressThis page or section is actively undergoing a major edit. Please note that this new "**Returning Spirits**" system will be undergoing multiple changes.
**Returning Spirits** is a system where a collective of Seasonal Spirits with a specific theme will return for multiple weeks, allowing players to purchase Expression upgrades, Cosmetics, and a Wing Buff from past-Season Spirits. This event is called a "**Special Visit**".

While it is not to be confused with Traveling Spirits, in essence the Returning Spirit system is a group of Traveling Spirits - returning all at once for longer than 4 days. In addition, both systems can overlap and run together. A Traveling Spirit could be happening while a Special Visit is occurring.

See Spirit Visits for all Spirit appearances and statistics based on them.

## Overview

On March 3 2023, TGC made an announcement about trying something new that will complement the current Traveling Spirits system that would allow players to be able to interact with past Seasonal Spirits more frequently, without overwhelming players. TGC will be testing out different solutions over the course of the year.

Similar to Traveling Spirits, Special Visits can occur where past-Seasonal Spirits return for a limited time for players to purchase items they have previously missed. Even players who have completed the Spirit during it's Seasonal run can benefit, acquiring one new Wing Buff with each Spirit. At times, new items may be added to a Spirit's offerings; such as Props for Shared Spaces.

Returning Spirits provide an opportunity for new players to (eventually) acquire all of the collectibles offered by Seasonal Spirits. None of the Ultimate Gifts from past Seasons are available (all of which were offered by the Season Guides, not the Season Spirits).

Only players who have completed Valley of Triumph can see the Returning Spirit's Season Guide at Home. This means you must have been to the Valley Temple and must have meditated at its altar; you do not have to find any Spirits, unlock any Expressions, or buy any Cosmetics.

Players who have previously purchased items from the Returning Spirits or Traveling Spirit (whether in-Season or on a previous visit) will see those as unlocked items in the Spirit's Friendship Tree. This includes Cosmetics, higher level Expressions, Hearts, Wing Buffs, and some Blessings.

Only Seasonal Spirits return as Returning Spirits, so Season Guides and
Shattering Ancient Light and Darkness entities will not return as Returning Spirits, but TGC has mentioned that both of them will return in some form, bringing their cosmetics.

## Schedule

**As of 15 May 2023, there is no clear schedule of Special Visits as announced by ThatGameCompany**. However, it can be *assumed* that Special Visits will occur every Season.

## Friendship Tree Information

When a Spirit first returns as a Traveling/Returning Spirit they always offer all the same items as they did during the Season. Any previously Season Pass exclusive items become available to all players. Relative to the in-Season Tree, the items are completely reorganized and their costs are all changed (into non-Seasonal currencies and also more expensive). In addition a few new items are added -- a Wing Buff (cost 2 ) is always added, but new cosmetics may also appear (new placeable Props are particularly likely). Anything bought from a Traveling Spirit shop will also reflect on what's sold on a Returning Spirit's shop.

To read more about the Friendship Tree, visit the Seasonal Spirits page.

## Historical Appearances

### August 7, 2023

Four Seasonal Spirits from different Seasons: Hiking Grouch, Cackling Cannoneer, Crab Whisperer, and Troupe Greeter couldn't help but return to the Realms for a special visit to Prairie Peaks. Get ready to meet them from **August 7 to 13, 2023**.

Promo imagePromo imageReturning Spirits group in Prairie Peaks
### July 3, 2023

Four Seasonal Spirits from different Seasons: Thoughtful Director, Respectful Pianist, Leaping Dancer, and Greeting Shaman gather to jam with players and offer items in their Friendship Trees from **July 3 to July 16, 2023**. The Harmony Hall Guide was standing at Home and was able to teleport players directly to the Harmony Hall.

Promo imageHarmony Hall Guide at HomeReturning Spirits group in Harmony Hall
### May 15, 2023

Three Seasonal Spirits from the Season of Prophecy returned from **May 15 to May 21, 2023**. Prophet of Air, Prophet of Water, and Prophet of Earth hung out at the top of the Cave of Prophecies. The Prophecy Guide was standing at Home and was able to teleport players directly to the Cave of Prophecies.

Promo imageProphecy Guide at HomeProphecy Spirits in the Cave of Prophecies
Because this Special Visit was based on the "Twilight Gloaming" theme, the Cave of Prophecies had a special lighting during the visit. According to TGC on twitter, "Back in March, the community voted for a Special Visit themed under “Twilight Gloaming,” hence the beautiful hues of blue and purple on these special visitors!".

Cave of Prophecies Lighting during Special Visit
There was also a Double Currency Event during the Special Visit week, where players were able to enjoy twice as many Daily Treasure Candles and Seasonal Candle Bunches scattered across one Realm each day.

### March 6, 2023

Four Seasonal Spirits from the Season of Assembly returned from **March 6 to March 19, 2023**. Baffled Botanist, Chuckling Scout, Marching Adventurer, and Scaredy Cadet hung out at the end of Hidden Forest, past the Temple. The Assembly Guide was standing at Home and was able to teleport players directly to the Forest End. They also offered a free Shared Space Spell for players to try out.

Assembly Spirits in Forest EndPromo image
## Future Returning Spirits

On March 9 2023, TGC created a Twitter poll to allow the community to choose the next group of Returning Spirits. The final result after 9,912 votes were:

 Grassy Loam | 13.1%

From the May 15 2023 visit, Twilight Gloaming was revealed to be a group of Season of Prophecy Spirits. TGC also elaborated on the hints given above, that the Twilight Gloaming visit was based on a theme, *not* on a Season .

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 The selected Spirits are based on a theme, not a Season, as confirmed by this tweet.
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 The Wing Buff is the same as a Traveling Spirit.
3. ↑ For more information, see the announcement on TGC's website.
4. ↑ Twitter poll