MIO: Memories in Orbit may be a straight-up gorgeous, hauntingly atmospheric sci-fi romp set across a sprawling technological ark, but it's also a real test of skill. Whether you're a seasoned metroidvania enjoyer or a newcomer to the genre, MIO is sure to give you the challenge you're craving with tight precision platforming, combat that demands on-the-fly strategy, and the space (sorry for the pun) to go all-out with experimental builds that really let you push the limit of the game's powers and modifiers.
If you want to start your journey in the Vessel off on the right foot—do robots have feet? They do, right?—then here are 10 essential tips that'll have you dancing around bosses and nailing shortcuts like a god, all while uncovering the secrets that seep into every corner of this ever-changing world.
Mel is your best friend
Does she look a little scary? Sure, but this engineer will be your go-to shopkeeper throughout your journey across the Vessel. She'll set up shop at Nexus—your hub and general safe space—where you'll be able to use your two main collected currencies, Nacre and Old Cores, to buy power-ups, modifiers, and more.
It's the quintessential location for growing more powerful. If you're finding yourself short on either currency, try slaying a few enemies or go looting in secret zones. Some locations are more hidden than others, so make sure you explore every corner of the Vessel.
Patience is the key to victory
It can be easy to go into MIO's boss fights with a hack-and-slash mindset, but the thing that'll have you walking away victorious is a little bit of patience and learning from your losses. Feel out the rhythm of your foe's attacks—how long they take to wind up, and which ones leave a juicy opening for you to go all-out on your counterattack. Think of the fights like a choreographed dance, and the rhythm will follow before long.
Adapt and evolve
You might be tempted to find a build and stick with it, but MIO's roster of over 40 modifiers is ripe for extensive customisation and experimentation. Figure out what's important to you, and what's important to felling your enemies. Could you do with a modifier that offers insight into their health, or would your encounter fare better if you were able to do more damage instead? Maybe you could even find a modifier that lets you use even more power-ups… at a price, of course.
Playing around with builds and synergies isn't just fun, it's vital to success.
Take advantage of MIO's wealth of accessibility options
MIO is a metroidvania for everybody, with a heap of accessibility options to suit all gameplay. Don't hesitate to use them, they're there to help. Here are some of the accessibility features available in MIO:
- Eroded Bosses: Lowers the boss's maximum HP a little after each failed attempt, putting you a little closer to success with every try.
- Pacifist: Wraps protagonist MIO in a protective aura that means enemies won't attack you unless you strike. This one doesn't work on bosses, though!
- Ground Healing: Keeping still while on the ground for five seconds grants MIO a temporary shield.
Check your map regularly
Your map is your lantern in Vessel's dark world. Checking it regularly can help guide you to yet unexplored areas that may just contain shortcuts, secrets, or valuable resources. And if you find a path you can't quite reach just now, or a door you're unable to unlock, you can pop a little marker on it so you remember to come back later. It's extremely valuable, and using it to its fullest should mean you're able to leave no stone unturned.
Take the time to explore
Sometimes instead of going forward, you may need to go back instead. If you find yourself stuck, maybe go back and explore previous areas or find a new path to venture down. Maybe it's just as simple as taking a moment to upgrade your abilities, obtain new ones, and revise your current build.
Don't forget to attune at Overseer checkpoints as you play, too. It'll save your progress and update your latest discoveries on the map, helping you figure out exactly where to go next.
Secure those resources
Carrying a big ol' wad of Liquid Nacre? Careful! it's a valuable resource but if you die, it'll disappear. Make sure to regularly stash it away at stations scattered across the Vessel. That'll keep it safe in case you end up eating dirt later on.
Think outside the box with your powers
Powers aren't just good for one thing, you know. The Hook is a great mobility tool, but it also grants precious invincibility frames that can save your metal hide in a pinch. The Spider move keeps you low to the ground and can be a great way to crouch dodge attacks, or utilise your Glide to levitate over deadly traps. Think of alternative ways these tools can be wielded and you'll have the upper hand.
Shortcuts and Overseers are everywhere
The trek back feeling like a slog? There's a good chance you missed a shortcut or forgot to attune to an Overseer. Keep your eyes peeled for easier ways to traverse the Vessel and remember the above point about exploring: find and attune to those Overseers and always check your map for potential shorter routes.
Find Shii at the Nexus
Not sure where to go next and exhausted all of the above? Pop back to the Nexus and talk to Shii—they might just have a hint to help guide your next move.
