MIO: Memories in Orbit key art showing the protagonist on the Vessel spacecraft

MIO: Memories in Orbit Beginner Guide – Essential Tips to Master the Vessel

MIO: Memories in Orbit doesn't hold your hand—and that's putting it mildly. This metroidvania from Douze Dixièmes has been called one of the most beautiful games in its genre, but also one of the most punishing. After spending hours aboard the Vessel, I've learned exactly what separates players who push through from those who bounce off hard. Here's everything you need to know to survive.

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

  • Stay airborne: Hitting anything mid-air resets your double jump—use this constantly
  • Chain grapples: The Hairpin Grapple preserves momentum for massive traversal
  • Bank your Nacre: Liquid Nacre drops on death; Solid Nacre stays safe
  • Use downward strikes: Bounce off enemies to stay safe and reset jumps
  • Explore thoroughly: Hidden walls everywhere—smack anything suspicious
  • Enable assists: No shame in using the options to reduce frustration

What is MIO: Memories in Orbit?

MIO: Memories in Orbit is a metroidvania developed by Douze Dixièmes and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on January 20, 2026, it's available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and PC. It's also on Xbox Game Pass day one and fully playable on Steam Deck.

The game features stunning 2.5D visuals with cel-shading and watercolor tones, creating one of the most visually striking metroidvanias ever made. But beneath that beauty lies a demanding experience that rewards mastery of movement and combat.

You play as Mio, exploring a derelict spaceship called the Vessel. Combat is tight, platforming is precise, and death comes often if you're not paying attention.

Master the Aerial Jump Reset

This is the single most important mechanic in MIO. Your double jump isn't a one-and-done ability—it's a resource you can reclaim by hitting anything while airborne.

What counts as a hit:

  • Enemies (including drones and small creatures)
  • Lavender plant bulbs scattered throughout the environment
  • Environmental debris
  • Purple growths on walls
  • Breakable objects

Every combat encounter becomes a series of stepping stones when you internalize this. I've cleared entire vertical shafts without touching a platform, just by bouncing off flying enemies. If you're struggling with a gap, stop looking for a ledge and start looking for something to hit.

Use the Hairpin Grapple for Momentum

You unlock the Hairpin Grapple early, and it's tempting to treat it as a simple "pull me to point A" tool. That's leaving most of its power on the table.

Momentum conservation: When you hook onto a grapple point, the game preserves your velocity. Swing at the right angle and release at the peak of your arc to launch yourself across gaps that seem impossible.

Chain them together: The real magic comes from sequences—grapple, release, jump, grapple again. Practice the rhythm. It's the fastest way to travel and makes dodging boss projectiles feel like choreography instead of panic.

The Downward Strike is Your Best Friend

MIO's combat is deceptively simple—you have a 3-hit combo, a dodge, and directional attacks. But the downward strike changes everything.

Hitting an enemy from above lets you "bounce" off them, which:

  • Resets your double jump (aerial reset)
  • Keeps you out of reach of ground-based attacks
  • Gives you time to assess the battlefield

For tankier bosses, staying above them and continuously bouncing makes half their moveset irrelevant. It's not cheese—it's the intended playstyle.

Understanding Nacre (Currency)

Nacre is MIO's currency, dropped by enemies and found in breakable objects. Here's what trips up new players: there are two types.

Liquid Nacre: Drops on death. Gone forever. No corpse run.

Solid Nacre: Stays with you no matter what.

You can crystallize liquid Nacre into solid at banking stations (marked with a distinct symbol on your map). Get into the habit of banking frequently, especially before boss fights or difficult areas. Eventually you'll have more than you can spend, but early on, losing a chunk hurts.

Collectibles to Prioritize

MIO has multiple collectible systems. Here's what actually matters for power progression:

Modifiers: Attachments and upgrades for your abilities. These significantly change how you play.

Mod Extensions: Expand your Allocation Matrix so you can equip more Modifiers simultaneously.

Old Cores: Used for various upgrades. Grab every one you see.

Candles: Light these at savepoints to unlock fast travel options.

Don't stress about 100% completion on your first playthrough. Nothing is missable, and the game rewards exploration naturally.

Don't Sleep on Assist Mode

MIO has difficulty options tucked away in the Assist menu. If you're dying repeatedly to the same section or boss, there's no shame in using them. The game's punishing design is intentional, but so are these accessibility features.

Options include adjustments to damage taken, checkpoint frequency, and more. The beautiful world and satisfying exploration shouldn't be locked behind frustration if you're not enjoying the challenge.

Pro Tips

  • The floor is lava: If you're touching the ground during combat, you're doing it wrong. Stay aerial, stay alive.
  • Smack suspicious walls: Hidden paths are everywhere. If the map shows empty space behind what looks solid, attack it.
  • Boss run-backs take 30-45 seconds: Memorize the path. Impatience causes mistakes.
  • Watch for visual tells: Subtle environmental cues hint at breakable walls and secrets.
  • Bank before bosses: Always crystallize your liquid Nacre before entering a boss arena.
  • There are two endings: Your first playthrough gives the Normal ending. The True ending requires finding additional content.
  • The map is limited early: You can only view it at savepoints for about the first hour until you fix the navigation system.

FAQ

Is MIO: Memories in Orbit on Xbox Game Pass?

Yes. MIO launched day one on Xbox Game Pass on January 20, 2026.

How long does it take to beat MIO?

The main story takes roughly 15-20 hours. Completionists going for 100% (all collectibles, True ending) should expect 20-25 hours.

Is MIO harder than Hollow Knight?

Similar difficulty tier. Some reviewers say MIO's punishing mechanics (permanent currency loss, limited map access) make it feel stricter, but the Assist options help balance this.

Are there missable trophies or achievements?

No. Everything can be obtained on a single save file. Explore at your own pace.

What platforms is MIO available on?

PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store). It's also Steam Deck verified.

Summary

MIO: Memories in Orbit is a challenging but rewarding metroidvania that demands you master its aerial combat system. Stay off the ground, chain your grapples, bank your Nacre often, and don't be afraid to use the Assist options if frustration outweighs fun. The Vessel is one of the most beautiful game worlds in recent memory—it's worth the effort to see everything it has to offer.

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