Frequently Asked Questions
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General
How long does it take to complete MIO: Memories in Orbit?
The main story takes approximately 25-40 hours. Achieving 100% completion (all trophies/achievements) takes about 20-25 hours.
What is the difficulty rating?
The game has a difficulty rating of 6/10, though the difficulty curve can be inconsistent. The game starts slow and becomes more challenging as you progress. However, MIO: Memories in Orbit is intentionally designed to be challenging—players are expected to die frequently, and the game tests reflexes and patience while rewarding mastery of MIO's abilities.
Is this game suitable for players who enjoy challenging games?
Yes! MIO: Memories in Orbit appeals to fans of challenging titles like Hollow Knight, Celeste, and Dead Cells. The game is designed to be difficult and will "pleasantly surprise you and challenge you." Players are expected to die frequently, but the game rewards skill mastery and persistence.
How difficult is MIO compared to other Metroidvania games?
MIO is intentionally challenging and designed to test reflexes and patience. It appeals to players who enjoy difficult games like Hollow Knight, Celeste, and Dead Cells. The game rewards mastery of abilities and requires precision, rhythm, and timing. However, assist modes are available for players who need them.
Are there any missable items or trophies?
No! Nothing is missable in MIO: Memories in Orbit. You can collect all items and complete all trophies at your own pace, even after finishing the main story.
What platforms is the game available on?
MIO: Memories in Orbit is available on Steam (PC), Microsoft Store (PC), Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Previously announced PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions are no longer planned.
How much does the game cost?
MIO: Memories in Orbit is priced at $19.99 USD across all platforms (Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2).
Is there a demo available?
Yes, a PC demo is available on Steam and other platforms (2-3 hours long), allowing you to try the beginning of the game with a secret area and major challenge to discover before purchasing.
When was the Switch 2 version announced?
The Switch 2 version was newly announced in December 2025. The original Nintendo Switch version is still planned and coming.
Are PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions still planned?
No, previously announced PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions are no longer planned. The game is now focused on current-generation platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2.
Gameplay Mechanics
What is the Allocation Matrix?
The Allocation Matrix is a memory slot management system unique to MIO. You must allocate limited memory space to equip abilities, modifications, UI elements, and other features. This creates strategic trade-offs throughout the game.
How does the energy system work?
Gliding, grappling, and arachnid locomotion all require energy. When empty, you cannot perform these actions. Energy regenerates by landing on the ground, bouncing off enemies, or striking environmental objects (which fully restores energy).
How does aerial combat work?
When you hit a target (enemy or environmental object) while airborne, your double jump resets. This allows you to chain hits together and stay airborne for extended periods, traversing entire rooms without touching the ground.
What is the difference between Nacre and Solid Nacre?
Liquid Nacre is lost upon death and cannot be recovered. Solid Nacre is permanent and won't be lost. You can convert liquid Nacre to Solid Nacre at special machines marked on the map.
How do I unlock the map?
The map is not available at the start of the game. You'll unlock it later through story progression. Once unlocked, new routes won't appear until you return to a Network Gate (save point).
How does fast travel work?
Fast travel requires finding specific entities called Overseers scattered throughout The Vessel. Without finding these, you'll need to backtrack manually between areas.
What are checkpoints and save points?
Network Gates serve as checkpoints/save points throughout The Vessel. These are where you can manage your Allocation Matrix, purchase upgrades, and update your map. Some players have noted concerns about checkpoint spacing—boss runbacks can be long, requiring you to repeat paths and fight enemies if you die.
Where is Celestial Bay? How do I get there?
Celestial Bay is an optional area at the very top of the map. Reach it by climbing above the left door in the room where you got Asma's Voice (above Nexus), then gliding to platforms and following the path. Reaching it unlocks the "Deja Vu" trophy. For step-by-step directions and what you can find there (Overseer fast travel, Orphaned Shoe collectible), see our Maps & Exploration guide.
Are there healing options?
No, there are no healing options available during the main story path (at least none that have been discovered). This makes combat encounters more challenging. MIO is quite fragile and can die in just a few hits.
Collectibles
How many Modifiers are there?
There are 42 Modifiers total. These are swappable upgrades that consume memory slots in your Allocation Matrix.
How many Coating Components are there?
There are 24 Coating Components. Every 4 you find gives you 1 extra armor, improving your defensive capabilities.
How many Candles are there?
There are 12 Candles total. All must be taken to Asma above the Nexus for the "Tribute" trophy.
How many Old Cores are there?
There are 39 Old Cores. These are a special currency needed to purchase some items from Mel's shop.
How many Mod Extensions are there?
There are 7 Mod Extensions. Each expands your Allocation Matrix capacity by 10 slots, allowing you to equip more modifications simultaneously.
How many Fragmented Serial Numbers are there?
There are 6 Fragmented Serial Numbers. All 6 are needed to unlock the Manufactory area.
How many Curios are there?
There are 7 Curios. All must be taken to Capucine to help her find her way, unlocking the "Now We Know" trophy.
How many Mel's Minions are there?
There are 3 Mel's Minions. Finding each one expands Mel's shop inventory. All 3 are needed to buy everything from Mel.
Bosses
How many bosses are there?
There are 19 bosses total: 6 story bosses (required for progression) and 13 optional bosses.
What are the story bosses?
The 6 story bosses are: Egis (first boss), Calderon, Sol & Vin, FLORA, Shii (True Ending boss), and Sawlong (chase boss).
What is the hardest boss?
The Last Embedders is considered the hardest optional boss in the game. It's found in the area above Metropolis, accessible through the Dwellings.
Where is The Last Embedders? How do I find them?
The Last Embedders are in the area above Metropolis, reached by going through the Dwellings. Defeating them unlocks the "Shame On You" trophy. For step-by-step directions and strategy tips, see our Boss Guides page (Boss list — The Last Embedders).
Do bosses get easier if I die multiple times?
Yes! If you enable Corrupted Boss Mode in the Assist menu, bosses will become slightly weaker each time you die to them.
What are the best modifiers for boss fights in MIO?
For tough bosses, consider defensive modifiers like Protective Overlay (extra health layer) and Enhanced Dodge (better invincibility frames), plus combat-focused modifiers for damage and mobility. See our Boss Guides page for a short list and our Modifiers and Builds guides for full recommendations.
Endings
How many endings are there?
There are 2 endings: the Standard Ending (normal story completion) and the True Ending.
How do I get the True Ending?
To unlock the True Ending: 1) Find the Severed Fingertip in the pit beneath the Vaults (where The Hand first grabbed you—drop into that pit and head far east), 2) Take it to The Wheel in the Lab (above where you fight The Hand) and use it to repair the broken mechanical hand, 3) Solve The Wheel puzzle (positions 0, 120, 240) to reach The Crucible, 4) Complete two platforming challenges in The Crucible to get Flowing Steps, 5) Use Flowing Steps to climb the gloom waterfall (Canopy, via Bell Tower at top of Haven) to reach The Library—the elevator's third level triggers Boss Shii. Defeat Shii for the True Ending. See the Secrets guide for the full Wheel puzzle sequence.
Can I get both endings in one playthrough?
Yes! After either ending, you load back to just before the final boss, so you can continue and pursue the other ending. Nothing is missable.
Do I need to defeat Sol and Vin for the True Ending?
No. Sol and Vin (found above the Dwellings and Metropolis, via the hidden path near the Metropolis gates) are optional. You can reach the True Ending without fighting them. They reward extra lore.
Difficulty & Accessibility
What assist modes are available?
There are two assist modes: Corrupted Boss Mode (bosses weaken after each death) and Pacifist Mode (regular enemies won't attack you). The demo also includes difficulty tweaking options in Settings > Accessibility, suggesting the full game may offer similar options.
Do assist modes disable trophies?
No, assist modes do not disable trophies. You can use them freely without affecting your ability to earn achievements.
When should I use assist modes?
Use Corrupted Boss Mode if you're struggling with boss encounters. Use Pacifist Mode if you want to focus on exploration and platforming without combat pressure. These options are available for players who find the game too challenging.
How do I access accessibility options?
Accessibility options can be found in Settings > Accessibility. The demo includes difficulty tweaking options, and the full game likely offers similar accessibility features to help players adjust the difficulty to their preference.
Is the game too hard for casual players?
MIO is intentionally challenging and designed for players who enjoy difficult games. However, assist modes (Corrupted Boss Mode and Pacifist Mode) are available, and accessibility options in Settings allow you to adjust difficulty. The game rewards patience and persistence, but if you're struggling, don't hesitate to use assist modes.
Troubleshooting
I'm stuck and don't know where to go. What should I do?
Remember that you don't have a map initially. Pay attention to environmental details and landmarks. Return to areas you've visited with new abilities to access previously unreachable areas.
I keep losing my Nacre when I die. How can I prevent this?
Always convert your liquid Nacre to Solid Nacre at conversion machines (marked on the map) or spend it at Network Gates before dangerous encounters.
What's the difference between Liquid Nacre and Solid Nacre?
Liquid Nacre is lost upon death and cannot be recovered (unlike Hollow Knight's corpse run system). Solid Nacre is permanent and won't be lost. You can convert Liquid Nacre to Solid Nacre at special robots throughout The Vessel, and you'll also pick up Solid Nacre directly—more than you can spend.
Does MIO have contact damage?
No! MIO has no contact damage, making every hit feel fair and entirely based on your reaction time rather than accidental collisions. There are also very few enemy gauntlets, and no bosses that summon loads of extra mobs.
Why does my max health decrease during the game?
This is a narrative-linked mechanic representing the passage of time and the gradual deterioration of The Vessel. It happens at precise moments, mostly with each step closer to the true ending, ensuring balanced difficulty regardless of exploration level. The game is balanced around this mechanic—you won't be massively disadvantaged.
The platforming sections are too difficult. Any tips?
Practice chaining hits in the air to reset your jumps. Master the energy system by striking environmental objects to restore energy. Consider using Pacifist Mode to focus on platforming without enemy interference.
I can't find a specific collectible. Where should I look?
Use external interactive maps with 1,402 markers across 83 categories. Remember that nothing is missable, so you can always return to areas later with new abilities.
I'm dying too frequently. Is this normal?
Yes! MIO: Memories in Orbit is intentionally designed to be challenging, and players are expected to die frequently. This is part of the learning process. Each death teaches you enemy patterns, platforming routes, and combat strategies. Use Network Gates as checkpoints and don't be discouraged—the game rewards persistence and skill mastery.
The boss runbacks are too long. What can I do?
Some boss runbacks can be brutal, requiring you to repeat long paths. This is a known challenge in the game. Try to find Overseers (fast travel points) to minimize backtracking. If you're struggling, consider using Corrupted Boss Mode, which makes bosses weaker after each death, reducing the need for multiple attempts.
Does MIO have cheat codes?
MIO: Memories in Orbit does not use traditional cheat codes. The game offers in-game assist options (Corrupted Boss Mode, Pacifist Mode, regenerating health when grounded) in Settings > Accessibility instead.
The game feels too hard for me. Should I give up?
Not at all! MIO is designed to be challenging, but assist modes and accessibility options are available. Try Corrupted Boss Mode for difficult bosses, or Pacifist Mode to focus on exploration. Check Settings > Accessibility for difficulty tweaking options. The game rewards patience and persistence—don't hesitate to use the tools available to make your experience enjoyable.