Maps & Exploration
The Vessel is a massive, interconnected space station filled with diverse biomes, hidden areas, and secrets. Understanding the layout and exploration mechanics is key to fully experiencing MIO: Memories in Orbit.
The Vessel
The Vessel is the massive technological spaceship where MIO awakens. Originally designed to transport humans to a place called the Promised Land, it now drifts aimlessly in space as a field of ruins overgrown with lush vegetation and rogue machines.
Main Story Areas
- • Nexus: Starting area where MIO awakens. Contains Mel's shop and serves as a central hub. The apartments area contains Terror of the Ledge enemy.
- • Metropolis: Large city area to the left of Nexus. Contains Dr Halyn's Experiment #223 boss and various collectibles.
- • Haven: Area containing Promenade Entrance fast travel point. Contains Intrusive Fertiliser boss and Celestial Bay access.
- • Vaults: Area containing Dr Halyn's Collector boss. Accessible through drawers and pumps. Defeating the boss saves Mel.
- • Bell Tower: Top area contains the Bell Tower Visitor Pass. Access to Haven's rooftop.
- • Aviaries: Area behind FLORA boss contains Aviaries Passepartout key item.
- • Redacted Lab: Contains the severed finger needed for the True Ending.
- • The Wheel: Location where you attach the severed finger to unlock The Crucible.
- • The Crucible: Challenging optional area unlocked after attaching the finger. Leads to Boss Shii and the True Ending.
Optional Areas
- • Celestial Bay: Optional area at the very top of the map. Accessible by climbing above the left side door in the room above Nexus, then gliding to platforms.
- • The Pit: Optional area at the very bottom of the map. Requires all 6 Fragmented Serial Numbers to access Manufactory, then Defective Core modifier (from 12 Candles) to open the door.
- • Manufactory: Area unlocked after finding all 6 Fragmented Serial Numbers. Contains Twisted Baron boss at the end.
- • Canopy: Area containing The Friends :) boss. Requires Friends Invitation key item.
- • Silo: Area containing Sentient Pearltrap boss. Accessible via Silo Access Badge from Mel's shop.
- • Dwellings: Area connecting to the region above Metropolis. Leads to The Last Embedders boss (hardest boss in the game).
Map System
The map system in MIO works differently from many Metroidvania games:
⚠️ Important Map Mechanics:
- • No Map Initially: The game doesn't provide a map at the start. You must rely on memory and careful observation of your environment.
- • Map Unlocking: You'll unlock the map function later in the game after progressing through the story.
- • Hollow Knight Style: Once you have the map, new routes you explore won't appear until you return to a save point (Network Gate). This encourages careful exploration and memory.
- • Challenging Navigation: This system can be frustrating for players who rely heavily on maps, but it encourages you to pay attention to environmental details and landmarks.
Interactive Map (External Resources)
An interactive map is available through external resources like Gamer Guides with 1,402 markers across 83 categories. This comprehensive map allows you to track:
- • All collectibles
- • Upgrades and abilities
- • Key items
- • Candles (12 total)
- • Fragmented Serial Numbers (6 total)
- • Modifiers
- • Old Cores (39 total)
- • Mod Extensions (3 total)
- • Network Gates
- • Boss locations
- • Overseers (fast travel points)
Note: For the most detailed interactive map with all markers, visit external map resources that provide comprehensive coverage of The Vessel.
Fast Travel (Overseers)
Fast travel in MIO requires finding specific entities named Overseers scattered throughout The Vessel. These serve as fast travel points.
Important: Without finding these Overseers, you'll need to do lengthy backtracking when trying to get from one area to another. Some boss runbacks can be particularly brutal, requiring you to repeat long paths and fight the same enemies if you die.
Exploration Tips
Using Your Map
- • Remember that you won't have a map initially—rely on environmental observation and memory
- • Once unlocked, return to Network Gates to update your map with newly explored routes
- • Keep track of unexplored areas marked on your map
- • Return to previous areas with new abilities to access hidden sections
- • Mark important locations like Network Gates, Overseers (fast travel points), and boss arenas
- • Remember that you can disable the minimap in your Allocation Matrix to free up memory slots
Hairpin Grapple Mastery
The Hairpin Grapple is essential for exploration. Skilled players can:
- • Chain grapple points together while maintaining momentum
- • Access hidden areas that seem unreachable
- • Cross large gaps efficiently
- • Use momentum to reach higher platforms
Backtracking
Since The Vessel is interconnected:
- • Don't worry about missing items—nothing is permanently missable
- • Return to areas after obtaining new abilities
- • Use Network Gates as waypoints for efficient travel
- • Explore thoroughly—many secrets are hidden off the main path
Area Guide
Main Story Areas
Nexus
Starting hub with Mel's shop. Contains apartments area.
Metropolis
Large city area with multiple bosses and collectibles.
Haven
Contains Promenade Entrance and access to Celestial Bay.
Vaults
Contains Dr Halyn's Collector boss. Saving Mel requires visiting here.
Optional Areas
Celestial Bay
Top of map. Optional exploration area.
The Pit
Bottom of map. Requires Defective Core modifier.
Manufactory
Requires 6 Fragmented Serial Numbers. Contains Twisted Baron.
Dwellings
Leads to The Last Embedders (hardest boss).
Key Locations & Facilities
Network Gates
Found throughout The Vessel. Use these to manage your Allocation Matrix, equip modifications, purchase upgrades, and update your map.
Overseers
Fast travel points scattered throughout The Vessel. Essential for efficient navigation between areas.
Mel's Shop (Nexus)
Main shop in the game. Inventory expands as you find Mel's Minions. Upper area contains Silo Access Badge.
Nacre Conversion Machines
Marked on map with special icon. Convert liquid Nacre to Solid Nacre to prevent loss upon death.
True Ending Locations
Redacted Lab (severed finger) → The Wheel (attach finger) → The Crucible (Boss Shii) → True Ending