MIO: Memories in Orbit is a beautifully atmospheric metroidvania developed by Douze Dixièmes, set aboard a massive, decaying space vessel filled with hostile machines, forgotten memories, and hidden paths. The game combines precise platforming, fluid aerial combat, and deep environmental storytelling, making it rewarding but also challenging for many players.
This MIO Memories in Orbit walkthrough is designed to help you progress smoothly through every major area, defeat bosses efficiently, unlock all core abilities, and understand advanced mechanics. Whether you are stuck on a boss, confused about progression, or aiming for full completion, this guide covers everything in a clear and verified manner.
Game Overview
You play as Mio, a small android navigating the remains of a once-functioning orbital ark. The story unfolds through exploration rather than exposition, encouraging players to observe environments, enemy behavior, and visual cues. A standard playthrough takes around 12 to 15 hours, while completionists can expect over 20 hours of gameplay.
Walkthrough Progression Order
The Beginning: Dwellings and the Severed Spine
The opening area introduces movement, combat fundamentals, and early exploration mechanics. Take time to explore side paths, as early resources and modifiers significantly ease the difficulty curve. You will encounter your first major bosses here, Egis and Acat, who are designed to teach attack pattern recognition and dodge timing.
Completing this section rewards you with the Hairpin Grapple, a crucial traversal tool required for later areas and a key milestone in any complete MIO Memories in Orbit walkthrough.
Feral Undergrowth
This zone expands on vertical platforming and introduces more aggressive enemy patterns. Precision movement becomes important here, especially chaining jumps with aerial attacks. The boss Crow marks an early skill check and rewards an upgrade that enhances mobility and combat flow.
Always explore above and below the main route, as this area contains several hidden upgrades that are easy to miss.
Eastern Haven and the Aviaries
After clearing the Undergrowth, you gain access to Eastern Haven. This region emphasizes vertical traversal and aerial combat. New movement upgrades allow dive-style attacks and better control in midair.
Hidden ledges are common here, and many are intentionally placed just outside the camera frame. Experiment with jumping from different angles to reveal secrets, as exploration depth is a defining feature of any strong MIO Memories in Orbit walkthrough guide.
Bell Tower and Returning to Eastern Haven
With newly unlocked abilities, returning to previously explored zones becomes essential. The Bell Tower introduces Glide, one of the most important traversal abilities in the game.
Enemies in this section punish reckless movement, so mastering directional attacks and controlled gliding is critical.
Promenade and The Breath
Using Glide, you can now cross large gaps leading to the Promenade. This area shifts focus to sustained combat encounters and environmental hazards.
Two major bosses appear here: Lombre, Intrusive Fertiliser, and Nabuu, Keeper of The Breath. Both fights require patience, proper dodge timing, and effective use of aerial resets.
Metropolis
The Metropolis is one of the largest and most complex zones in the game. Tight platforming sections, layered enemy encounters, and multiple branching paths define this area.
This is also where optional bosses and advanced modifiers become available, making it an important zone for players aiming for full completion.
Vaults, Lab, and Final Areas
The late game introduces the Vaults and the Lab, where the story reaches its conclusion. Enemy density increases, and boss encounters become multi-phase.
The final confrontation tests everything you have learned, from traversal to combat discipline, bringing the full MIO Memories in Orbit walkthrough to its most demanding point.
Combat and Movement Tips
Aerial attacks reset your jump when you hit enemies, allowing extended air time during both combat and exploration. Directional attacks are essential, as enemies often approach from above or below. Dodging provides brief invincibility frames, and mastering its timing dramatically reduces damage taken.
Movement is as important as offense. Staying airborne keeps you safer than remaining grounded in many encounters.
Exploration and Hidden Secrets
Breakable walls often hide upgrades, modifiers, or lore fragments. If a section looks suspiciously empty, attack the environment. Crystallizing nacre frequently is strongly recommended, as liquid nacre is lost on death.
Backtracking is a core part of progression. Many areas are intentionally inaccessible until later abilities are unlocked.
Recommended Modifier Builds
A balanced survival build focuses on defensive modifiers, enhanced dodge efficiency, and passive recovery. This setup is ideal for learning boss patterns.
An aggressive build prioritizes damage output and energy recovery, allowing faster boss fights but requiring precise execution.
An exploration build emphasizes mobility and resource management, making it ideal for uncovering secrets and collectibles.
Switching builds depending on the situation is encouraged and often necessary.
Boss Fight Strategy Fundamentals
Bosses are designed around clear attack patterns. Rushing usually leads to failure. Observe first, identify safe damage windows, and commit only when openings appear.
Many bosses reward aerial positioning, making jump resets and glide control invaluable.
Accessibility and Assist Options
The game includes optional assist features such as reduced enemy aggression, gradual boss difficulty reduction after failures, and temporary shielding while standing still. These options allow players to learn mechanics without frustration and do not diminish the overall experience.
Completion Advice
Always crystallize nacre before entering a boss arena. Revisit earlier zones after unlocking new abilities, as many secrets are hidden in plain sight. Use map awareness to track unexplored paths and unfinished sections.
Why This Walkthrough Is the Best Way to Experience the Game
MIO: Memories in Orbit rewards players who approach it with patience, curiosity, and a willingness to master movement-driven combat. Its world design encourages exploration, while its boss encounters demand focus and adaptability.
By following this walkthrough, you gain a clear progression path without losing the joy of discovery. From early traversal upgrades to late-game challenges, this guide ensures you experience the full depth of the game while avoiding unnecessary frustration.
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