MIO: Memories In Orbit might look chill at first, but don’t be fooled, this 2D Metroidvania likes to test you right from the start. If you’re new to the genre or just getting the hang of MIOs flow, the early hours can feel a little overwhelming. Luckily, the game comes with systems and assists that make things way more manageable.
A few simple habits and settings tweaks can make combat less punishing and progression feel way smoother. These beginner tips are here to help you get comfortable and enjoy the ride instead of constantly dying. Let’s get to it so you can begin as a pro.
Use Aerial Combat To Extend Your Jumps
One of the most important mechanics to understand early is that hitting an enemy resets your double jump. This turns combat encounters into mobility tools rather than pure obstacles. If you are careful about when and where you attack, you can stay airborne longer than expected.
This is especially useful in vertical rooms or during platforming sections where enemies are placed deliberately to help you maintain height. Thinking of enemies as stepping stones rather than just threats will change how you approach traversal.
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Break The Environment To Find Hidden Paths
Exploration in MIO often rewards persistence, especially when it comes to hidden entry points.
Some paths are intentionally subtle as they blend into the environment or appear sealed at first glance. If an area looks suspicious or breakable, try hitting it. Take your time to poke around rooms that feel like dead ends, because sometimes they are not. The game expects you to test boundaries, and many useful paths are a bit hidden.
Aim Your Attacks To Control Movement
Combat in MIO is also more flexible than it initially appears, thanks to directional attacks. You can attack upward, to either side, or even diagonally, which gives you control over how you engage enemies.
Downward strikes do not deal damage, but they are still valuable because they allow you to bounce and reset your jump. This means a missed attack is not always a mistake if it keeps you mobile. Learning to aim your attacks intentionally will make both combat and movement feel smoother.
Visit Mel Often To Stay Properly Upgraded
As you explore, make a habit of returning to Mel, the shopkeeper, whenever you have the chance. She sells upgrades that meaningfully improve your survivability and mobility, and it is easy to forget about her while pushing forward.
Many of her upgrades are designed to smooth out difficulty spikes, especially for newer players, so checking her inventory regularly can save you a lot of frustration later.
If you ever feel underpowered, Mel should be one of your first stops.
Lower Boss Pressure With Eroded Bosses
If you are struggling with bosses, consider turning on Eroded Bosses in the settings. This option lowers a boss’s overall health after each failed attempt, up to roughly twenty-five percent.
It is an excellent assist if you’re new to Metroidvanias or if you want to learn boss patterns without being overly punished for mistakes. Using this setting does not remove the challenge entirely, but it does make progress feel more attainable.
Reduce Enemy Aggro With Pacifist Mode
Another helpful assist is Pacifist mode. By default, enemies will aggro and attack as soon as you get close. With Pacifist enabled, enemies only become hostile if you hit them first.
This is especially useful when you are trying to retrace your steps through dangerous areas or make repeated attempts at a boss. It allows you to focus on navigation without constantly being chipped down by smaller enemies.
Use Ground Healing To Survive Tough Encounters
Ground healing is another setting worth enabling if you are having trouble staying alive. When this assist is active, remaining on the ground for five seconds grants you a non-recoverable shield.
This can prevent many deaths, but it requires mindful use. If your health drops too low, the shield will no longer activate, so it should be treated as a buffer rather than a safety net. Used wisely, it can give you breathing room in encounters.
Backtrack Intentionally To Unlock Progress
Finally, backtracking is not optional in MIO; it is part of the core experience. Your map includes a marking system, so use it to note areas you could not access earlier. As you gain new abilities, return to those locations and see what you can now access.
This loop is standard for the genre, but it can feel unintuitive if you are new to Metroidvanias. Embracing backtracking will help you uncover upgrades that make the rest of the game far more manageable and entirely new areas to progress through.
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