Unlocking the map and mastering fast travel in MIO: Memories in Orbit transforms the Vessel from a confusing labyrinth into a navigable world. This fully optimized guide provides step-by-step instructions and tips to help beginners and completionists alike.
Why the Map Isn’t Immediately Available
MIO intentionally withholds navigational tools early on. Players begin in disorientation, exploring corridors and rooms without a functional map. This design encourages memory, exploration, and curiosity.
Key takeaway:
Map unlock is tied to the NPC Shii and Nacre donations.
Step 1: Locate Shii – Your Cartographer
Shii is the stationary NPC who provides the map.
Location: The Spine area above the Nexus hub.
How to interact:
Approach Shii by the pond.
Donate raw Nacre droplets (not Crystallised) to unlock map functionality.
Pro Tip:
Donations from dying with raw Nacre automatically go to Shii, preventing loss of progress.
Step 2: Unlocking the Map in Two Stages
| Stage | Requirement | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Stationary Map | Donate ~300 raw Nacre | View map while at Shii's pond only; shows explored areas and Attunement Gates |
| Portable Map | Fully rejuvenate Shii with additional Nacre (total several hundred) | Map accessible via pause menu anywhere; real-time location shown |
Expert Tip:
Prioritize raw Nacre donations to Shii first before using Crystalliser robots for permanent Nacre savings.
Step 3: Building the Fast Travel Network
Fast travel in MIO is powered by Overseer Pathways, requiring player action to establish connections.
How Fast Travel Works:
Explore & Locate Torn Overseers: Hidden in each major region (Metropolis, Haven, The Pit, etc.).
Mend Overseers: Interact to repair. Overseers fly to a designated Attunement Gate.
Activate the Node: Travel to the Attunement Gate and interact with the Overseer to permanently connect it.
Travel Between Nodes: Fast travel is initiated only at Overseers; pause menu map cannot teleport directly.
| Region | Overseer Location | Notes |
| Metropolis | Left sector near the Clock Tower | Requires Glide ability |
| Haven | Right side above the market area | Safe early exploration zone |
| The Pit | Lower levels, requires Defective Core modifier | Optional late-game node |
| Bell Tower | Near Pendulum’s Panorama | Unlocks Glide access, recommended early |
Community Tips:
Explore systematically and mark areas on a physical or in-game note.
Prioritize portable map unlock to make Overseer network completion faster.
Sequence your exploration to avoid backtracking.
Step 4: Maximizing Map Efficiency & Quality-of-Life Tips
Save Often at Attunement Gates: Map updates only occur when saving at network gates.
Track Locked Doors & Abilities: White markers indicate paths requiring abilities not yet unlocked.
Bank Nacre Strategically: Donate raw Nacre to Shii first, then crystallize excess for upgrades.
Use Assist Menu: Pacifist Mode helps tackle tricky sections without risking map progress.
Step 5: Your Master Navigation Checklist
| Stage | Goal | Key Action | Resource Needed | Outcome |
| Early Game | Unlock Initial Map | Donate ~300 Nacre to Shii | Raw Nacre Droplets | Can view explored areas at Shii’s pond only |
| Mid-Game | Portable Map | Fully rejuvenate Shii | Several hundred more Nacre | Map accessible anywhere via pause menu |
| Exploration Phase | Build Fast Travel Network | Find & mend Torn Overseers in each region | Exploration + movement abilities | Connects Attunement Gates to network |
| End-Game | Instant Global Travel | Interact with any mended Overseer | -- | Travel instantly between connected regions |
Step 6: Bonus Tips from the Community
White map markers help plan return trips.
Prioritize portable map unlock for faster exploration.
Torn Overseers sometimes require advanced movement upgrades; plan accordingly.
Completing fast travel early drastically reduces backtracking and grind.
Conclusion
Mastering the map and fast travel transforms MIO: Memories in Orbit from overwhelming to conquerable. The Vessel becomes a navigable, rewarding world when exploration, donations, and Overseer repairs are done efficiently. Use this guide alongside the full walkthrough and beginner tips to streamline your journey and maximize your exploration satisfaction.
Have you found a hidden Torn Overseer or discovered a clever route? Share your tips in the comments to help fellow pilots navigate the Vessel more efficiently!
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