How To Unlock The Map In MIO Memories in Orbit (Connect to Spine)

MIO: Memories in Orbit is a Metroidvania game that draws inspiration from Hollow Knight. For example, the map system is similar in that players must work to unlock the map and then continuously rest to update it. Run back is also real in MIO, as losing in a boss fight means you’ll be returned to a teleport point, so you’ll have to walk back to the boss, potentially several times.

Because of this, unlocking the map in MIO: Memories in Orbit should be a priority, as it’s a game-changer when you’re trying to explore the Ark.

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How To Unlock The Map In MIO Memories in Orbit

To unlock the map in MIO: Memories in Orbit, you must give enough Nacre to Shii.

From the first overseer waypoint, climb up, and you should see Shii lying weakly underneath a spine contraption. Upon walking across him, Shii will mention how curious it is that there’s a working robot. However, it’s not until Mio goes past Shii a few times that she can start offering him Nacre.

You need to offer Shii a notable number of Nacre to unlock the map. For example, giving him 200 Nacre will enable the Look through his eye feature, which lets Mio see the map, but only when she’s next to Shii.

Keep giving Shii more Nacre, around 150, and he will say that it’s sufficient. There will be a small cutscene where Shii floats and comes back to life. This time, the prompt not connected to the spine in Mio’s map will disappear, and is instead replaced by a live map. From now on, you can explore the vessel with the map active.

However, as you explore new areas, the map won’t be updated automatically. Updating the map still requires Mio to rest in an overseer dock.

Having the map unlocked in MIO: Memories in Orbit will ease your exploration progress, so make sure to prioritize this task. The best way to get Nacre is by going back and forth to areas with enemies, then resting at the overseer point. Resting not only heals Mio’s health back to full, but also respawns all enemies you have beaten.

Alternatively, you can try to keep exploring blindly. The map is not required to progress, so once you loop back to Shii, you should have enough Nacre to unlock the map. Of course, this is assuming you manage to beat the enemies on the way without dying. This is no easy feat since progressing in the game requires you to beat a boss first.

Released

January 20, 2026

ESRB

Everyone 10+ / Fantasy Violence, Mild Language

Developer(s)

Douze Dixièmes

Publisher(s)

Focus Entertainment

Number of Players

Single-player