Builds & Modifiers

Optimize your Allocation Matrix

Modifier System

Modifiers are passive upgrades that enhance MIO's abilities. They require slots in the Allocation Matrix, which limits how many you can equip simultaneously. Choose modifiers that complement your playstyle.

Allocation Matrix

You start with limited slots in your Allocation Matrix. Use Old Modules found throughout The Vessel to permanently increase your slot capacity. Strategic slot management is key to building effective loadouts.

Slot Costs

Modifiers have varying slot costs based on their power. Simple modifiers like UI enhancements cost fewer slots (around 10), while powerful upgrades like additional health can cost 20+ slots.

Recommended Builds

Beginner Build

Easier
Learning and Survival

Prioritize survivability and information. See enemy health to learn patterns better, have extra health for mistakes, and collect resources easily.

Required Slots: 42-52

Enemy Health Bar (10)
Additional Health Slot (20)
Nacre Attraction (8)
Playstyle: Safe exploration with room to learn combat mechanics

Glass Cannon

Hard
Maximum Damage Output

Transform defensive abilities into offensive tools. Highest damage output but requires skillful play to avoid taking hits.

Required Slots: 50-60

Shield Sacrifice (18)
Deadly Lasso (15)
Orb Enhancement (14)
Playstyle: Fast-paced combat, high risk/reward, shorter fights

Tank Build

Easier
Survivability

Stack health and improve evasion. Allows for longer fights and more mistakes without punishment. Excellent for learning bosses.

Required Slots: 55-65

Additional Health Slot x2 (40)
Enhanced Evade (12)
Enhanced Healing (16)
Playstyle: Safe exploration, methodical combat, good for boss learning

Balanced Build

Medium
Versatility

Mix of offense, defense, and information. Good damage output while maintaining awareness and survivability.

Required Slots: 48-58

Enemy Health Bar (10)
Deadly Lasso (15)
Additional Health Slot (20)
Enhanced Evade (12)
Playstyle: Adaptable to most situations, recommended for first playthrough

Speedrunner

Expert
Speed and Mobility

Maximize movement speed and skip damage through evasion. For players who know the game well.

Required Slots: 40-50

Soft Landing (11)
Enhanced Evade (12)
Aerial Mastery (14)
Playstyle: Fast traversal, skip optional combat, optimize routes

All Modifiers

Enemy Health Bar

Tier B
Cost: 10
UI Enhancement

Displays enemy health bars during combat. Enemies don't show health bars by default, making this valuable for learning enemy durability and planning attacks.

Recommended for:
BeginnerLearning

Additional Health Slot

Tier A
Cost: 20
Survivability

Increases MIO's maximum health by one segment, providing more room for error in combat and exploration. Can be equipped multiple times.

Recommended for:
DefensiveBoss Fights

Deadly Lasso

Tier A
Cost: 15
Offensive

Transforms your grappling Hairpin into an offensive weapon that deals damage to enemies on contact. Great for aggressive playstyles.

Recommended for:
AggressiveBalanced
Synergy: Shield Sacrifice, Damage buffs

Enhanced Evade

Tier A
Cost: 12
Mobility

Improves the Hairpin's evasive capabilities with longer invincibility frames and faster cooldown, making it easier to dodge attacks.

Recommended for:
SpeedrunDefensiveBoss Fights
Synergy: Additional Health

Shield Sacrifice

Tier S
Cost: 18
Offensive Trade-off

Remove your Shield ability to gain a significant damage boost to all attacks. High risk, high reward for skilled players who can avoid damage.

Recommended for:
AggressiveExperienced Players
Synergy: Deadly Lasso, Enhanced Evade
Removes defensive option - not recommended for beginners

Orb Enhancement

Tier B
Cost: 14
Offensive

Increases the damage and speed of your orb projectiles. Makes ranged combat more effective.

Recommended for:
BalancedRanged Focus

Extended Clone

Tier B
Cost: 13
Tactical

Increases the duration that your decoy clones remain active. Useful for complex tactical situations.

Recommended for:
TacticalBoss Fights

Nacre Attraction

Tier C
Cost: 8
Utility

Automatically pulls nearby nacre to you, making collection easier during and after combat.

Recommended for:
Quality of LifeFarming

Soft Landing

Tier B
Cost: 11
Mobility

Eliminates all fall damage. Useful for exploration and risky shortcuts.

Recommended for:
ExplorationSpeedrun

Enhanced Healing

Tier B
Cost: 16
Survivability

Increases the amount of health restored when healing with nacre.

Recommended for:
DefensiveLong Sessions

No UI Mode

Tier N/A
Cost: 0
Challenge

Disables MIO's UI for maximum difficulty and immersion. Only for the most skilled players or those seeking ultimate challenge.

Recommended for:
Challenge RunsExpert Players
Makes game significantly harder

Aerial Mastery

Tier A
Cost: 14
Mobility

Allows additional jumps from aerial attacks, extending your air time even further.

Recommended for:
AggressiveSpeedrun

Upgrade Resources

Nacre

Crystalline currency used for healing, upgrades, and progression. Found by defeating enemies and exploring. Must be crystallized to prevent loss on death.

Old Modules

Special components used with merchants to increase Allocation Matrix slots and obtain permanent upgrades. Essential for expanding your build options.

Location: Hidden throughout The Vessel in secret areas

Enemy Components

Scavenged from defeated enemies. Used to unlock and upgrade modifiers at merchants.

Acquisition: Combat drops, more from tougher enemies
Tier ratings are community-driven and based on overall effectiveness. S = Exceptional, A = Great, B = Good, C = Situational. Your optimal build depends on playstyle.