The Vessel Map
Navigate the interconnected ark spaceship
Overview
The Vessel
The Vessel is an enormous technological ark overgrown with vegetation and inhabited by rogue machines. Interconnected Metroidvania design allows multiple paths and sequence-breaking opportunities.
Design Philosophy
Metroidvania-style interconnected world with ability-gated progression and sequence-breaking opportunities.
Interconnectivity
Multiple paths between areas allow players to choose their own route. Return to early areas with new abilities to discover secrets.
Areas & Biomes
Dwellings
Abandoned residential area serving as the tutorial zone. Dusty chambers with broken machinery introduce players to The Vessel's mechanics.
Features
- Starting location with basic tutorial
- First Network Gate (save point)
- Locked doors teach ability-gating concept
Enemies
Points of Interest
Hazards
Required Abilities
Feral Undergrowth
Overgrown pastel biome with mechanical nature. Beautiful pink/purple vegetation creates a peaceful but dangerous environment.
Features
- Most aesthetically pleasing area
- Dense with collectibles and modifiers
- Multiple vertical layers
Enemies
Points of Interest
Hazards
Required Abilities
Foundations
Industrial infrastructure serving as The Vessel's support systems. Dark, mechanical environments with lava and steam hazards.
Features
- Multiple boss encounters
- Major transit hub (connects many areas)
- Environmental hazards (lava, steam)
Enemies
Points of Interest
Hazards
Required Abilities
Haven
Sanctuary area with friendly NPCs. The safest area with lush gardens and peaceful atmosphere.
Features
- Multiple friendly NPCs with lore
- Story-critical Pearl fragment location
- Hidden optional ability
Enemies
Points of Interest
Hazards
Required Abilities
Severed Spine
Central hub area serving as the network backbone. Technological nexus with interconnected pathways.
Features
- Shii NPC location (map unlock)
- Fast travel hub (after unlock)
- Network Gate central station
Enemies
Points of Interest
Required Abilities
Metropolis
Urban vertical cityscape with towering structures, platforms, and city ruins. Extreme vertical design showcases wall-climbing mechanics.
Features
- Extreme vertical design
- Wall-climbing showcase area
- The Hand pearl fragment location
Enemies
Points of Interest
Hazards
Required Abilities
The Vaults
Secure storage facilities and treasure vaults. Locked chambers with puzzle rooms and security systems.
Features
- The Eye pearl fragment location
- Slingshot Punch ability unlock
- High concentration of Old Cores
- Complex puzzles
Enemies
Points of Interest
Hazards
Required Abilities
Redacted
[CORRUPTED DATA] - Mysterious glitch zone with reality-warping effects, unstable geometry, and surreal atmosphere.
Features
- Circular arena boss fight
- Reality distortion effects
- Hidden in plain sight collectibles
Enemies
Points of Interest
Hazards
Required Abilities
Lab
Scientific research facility with clinical, experimental chambers and containment areas. Major story revelations occur here.
Features
- Major story revelations
- Two-phase boss encounter
- Lore-heavy environment
Enemies
Points of Interest
Hazards
Required Abilities
Crucible
Trial arena with final challenges. Combat-focused area with endgame difficulty and disappearing floor mechanics.
Features
- The Blood pearl fragment location
- Disappearing floor mechanics
- High-tier modifiers
Enemies
Points of Interest
Hazards
Required Abilities
Promenade
Grand walkway serving as the pre-endgame area. Majestic but decaying atmosphere marks the final approach.
Features
- Late-game challenges
- Optional boss if not fought earlier
- Timed platforming sections
Enemies
Points of Interest
Hazards
Required Abilities
Nexus
Central AI core serving as the endgame hub. The technological heart of The Vessel where all paths converge.
Features
- Final boss arena
- Pearl fragment convergence point
- Mel rescue location (for Gratitude modifier)
Enemies
Points of Interest
Hazards
Required Abilities
Aviaries
Bird sanctuary with aerial structures. Open-air platforms with bird-themed design. Essential for progression.
Features
- Dodge ability location
- Essential progression area
- Requires Aviaries Passepartout
Enemies
Points of Interest
Hazards
Required Abilities
Bell Tower
Vertical tower serving as a landmark structure. Towering height showcases grappling mechanics.
Features
- Glide/Sail ability location
- Vertical climbing challenge
- Landmark visible from multiple areas
Enemies
Points of Interest
Hazards
Required Abilities
Important Landmarks
Network Gates
Save points and fast travel locations throughout The Vessel
Essential for progression and backtracking. Unlock fast travel by donating to Shii in Severed Spine.
Found in every major area
Strange Tubes
Ability unlock locations where MIO gains new powers
Critical progression points. Each Strange Tube grants a new ability essential for exploration.
Scattered throughout The Vessel, often in hidden or hard-to-reach locations
Bell Tower
Tall vertical structure visible from multiple areas
Contains the Sail/Glide ability at the top. Landmark for navigation.
Accessible from Dwellings and Haven
Severed Spine Hub
Central network hub connecting all areas
Fast travel hub after unlocking. Shii NPC provides map and upgrades.
Severed Spine area
The Pit
Deep chasm area with SAWLONG chase sequence
Major story progression point and challenging platforming section.
Connected to The Vaults
Navigation Tips
- Use Network Gates for fast travel after unlocking in Severed Spine
- Return to early areas with new abilities to find hidden secrets
- Cracked walls indicate breakable barriers (requires Slingshot Punch)
- Purple barriers require specific abilities or modifiers to pass
- Waterfalls can be climbed with Flowing Steps ability
- Use Glide/Sail for safe descents and reaching distant platforms
- Wall Climb/Striders essential for vertical exploration
- Check behind waterfalls and in hidden alcoves for collectibles
- Donate Nacre to Shii early for map and fast travel access
- Multiple paths exist between areas - explore to find shortcuts
Exploration Rewards
Abilities
Core movement and combat abilities from Strange Tubes
Modifiers
Build customization items that modify gameplay
Pearl Fragments
The Blood, The Eye, The Breath, The Hand - required for true ending
Candles
12 hidden candles required for secret ending
Coating Components
Upgrade materials for matrix slot expansion
Old Cores
Currency for purchasing items from NPCs
Nacre
Primary currency for upgrades and donations
Lore Items
Story documents and NPC dialogue