Split Fiction is Hazelight Studios' latest co-op adventure from the creators of It Takes Two and A Way Out, blending sci-fi and fantasy genres in a seamless narrative experience. Two writers — Mio and Zoe — get trapped in their own stories and must cooperate to escape through constantly shifting genre landscapes. The game alternates between sci-fi shooter segments and fantasy action segments, with each player experiencing different mechanics depending on their character. True to Hazelight's DNA, every puzzle and encounter requires genuine cooperation between both players, with no AI companion option available.
This guide covers everything you need: core mechanics, the best builds, equipment worth investing in, location progression, and the tips that actually make a difference.
Core Mechanics
co-op gameplay
Every moment is designed for exactly two players, either online or local split-screen. Puzzles require both players performing different actions simultaneously — one might hold a platform while the other crosses. Combat encounters give each player different weapons and abilities that complement each other. The game cannot be played solo.
genre switching
The game regularly transitions between sci-fi and fantasy settings, completely changing the gameplay mechanics. In sci-fi sections, you have blasters, hover platforms, and hacking. In fantasy sections, you wield swords, cast spells, and solve magical puzzles. Transitions happen mid-level with seamless world-morphing sequences.
physics puzzles
Environmental puzzles use a physics engine where objects have weight, momentum, and material properties. Sci-fi sections feature gravity manipulation puzzles. Fantasy sections use magical element interactions (fire melts ice, water conducts electricity). Both players must understand the physics to cooperate on solutions.
character abilities
Mio and Zoe have asymmetric abilities that evolve as the story progresses. In sci-fi segments, Mio gets a grappling hook while Zoe gets a gravity gun. In fantasy segments, Mio wields a blade while Zoe casts spells. Abilities are designed to interlock — Zoe's gravity gun can hold objects that Mio grapples to.
narrative choices
Branching dialogue and story decisions affect the narrative progression and can change which genre you experience next. Some choices determine which player gets the more active role in upcoming sections. The ending has multiple variations based on choices made throughout the game.
Builds Overview
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mio | S | Frontline action with melee combat and mobility traversal, supporting Zoe's ranged abilities with positioning. | Timing, Spatial Awareness, Combat Reflexes |
| Zoe | S | Ranged support and environmental manipulation, creating opportunities for Mio's close-range combat. | Puzzle Solving, Timing, Communication |
| Co-op Duo | S | Constant communication, alternating between leading and supporting roles based on the current genre and puzzle type. | Communication, Coordination, Patience |
| Speedrun Pair | B | Execute memorized solutions rapidly, skip optional content, optimize every transition and movement. | Speed, Memorization, Tight Coordination |
| Explorer Team | A | Search every corner, test every interaction, and communicate about anything that looks unusual. | Observation, Curiosity, Patience |
Mio (S-Tier): Mio plays as the action-oriented character with melee combat and mobility abilities. Her grappling hook in sci-fi sections and sword combat in fantasy sections put her on the front line. Players who prefer direct action and movement challenges should choose Mio.
Zoe (S-Tier): Zoe plays as the tactical and ranged character with environmental manipulation abilities. Her gravity gun in sci-fi and spell casting in fantasy give her more puzzle-solving responsibility. Players who prefer ranged combat and environmental interaction should choose Zoe.
Co-op Duo (S-Tier): The intended experience where both players communicate constantly and learn each other's abilities. Split Fiction is balanced for cooperative play where neither character is complete without the other.
Speedrun Pair (B-Tier): For experienced players replaying the game. Speedrunning requires memorizing puzzle solutions, optimal routes through combat encounters, and frame-perfect cooperation on timed sequences. The leaderboard tracks completion times per chapter.
Explorer Team (A-Tier): Focuses on finding all hidden collectibles, secret areas, and narrative fragments scattered throughout each level. Many secrets require both players to cooperate in non-obvious ways that the game doesn't hint at.
For full build breakdowns with gear and stat priorities, see our Split Fiction builds guide.
Equipment Guide
| Equipment | Why It Matters | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Sci-Fi Blaster | Standard ranged weapon in sci-fi segments with unlimited ammo and a charged shot. | Both characters (sci-fi segments) |
| Fantasy Sword | Mio's primary weapon in fantasy segments with a 3-hit combo chain and a dodge slash. | Mio |
| Grappling Hook | Mio's traversal tool in sci-fi segments that attaches to specific anchor points and Zoe's gravity-held objects. | Mio |
| Shield Spell | Zoe's defensive ability in fantasy segments that creates a temporary barrier blocking enemy projectiles and physical attacks. | Zoe |
| Combo Attacks | Special cooperative attacks triggered when both characters perform synchronized actions. | Both characters |
Sci-Fi Blaster: Standard ranged weapon in sci-fi segments with unlimited ammo and a charged shot. Both characters get a blaster but Zoe's has a wider spread for crowd control while Mio's has higher single-target damage. Charged shots solve certain environmental puzzles.
Fantasy Sword: Mio's primary weapon in fantasy segments with a 3-hit combo chain and a dodge slash. Sword combat is timing-based with parry windows against enemy attacks. Upgrades throughout the fantasy segments add elemental properties.
Grappling Hook: Mio's traversal tool in sci-fi segments that attaches to specific anchor points and Zoe's gravity-held objects. Creates a swing momentum that's key to crossing large gaps. Also used as a tether in certain cooperative puzzles.
Shield Spell: Zoe's defensive ability in fantasy segments that creates a temporary barrier blocking enemy projectiles and physical attacks. Can be positioned to protect Mio during melee combat. Also reflects certain projectile types back at enemies.
Combo Attacks: Special cooperative attacks triggered when both characters perform synchronized actions. In sci-fi, crossing blaster streams creates an explosion. In fantasy, Mio's sword strike through Zoe's spell field deals massive elemental damage.
Location Progression
| Location | Level Range | Key Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Sci-Fi World | Chapters 1-3 | Blaster upgrades, story collectibles, sci-fi costume unlocks |
| Fantasy Realm | Chapters 4-6 | Sword upgrades, spell upgrades, fantasy costume unlocks |
| Mixed Dimension | Chapters 7-9 | Hybrid ability unlocks, major story revelations, unique cosmetics |
| Final Chapter | Chapter 10 | Game completion, ending variant unlock, New Game+ access |
| Secret Areas | All chapters | Lore collectibles, costume unlocks, developer commentary nodes |
Sci-Fi World: A neon-lit space station and alien planet environment with zero-gravity sections, hologram puzzles, and robot enemies. The aesthetic shifts from clean corporate interiors to hostile alien exteriors as the chapter progresses.
Fantasy Realm: A high-fantasy world with enchanted forests, crystal caves, and a castle under siege. Magic-based puzzles involving elemental interactions dominate. Combat is melee-focused with magical enemy types.
Mixed Dimension: The mid-game twist where sci-fi and fantasy elements blend together. You might fight robots with swords or solve magical puzzles with a gravity gun. The most creative and surprising gameplay sections.
Final Chapter: The climactic sequence combining all learned mechanics in a gauntlet of puzzles and combat encounters. Multiple ending paths based on earlier narrative choices. The final boss requires every cooperative technique mastered throughout the game.
Secret Areas: Hidden rooms and challenges scattered throughout every chapter, accessible through non-obvious cooperative interactions. Some require returning to earlier chapters with abilities gained later. Contain lore that fills in the backstory.
Tips That Actually Matter
- Communicate constantly. Every puzzle in Split Fiction requires both players to understand the full solution — you each only see half the picture.
- Try interacting with everything using both characters. Many secrets are only revealed when both Mio and Zoe interact with the same object simultaneously.
- In combat encounters, Mio should draw enemy attention while Zoe provides ranged support. This asymmetric approach matches their ability design.
- Genre transition sequences often contain hidden collectibles that only appear for a few seconds. Watch for unusual objects during world-morphing moments.
- The charged blaster shot in sci-fi segments can activate objects at range. If something looks like it should be interactive but isn't responding, try the charged shot.
- Zoe's shield spell in fantasy sections reflects boss projectiles back for massive damage. Position the shield between the boss and Mio for dual benefit — blocking for Mio and reflecting for damage.
- Combo attacks deal roughly 3x the damage of individual attacks. Learn each chapter's combo triggers and use them on tough enemies and bosses.
- Narrative choices that seem minor can change which genre you play next. If you prefer sci-fi or fantasy, pay attention to the choice framing.
- New Game+ lets you replay with all abilities from the start, making exploration for missed secrets much more accessible.
- The game is designed to be completed in about 10-12 hours. Don't rush — the environmental storytelling and cooperative moments are the point.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- One player trying to solve puzzles alone without communicating. Every puzzle is designed for two — working alone wastes time and misses the intended experience.
- Ignoring the partner's screen in split-screen mode. Your partner's perspective often shows critical information that your angle doesn't reveal.
- Button-mashing through combat instead of using cooperative combos. The combo attacks are not optional flourishes — they're the optimal damage strategy.
- Rushing past genre transition sequences. These moments contain collectibles and visual storytelling that only appear briefly.
- Playing with a stranger without voice chat. Split Fiction requires real-time communication — text chat is too slow for the cooperative puzzles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you play Split Fiction solo?
No. Split Fiction requires exactly two players at all times, either online or local split-screen. There is no AI companion option. This is a core design philosophy from Hazelight Studios.
How long is Split Fiction?
The main story takes approximately 10-12 hours to complete. Finding all secrets and collectibles extends this to roughly 15-18 hours. New Game+ adds replay value with all abilities unlocked from the start.
Is Split Fiction like It Takes Two?
Same studio, same co-op philosophy, but different themes and mechanics. Split Fiction focuses on genre-switching between sci-fi and fantasy, while It Takes Two explored miniature-world themes. Both require constant cooperation and feature inventive gameplay variety.
Does Split Fiction have Friend's Pass?
Yes, only one player needs to own the game. The second player can download a free Friend's Pass version and play the full game cooperatively with the owner.
What to Read Next
- Best Split Fiction Builds — Detailed breakdowns with gear, stats, and playstyle guides
- Split Fiction Tier List — Current meta rankings
- Split Fiction Walkthrough — Step-by-step progression from start to endgame
- Split Fiction Beginner's Guide — First session essentials
- Split Fiction Tips & Tricks — Advanced strategies and hidden mechanics
