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.
Choosing the right build shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option — what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Best Equipment | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mio | S | Frontline action with melee combat and mobility traversal, supporting Zoe's ranged abilities with positioning. | Sci-Fi Blaster | Moderate |
| Zoe | S | Ranged support and environmental manipulation, creating opportunities for Mio's close-range combat. | Fantasy Sword | Moderate |
| Co-op Duo | S | Constant communication, alternating between leading and supporting roles based on the current genre and puzzle type. | Grappling Hook | Moderate |
| Speedrun Pair | B | Execute memorized solutions rapidly, skip optional content, optimize every transition and movement. | Shield Spell | No |
| Explorer Team | A | Search every corner, test every interaction, and communicate about anything that looks unusual. | Combo Attacks | Yes |
New player? Start with Zoe — see our beginner's guide for why.
Mio
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.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Playstyle | Frontline action with melee combat and mobility traversal, supporting Zoe's ranged abilities with positioning. |
| Best Equipment | Sci-Fi Blaster |
| Stat Priority | Timing, Spatial Awareness, Combat Reflexes |
| Core Gear | Sci-Fi Blaster, Fantasy Sword, Grappling Hook |
| Key Mechanic | co-op gameplay |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Frontline action with melee combat and mobility traversal, supporting Zoe's ranged abilities with positioning.
- Pairs well with Sci-Fi Blaster
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Sci-Fi World to learn Mio-specific mechanics
- Focus on co-op gameplay — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Sci-Fi Blaster as your first major upgrade
- See our full Mio build guide for the optimal gear progression
Zoe
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.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Playstyle | Ranged support and environmental manipulation, creating opportunities for Mio's close-range combat. |
| Best Equipment | Fantasy Sword |
| Stat Priority | Puzzle Solving, Timing, Communication |
| Core Gear | Sci-Fi Blaster, Shield Spell, Grappling Hook |
| Key Mechanic | genre switching |
Strengths
- Most versatile — adapts to any situation
- Ranged support and environmental manipulation, creating opportunities for Mio's close-range combat.
- Pairs well with Fantasy Sword
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Sci-Fi World to learn Zoe-specific mechanics
- Focus on genre switching — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Fantasy Sword as your first major upgrade
- See our full Zoe build guide for the optimal gear progression
Co-op Duo
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.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Playstyle | Constant communication, alternating between leading and supporting roles based on the current genre and puzzle type. |
| Best Equipment | Grappling Hook |
| Stat Priority | Communication, Coordination, Patience |
| Core Gear | Both characters' full ability sets |
| Key Mechanic | physics puzzles |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Constant communication, alternating between leading and supporting roles based on the current genre and puzzle type.
- Pairs well with Grappling Hook
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Sci-Fi World to learn Co-op Duo-specific mechanics
- Focus on physics puzzles — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Grappling Hook as your first major upgrade
- See our full Co-op Duo build guide for the optimal gear progression
Speedrun Pair
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.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Playstyle | Execute memorized solutions rapidly, skip optional content, optimize every transition and movement. |
| Best Equipment | Shield Spell |
| Stat Priority | Speed, Memorization, Tight Coordination |
| Core Gear | Optimized ability usage, memorized solutions |
| Key Mechanic | character abilities |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Execute memorized solutions rapidly, skip optional content, optimize every transition and movement.
- Pairs well with Shield Spell
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Sci-Fi World to learn Speedrun Pair-specific mechanics
- Focus on character abilities — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Shield Spell as your first major upgrade
- See our full Speedrun Pair build guide for the optimal gear progression
Explorer Team
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.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Search every corner, test every interaction, and communicate about anything that looks unusual. |
| Best Equipment | Combo Attacks |
| Stat Priority | Observation, Curiosity, Patience |
| Core Gear | All character abilities, thorough exploration mindset |
| Key Mechanic | narrative choices |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Search every corner, test every interaction, and communicate about anything that looks unusual.
- Pairs well with Combo Attacks
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Sci-Fi World to learn Explorer Team-specific mechanics
- Focus on narrative choices — it's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Combo Attacks as your first major upgrade
- See our full Explorer Team build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Zoe is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Mio is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Sci-Fi Blaster for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Explorer Team offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another build.
For Group Play
Speedrun Pair shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Split Fiction Guides
- Split Fiction Split Fiction Overview
- Split Fiction Best Builds
- Split Fiction Tier List
- Split Fiction Walkthrough
- Split Fiction Beginner's Guide
- Split Fiction Tips & Tricks
- Split Fiction Weapons Guide
- Split Fiction Combat Guide
- Split Fiction Boss Guide
- Split Fiction Maps & Locations
- Split Fiction Crafting Guide
Similar Games
If you enjoy Split Fiction, check out these related guides:
- Red Dead Redemption 2 Classes Guide — adventure game with similar mechanics
- Sea of Thieves Classes Guide — adventure game with similar mechanics
- Dredge Classes Guide — adventure game with similar mechanics
