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.
Split Fiction features distinct areas with increasing difficulty. This guide covers every major location in progression order — what to do, what to get, and when to move on. For the step-by-step path, see our walkthrough.
Area Progression Order
| Order | Location | Difficulty | Key Rewards | Recommended Build |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sci-Fi World | Chapters 1-3 | Blaster upgrades, story collectibles, sci-fi costume unlocks | Zoe |
| 2 | Fantasy Realm | Chapters 4-6 | Sword upgrades, spell upgrades, fantasy costume unlocks | Zoe |
| 3 | Mixed Dimension | Chapters 7-9 | Hybrid ability unlocks, major story revelations, unique cosmetics | Mio |
| 4 | Final Chapter | Chapter 10 | Game completion, ending variant unlock, New Game+ access | Mio |
| 5 | Secret Areas | All chapters | Lore collectibles, costume unlocks, developer commentary nodes | Mio |
Sci-Fi World — Starting Area
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.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Chapters 1-3 |
| Key Rewards | Blaster upgrades, story collectibles, sci-fi costume unlocks |
| Recommended Build | Zoe |
| Key Equipment | Fantasy Sword |
What to Do Here
- Learn the basics of co-op gameplay — this is where you practice without heavy punishment.
- Collect starting resources and your first equipment upgrade.
- Clear all main content before moving to Fantasy Realm.
- If you're struggling, read our beginner's guide.
Fantasy Realm — Early Game
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.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Chapters 4-6 |
| Key Rewards | Sword upgrades, spell upgrades, fantasy costume unlocks |
| Recommended Build | Zoe |
| Key Equipment | Fantasy Sword |
What to Do Here
- Focus on mastering genre switching — it's critical from this point on.
- Farm for Fantasy Sword if you don't have it yet.
- Complete all objectives for maximum rewards.
- Prepare for the difficulty spike in Mixed Dimension.
Mixed Dimension — Mid Game
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.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Chapters 7-9 |
| Key Rewards | Hybrid ability unlocks, major story revelations, unique cosmetics |
| Recommended Build | Mio |
| Key Equipment | Fantasy Sword |
What to Do Here
- This is the main skill check. Bring an optimized build.
- Sci-Fi Blaster becomes accessible here — prioritize getting it.
- Master physics puzzles for the boss encounters.
- Check our boss guide if you get stuck.
Final Chapter — Late Game
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.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Chapter 10 |
| Key Rewards | Game completion, ending variant unlock, New Game+ access |
| Recommended Build | Mio |
| Key Equipment | Sci-Fi Blaster |
What to Do Here
- Full build optimization is expected by this point.
- Sci-Fi Blaster should be your primary, fully upgraded.
- narrative choices mastery starts mattering here.
- Farm resources for the push into Secret Areas.
Secret Areas — Endgame
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.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | All chapters |
| Key Rewards | Lore collectibles, costume unlocks, developer commentary nodes |
| Recommended Build | Mio |
| Key Equipment | Sci-Fi Blaster |
What to Do Here
- This is endgame. Best-in-slot gear and a perfected build are mandatory.
- See our boss guide for endgame fight strategies.
- The reward loop: clear content → upgrade → push harder content.
- Experiment with Explorer Team for variety once you've mastered the meta.
Exploration Tips
- Clear areas in order — Sci-Fi World → Fantasy Realm → Mixed Dimension → Final Chapter → Secret Areas. Skipping areas means missing resources you'll need later.
- Check every corner — Hidden caches and secrets are often in non-obvious locations.
- Match your equipment — Some areas favor different equipment types.
- Read the walkthrough — Our walkthrough provides exact progression milestones for each area.
- Don't rush — Clearing an area fully gives more resources than speedrunning two areas.
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 Crafting Guide
- Split Fiction Classes & Characters
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