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.
Your choice of equipment defines your damage output and playstyle. This guide ranks every major option, explains what makes each one strong, and tells you which builds they pair best with.
Equipment Rankings
| Equipment | Tier | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sci-Fi Blaster | S | Both characters (sci-fi segments) | Standard ranged weapon in sci-fi segments with unlimited ammo and a charged shot. |
| Fantasy Sword | A | Mio | Mio's primary weapon in fantasy segments with a 3-hit combo chain and a dodge slash. |
| Grappling Hook | A | Mio | Mio's traversal tool in sci-fi segments that attaches to specific anchor points and Zoe's gravity-held objects. |
| Shield Spell | B | Zoe | Zoe's defensive ability in fantasy segments that creates a temporary barrier blocking enemy projectiles and physical attacks. |
| Combo Attacks | B | Both characters | Special cooperative attacks triggered when both characters perform synchronized actions. |
S-Tier: 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.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Best For | Both characters (sci-fi segments) |
| Key Mechanic | co-op gameplay |
| Recommended Build | Mio |
How to get it: Available from mid-game onward. See our walkthrough for the exact progression point.
Best builds using Sci-Fi Blaster: Pairs naturally with Mio thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: 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.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | Mio |
| Key Mechanic | genre switching |
| Recommended Build | Zoe |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Fantasy Sword: Pairs naturally with Zoe thanks to stat scaling synergies.
A-Tier: 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.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Best For | Mio |
| Key Mechanic | physics puzzles |
| Recommended Build | Co-op Duo |
How to get it: Accessible in the early-to-mid game. Check our maps guide for the location.
Best builds using Grappling Hook: Pairs naturally with Co-op Duo thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: 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.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | Zoe |
| Key Mechanic | character abilities |
| Recommended Build | Speedrun Pair |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Shield Spell: Pairs naturally with Speedrun Pair thanks to stat scaling synergies.
B-Tier: 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.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Best For | Both characters |
| Key Mechanic | narrative choices |
| Recommended Build | Explorer Team |
How to get it: Found in later areas. Our walkthrough covers when you can access this.
Best builds using Combo Attacks: Pairs naturally with Explorer Team thanks to stat scaling synergies.
Equipment Progression Path
The order you should acquire equipment as you progress:
- Starting gear → Enough to clear Sci-Fi World
- Fantasy Sword → Your first real upgrade, available early
- Grappling Hook → Mid-game upgrade with good scaling
- Sci-Fi Blaster → Best-in-slot, aim for this by late game
- Upgrade to max → The power spike from max upgrades is enormous
Equipment Tips
- Always upgrade your primary equipment before diversifying — one strong option beats three mediocre ones.
- Match your equipment to your build's stat priorities for maximum scaling.
- Communicate constantly. Every puzzle in Split Fiction requires both players to understand the full solution — you each only see half the picture.
- Check our tier list for how equipment rankings affect overall build effectiveness.
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 Combat Guide
- Split Fiction Boss Guide
- Split Fiction Maps & Locations
- Split Fiction Crafting Guide
- Split Fiction Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy Split Fiction, check out these related guides:
- Red Dead Redemption 2 Weapons Guide — adventure game with similar mechanics
- Sea of Thieves Weapons Guide — adventure game with similar mechanics
- Dredge Weapons Guide — adventure game with similar mechanics
