Introduction
Oxygen Not Included, developed by Klei Entertainment, is a critically acclaimed simulation and management game that places players in the role of colony management on an alien planet. Since its early access release in 2017, the game has captivated players with its unique blend of resource management, survival mechanics, and humor. Set within an underground asteroid, players must manage their colonists, known as “Duplicants,” to ensure their survival in a harsh and unpredictable environment.
This article will explore the fundamental aspects of Oxygen Not Included, including gameplay mechanics, resource management, building strategies, and survival tips. Whether you are a newcomer or an experienced player, this comprehensive guide aims to equip you with the knowledge needed to thrive in this challenging simulation game.
Understanding the Game Mechanics
The Premise of Oxygen Not Included
In Oxygen Not Included, players are tasked with managing a group of Duplicants as they navigate the challenges of life in a subterranean asteroid. The primary objective is to keep your colony alive by managing vital resources such as oxygen, food, water, and energy. As you delve deeper into the asteroid, you will encounter various environmental challenges, including toxic gases, extreme temperatures, and limited resources.
The Duplicants: Your Colonists
The Duplicants are the lifeblood of your colony. Each Duplicant has unique traits, skills, and attributes that affect their performance in various tasks. When starting a new game, players must choose their initial Duplicants, taking into account their strengths and weaknesses:
- Attributes: Duplicants possess various attributes such as strength, creativity, and cooking skills.
- Traits: Each Duplicant has a specific trait that influences their behavior, such as “Nerdy,” which increases research speed, or “Flatulent,” which can produce methane gas.
Understanding your Duplicants’ capabilities and managing their workloads effectively is crucial for the success of your colony.
Resource Management: The Key to Survival
Essential Resources
Surviving in Oxygen Not Included requires careful management of several vital resources:
- Oxygen: Duplicants need breathable air to survive. Players must produce oxygen using electrolysis, algae, or oxygen diffusers.
- Food: Duplicants require food to maintain their health and productivity. Players can grow crops, cook meals, or farm critters for sustenance.
- Water: A vital resource for Duplicants, water is needed for drinking, farming, and various machinery. Players can collect water from nearby sources or purify polluted water.
- Power: Energy is essential for operating machines and systems within your colony. Players can generate power through renewable sources such as manual generators, solar panels, and coal generators.
Managing Stress and Morale
In addition to physical needs, Duplicants have mental well-being that affects their performance. High-stress levels can lead to negative behaviors, such as “meltdowns” or “stress vomiting.” Players can manage stress by:
- Providing Recreation: Building recreational facilities such as massage tables, decor, and entertainment helps improve Duplicant morale.
- Creating Comfortable Living Conditions: Ensuring proper ventilation, hygiene, and comfortable sleeping arrangements contribute to lower stress levels.
Waste Management
Managing waste is a crucial aspect of survival in Oxygen Not Included. Duplicants produce waste through various means, including food waste, polluted water, and carbon dioxide. Players must implement waste management strategies, such as:
- Polluted Water Disposal: Building water purifiers to filter polluted water back into clean water for use in the colony.
- Composting: Using compost bins to convert organic waste into usable fertilizer for farming.
Building Your Colony: Essential Structures
Base Layout and Design Principles
The layout of your colony plays a significant role in its efficiency and sustainability. Players should consider the following design principles when constructing their base:
- Zoning: Create specific zones for various activities, such as farming, sleeping, and industrial work. This organization minimizes chaos and increases efficiency.
- Accessibility: Ensure that all areas of your base are easily accessible for Duplicants to reduce travel time and fatigue.
- Temperature Management: Different areas of your colony will have varying temperatures. Players should design their layouts to minimize heat loss and manage thermal environments effectively.
Key Structures to Build
- Oxygen Generation: Oxygen diffusers and electrolyzers are essential for maintaining breathable air in your colony.
- Food Production: Build farming plots, cooking stations, and storage containers to ensure a steady supply of food.
- Power Generation: Construct power generators and batteries to manage your energy needs efficiently.
- Research Stations: Invest in research stations to unlock new technologies and improve your colony’s efficiency.
Advanced Structures and Technology
As your colony evolves, players can unlock and build advanced structures to enhance productivity and efficiency. Some notable advanced structures include:
- Atmosuit Dock: Allows Duplicants to wear suits for exploring hazardous areas outside the colony.
- Recycling Centers: Convert waste materials back into useful resources for your colony.
- Nuclear Generators: A late-game power source that provides a significant energy boost.
Exploration and Expansion: The Outer World
Venturing Outside
Exploration is a vital component of Oxygen Not Included. Players can send Duplicants outside their main base to gather resources, discover new biomes, and explore the vast asteroid. While exploring, be mindful of the following:
- Hazardous Environments: Many areas contain dangerous gases, extreme temperatures, or aggressive creatures. Ensure Duplicants are equipped appropriately for exploration.
- Resource Extraction: Collect valuable resources, such as metal ore and geysers, to fuel your colony’s growth.
Discovering New Biomes
Oxygen Not Included features various biomes, each with unique challenges and resources. Some notable biomes include:
- The Overworld: The surface of the asteroid, filled with dangerous gases and critters.
- The Swamp: A biome rich in algae and polluted water, but fraught with challenges from aggressive creatures.
- The Volcanic Biome: Offers valuable resources but presents extreme heat hazards.
Managing Multiple Bases
As players expand, managing multiple bases becomes crucial. Players should develop efficient transportation systems, such as pneumatic tubes and railways, to connect different bases and streamline resource distribution.
Advanced Strategies for Mastery
Research and Technology Progression
Research is a central element of Oxygen Not Included, allowing players to unlock new technologies and improve their colony’s capabilities. Players should focus on the following research strategies:
- Prioritize Key Technologies: Identify technologies that will significantly impact your colony’s growth, such as advanced power generation or improved farming techniques.
- Create a Research Plan: Establish a clear research plan to maximize efficiency and ensure all essential technologies are unlocked.
Optimize Resource Use
Efficient resource management is crucial for long-term survival. Players should employ the following tactics:
- Automate Processes: Utilize automation systems, such as timers and sensors, to streamline resource collection and processing.
- Use Priorities Wisely: Assign priority levels to various tasks to ensure that critical jobs are completed first.
Adaptation and Flexibility
One of the key elements of Oxygen Not Included is the need to adapt to changing conditions. Players should remain flexible and ready to adjust their strategies based on the evolving needs of their colony. This might involve:
- Reorganizing Base Layouts: If certain areas become overcrowded or inefficient, be prepared to redesign your base.
- Responding to Environmental Changes: Be mindful of changing temperature and gas levels, and adjust your systems to accommodate these changes.
Community and Modding: Expanding Your Experience
The Oxygen Not Included Community
The Oxygen Not Included community is vibrant and active, with players sharing their experiences, strategies, and challenges. Engaging with the community can provide valuable insights and inspiration for your gameplay.
- Online Forums: Participating in forums such as Reddit and the Klei Entertainment forums allows players to connect, ask questions, and share tips.
- Streaming and Videos: Many players share their gameplay experiences on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, offering a wealth of visual tutorials and strategies.
Modding Capabilities
Oxygen Not Included also supports modding, allowing players to create and share their custom content. Mods can enhance gameplay by adding new mechanics, items, or visuals. Some popular mods include:
- Quality of Life Mods: Mods that streamline gameplay, making tasks easier and more intuitive.
- Challenge Mods: Custom challenges that alter the game rules, providing new ways to experience Oxygen Not Included.
Conclusion
Oxygen Not Included offers a unique and immersive experience that combines resource management, colony building, and survival mechanics. Players must navigate the challenges of life in an alien environment while managing the needs and well-being of their Duplicants. From oxygen production to waste management, each aspect of the game requires careful planning and strategy.
As you explore the depths of the asteroid, gather resources, and expand your colony, the satisfaction of creating a thriving underground civilization is unparalleled. By mastering the game’s mechanics, optimizing resource use, and engaging with the community, players can achieve success in Oxygen Not Included.
Whether you are a seasoned player or a newcomer, this guide aims to provide you with the insights and strategies needed to thrive in this challenging and rewarding simulation game. Embrace the challenges of colony management, and let your Duplicants flourish in their new home!
