Surviving the Depths: A Comprehensive Review of Oxygen Not Included
Oxygen Not Included is a survival simulation game developed and published by Klei Entertainment. The game takes place in a space colony where players must manage resources, build infrastructure, and ensure the survival of their colonists, known as duplicants. The objective of the game is to create a sustainable and thriving colony in the harsh and unforgiving environment of an asteroid.
In Oxygen Not Included, players must manage various resources such as oxygen, water, food, and power to keep their duplicants alive and healthy. The game presents players with a complex and challenging simulation where every decision matters. Players must carefully plan and strategize to overcome the many obstacles and challenges that arise in the game.
The Basics: Understanding the Game Mechanics
Oxygen Not Included features a variety of game mechanics that players must understand in order to succeed. One of the most important mechanics is the management of resources. Players must ensure that their duplicants have access to clean oxygen, water, and food to survive. They must also manage power to keep their base running efficiently.
Resources in Oxygen Not Included are finite and must be carefully managed. Oxygen can be generated through various means such as electrolyzers or algae terrariums. Water can be obtained from geysers or by filtering polluted water. Food can be grown using hydroponic farms or by domesticating creatures. Power can be generated through generators or renewable sources such as solar panels.
Surviving the Early Game: Tips and Strategies for the First Few Cycles
The early game in Oxygen Not Included is crucial for setting up a sustainable base. Players must prioritize certain tasks to ensure the survival of their duplicants. One important tip is to focus on gathering resources such as algae, water, and food in the early stages. Algae is essential for generating oxygen, while water is needed for various tasks such as growing crops and producing oxygen. Food is crucial for keeping duplicants fed and productive.
Another strategy for the early game is to build a sustainable base layout. Players should prioritize building a central area where resources can be stored and processed. This area should also include facilities such as research stations and power generators. It is also important to plan for expansion and leave room for future infrastructure.
Building Your Base: Designing an Efficient Oxygen and Power System
Oxygen and power are two of the most important resources in Oxygen Not Included. Without a steady supply of oxygen, duplicants will suffocate and die. Without power, essential infrastructure such as research stations and water pumps will not function. Therefore, it is crucial to design an efficient system for generating and distributing oxygen and power.
One tip for designing an efficient oxygen system is to use electrolyzers to generate oxygen from water. Electrolyzers produce a large amount of oxygen but also generate hydrogen as a byproduct. This hydrogen can be used to power generators, creating a self-sustaining system. It is also important to distribute oxygen evenly throughout the base using ventilation systems.
For power generation, players can use various sources such as coal generators, natural gas generators, or renewable sources like solar panels. It is important to balance power production with power consumption to avoid shortages or overloads. Players should also consider using automation systems to optimize power usage.
Managing Resources: Food, Water, and Waste Management
Managing resources such as food, water, and waste is crucial for the survival of duplicants in Oxygen Not Included. Players must ensure that their duplicants have access to clean water for drinking and hygiene purposes. They must also provide enough food to keep duplicants fed and productive. Additionally, waste management is important to prevent contamination and disease.
One strategy for managing food is to prioritize farming. Hydroponic farms can be used to grow crops efficiently without the need for soil. Players should also consider domesticating creatures such as hatches or pacus for a sustainable source of food. It is important to monitor food supplies and plan for future growth.
Water management is also important in Oxygen Not Included. Players should prioritize filtering polluted water to obtain clean water for drinking and other tasks. They should also consider recycling water through systems such as water sieves or water purifiers. It is important to monitor water levels and plan for future sources of water.
Waste management is crucial to prevent contamination and disease in the base. Players should prioritize building lavatories and wash basins to ensure proper hygiene. They should also consider using composting or recycling systems to manage waste efficiently. It is important to monitor waste levels and dispose of it properly.
Dealing with Stress: Keeping Your Duplicants Happy and Productive
In Oxygen Not Included, duplicants can experience stress, which can negatively impact their productivity and well-being. Stress can be caused by various factors such as working in a polluted environment, lack of sleep, or exposure to dangerous situations. Therefore, it is important to manage stress levels and keep duplicants happy.
One strategy for managing stress is to provide duplicants with a comfortable living environment. This includes providing them with comfortable beds for sleeping, recreational facilities for relaxation, and clean and well-lit areas for working. It is also important to minimize exposure to dangerous situations such as high temperatures or polluted environments.
Another tip for managing stress is to assign duplicants to tasks that they enjoy or are skilled at. Duplicants have different attributes and skills, and assigning them to tasks that they are good at can help reduce stress levels. It is also important to provide opportunities for skill development through research stations or training facilities.
Exploring the Depths: Venturing into the Unknown
Oxygen Not Included features a variety of biomes that players can explore as they progress in the game. Each biome presents its own challenges and resources. It is important to understand the different biomes and plan accordingly when venturing into the unknown.
One tip for exploring new biomes is to bring the necessary equipment and supplies. This includes oxygen masks or suits for environments with low oxygen levels or high temperatures. It is also important to bring enough food and water for the journey. Players should also consider bringing tools for resource gathering and building infrastructure.
When exploring new biomes, it is important to prioritize resource gathering. Players should look for valuable resources such as rare metals or geysers that can provide a steady supply of water or power. It is also important to be cautious of dangerous creatures or environmental hazards that can harm duplicants.
Dealing with Emergencies: Fires, Floods, and Other Disasters
Emergencies can occur in Oxygen Not Included, such as fires, floods, or other disasters. These emergencies can cause damage to infrastructure and harm duplicants if not dealt with quickly and effectively. Therefore, it is important to be prepared and have strategies in place to prevent and manage emergencies.
One tip for dealing with emergencies is to have a well-designed base layout that minimizes the risk of disasters. This includes separating areas that are prone to fires or floods from essential infrastructure. It is also important to have backup systems in place, such as redundant power sources or water supplies.
Another strategy for dealing with emergencies is to have a dedicated team of duplicants trained in emergency response. These duplicants should be equipped with the necessary tools and equipment to handle emergencies such as fire extinguishers or mop buckets. It is also important to have a clear plan in place for evacuating duplicants in case of a major disaster.
Advanced Strategies: Automation and Optimization
Once players have mastered the basics of Oxygen Not Included, they can start implementing advanced strategies such as automation and optimization. Automation allows players to streamline tasks and reduce duplicant workload. Optimization involves maximizing resource efficiency and minimizing waste.
One tip for implementing automation is to use sensors and switches to control the flow of resources. For example, players can use temperature sensors to control the operation of cooling systems or switches to turn off power when it is not needed. This can help reduce power consumption and increase efficiency.
Optimization involves finding ways to maximize resource efficiency. This can include recycling waste products, using renewable sources of power, or designing efficient layouts for infrastructure. Players should also consider using automation systems to optimize resource usage and reduce duplicant workload.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Oxygen Not Included is a complex and challenging game that requires careful planning and strategy. By understanding the game mechanics and implementing effective strategies, players can create a thriving and sustainable colony in the harsh environment of an asteroid.
For players new to the game, it is recommended to start with the tutorial and take the time to understand the different mechanics and systems. It is also important to experiment and learn from mistakes. Oxygen Not Included rewards creativity and problem-solving skills, so don’t be afraid to try new strategies and approaches.
Overall, Oxygen Not Included offers a unique and immersive gameplay experience that will keep players engaged for hours on end. With its challenging simulation mechanics and endless possibilities for base building, it is a game that will appeal to fans of strategy and survival games alike. So dive in, explore the depths of the asteroid, and build a thriving colony in Oxygen Not Included!