How to oxygen not included

Overview

Oxygen Not Included is a space-colony simulation game developed and published by Klei Entertainment. Unlike games where resources might be passively available, Oxygen Not Included places a strong emphasis on complex scientific simulation, particularly in managing environmental factors like atmosphere, temperature, and disease. Oxygen, being essential for the survival of your "Duplicants" (the game's inhabitants), is a central element of this simulation, but it's not a resource that simply exists. Players must actively work to produce, transport, and maintain adequate levels of oxygen within their enclosed asteroid base.

The Science of Oxygen in Oxygen Not Included

The game models the behavior of gases with remarkable fidelity. Oxygen (O2) is a vital gas that your Duplicants need to breathe. Without sufficient oxygen, their stress levels will rise, and they will eventually suffocate, leading to a game over. Therefore, understanding how to generate and supply oxygen is one of the first and most critical challenges players face.

Generating Oxygen

The primary method for generating oxygen in the early to mid-game is through the use of the Electrolyzer. This machine consumes Water (H2O) and uses electricity to split it into Hydrogen (H2) and Oxygen (O2). The chemical reaction is:

2H₂O → 2H₂ + O₂

This process is highly effective but requires a consistent supply of clean water and power. The by-product, Hydrogen, is also a gas that needs to be managed, as it is lighter than oxygen and will rise to the top of enclosed spaces. Other methods for oxygen generation are introduced later in the game, such as the Algae Diffuser, which consumes Algae and Water to produce oxygen, or more advanced technologies that might involve complex chemical processes.

Oxygen Distribution

Once oxygen is produced, it needs to reach the areas where your Duplicants work and live. This is achieved through a network of gas pipes and gas vents. Gas pipes are laid out like wires or pipes for liquids, and they transport the oxygen from the production machines to the vents. Gas vents are placed in rooms or areas where oxygen is needed. The vents then release the oxygen into the atmosphere, gradually increasing its concentration.

Managing Oxygen Levels and Atmosphere

The atmosphere within your base is a dynamic simulation. Duplicants breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide (CO2). This means that even if you have a constant supply of oxygen, the concentration can decrease as Duplicants consume it. Conversely, areas can become filled with CO2, which is detrimental to Duplicants. Players must manage the overall atmospheric composition, ensuring that oxygen levels remain above critical thresholds (typically around 500 ppm or 50% for comfortable levels, though Duplicants can survive lower) and that CO2 is either removed or diluted.

Atmosphere Scrubbers

To combat the buildup of CO2 and other gases, players often employ Atmo-scrubbers. These machines consume power and can be set to filter specific gases from the atmosphere, converting them into other substances or simply removing them. For example, a CO2 scrubber can convert CO2 into refined carbon, which can be used for other crafting purposes.

Pressure and Gas Layers

The game also simulates gas pressure. As gases are added to a room, the pressure increases. Different gases have different densities. Oxygen is denser than Hydrogen but less dense than Carbon Dioxide. This means that in a sealed environment, lighter gases like Hydrogen will naturally rise to the top, while denser gases like CO2 will settle at the bottom. Players can exploit this property for gas management, for example, by placing CO2 scrubbers near the floor and oxygen vents near the ceiling, or by creating gas layers to separate different types of atmospheres.

Challenges and Advanced Concepts

Maintaining a stable oxygen supply becomes more challenging as your colony grows. More Duplicants mean higher oxygen consumption and more CO2 production. You'll need to scale up your oxygen generation and gas management systems accordingly. Advanced players might explore methods for creating "oxygen biomes" or using complex automation to manage gas flow and purity. Furthermore, the temperature of the generated oxygen can be an issue; electrolyzers produce hot oxygen and hydrogen, which can overheat your base if not managed. This often leads to the need for cooling systems, such as radiators or aquatuners, to bring the gas temperature down to a survivable level before it's distributed.

In essence, "Oxygen Not Included" doesn't just give you oxygen; it makes you earn and manage it, providing a deeply engaging and educational simulation of atmospheric science and resource management.