Oxygen Not Included! Prepare for Space Colony Management With Quirks and Quirky Kerbals

Oxygen Not Included! Prepare for Space Colony Management With Quirks and Quirky Kerbals

Survival games are a fascinating genre because they often challenge players with complex systems and high stakes, forcing them to think critically and adapt constantly. One standout title within this category is Oxygen Not Included, a captivating space colony management sim developed and published by Klei Entertainment.

Oxygen Not Included plunges you into the depths of an asteroid teeming with potential resources but lacking the essential ingredient for life: breathable oxygen. Your task, as a fledgling spacefarer, is to establish a self-sustaining colony for a group of quirky Duplicants – genetically engineered clones who possess unique traits and quirks that can be both blessings and curses.

Imagine juggling plumbing systems while keeping track of your Duplicants’ ever-shifting morale. One moment they might be gleefully singing in the showers (which conveniently recycle water), and the next, they could be gripped by a fit of existential dread triggered by their cramped living quarters or a malfunctioning oxygen diffuser.

The Foundation of Survival: Mastering Oxygen and Resources

Oxygen Not Included’s core gameplay revolves around efficiently managing resources like oxygen, water, food, and power. Each resource is interconnected in intricate ways, demanding meticulous planning and execution.

For instance, producing oxygen requires access to clean water, which must be purified from polluted sources or obtained through sophisticated desalination processes. Similarly, generating power relies on refining raw materials like coal or natural gas into usable energy sources, while simultaneously managing heat output to avoid overheating your colony’s delicate ecosystem.

To illustrate the game’s depth:

Resource Acquisition Method Usage
Oxygen Electrolyzer (water), Algae Terrarium (algae), Oxygen Diffuser Breathing, Combustion
Water Ice, Aquifer, Polluted Water Treatment Drinking, Cleaning, Power Generation
Food Mealwood, Ranching, Farming Nourishment
Power Coal Generators, Natural Gas Generators, Solar Panels Running Machines, Lighting, Heating/Cooling

The Duplicants: Quirky Colonists with Unique Traits

Adding a layer of delightful complexity are the Duplicants. Each one arrives in your colony with a set of traits that influence their skills, personalities, and even their susceptibility to certain environmental hazards. Some Duplicants might be exceptional miners but prone to stress-induced meltdowns, while others could possess an uncanny knack for plumbing but suffer from chronic sleepiness.

Learning to understand and utilize each Duplicant’s strengths and weaknesses is crucial for the success of your colony. Strategic placement within specific roles – be it mining, farming, or research – can optimize productivity and minimize potential disasters.

Expanding Your Empire: The Importance of Research and Exploration

As you progress in Oxygen Not Included, unlocking new technologies becomes paramount for survival. Investing in research allows you to unlock advanced equipment, buildings, and automation tools that streamline your colony’s operations and open up new possibilities.

For instance, researching Algae Terrariums can significantly boost oxygen production, while the introduction of Ranching provides a reliable source of food. Exploration plays a vital role as well, unveiling new biomes with unique resources and challenges to overcome.

Oxygen Not Included’s intricate gameplay loop involves a continuous cycle of resource management, technological advancement, and exploration. The game’s charm lies in its quirky humor, the captivating challenge of keeping your colony alive, and the satisfaction of overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

A Universe of Possibilities: Mods and Community Engagement

Beyond the base game experience, Oxygen Not Included boasts a vibrant modding community that adds an incredible layer of depth and replayability. From new biomes and Duplicants to challenging scenarios and quality-of-life improvements, mods allow you to tailor your experience precisely to your liking.

The active community forums and Discord servers provide platforms for sharing tips, strategies, and even collaborating on ambitious colony designs. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a fresh recruit, there’s always something new to discover in the ever-evolving world of Oxygen Not Included.

Final Thoughts: Embark on Your Space Colony Adventure Today!

Oxygen Not Included is more than just a survival game; it’s a captivating experience that blends strategic thinking with lighthearted humor and a touch of existential pondering. Prepare to be enthralled by the challenges, the triumphs, and the occasional hilarious mishaps that await you as you embark on your journey to create a thriving space colony.