Oxygen Not Included! Surviving a Martian Underground Colony Through Resourcefulness and Ingenious Engineering

Prepare yourself for a subterranean adventure unlike any other! Oxygen Not Included (ONI) catapults you into the role of a meticulous colony manager tasked with leading a ragtag group of Duplicants – cloned pioneers equipped with unique traits and quirks – to survival within a treacherous, oxygen-deprived asteroid. This isn’t your typical base-building survival sim; ONI is a masterclass in systems thinking, forcing you to grapple with complex thermodynamics, resource scarcity, and the ever-present threat of catastrophic meltdown.
Imagine excavating an underground haven amidst shimmering regolith. You must balance food production (think algae farms!), waste management (don’t let those toilets overflow!), and temperature regulation (Duplicants aren’t fond of spontaneous combustion!).
Delving Deeper: The Mechanics That Make ONI Tick
ONI is a symphony of interconnected systems, each demanding your constant attention.
- Resource Management: From iron ore to petroleum, every element plays a crucial role in sustaining your colony. You’ll need to mine, refine, and transport resources through intricate conveyor belts and pipelines – all while keeping an eye on their dwindling supply.
- Oxygen Production: The very breath of life is scarce within the asteroid’s depths. Electrolyzers are your lifeline, splitting water into precious oxygen and hydrogen. Algae farms provide a renewable source but demand careful tending and lighting.
Resource | Importance | Acquisition Method |
---|---|---|
Oxygen | Vital | Electrolyzers, Algae Terrariums |
Water | Essential | Aquatuners, Pump Stations |
Iron Ore | Construction | Mining |
Petroleum | Fuel, Plastics | Crude Oil Refineries |
Coal | Early Power Source | Miners |
- Temperature Control: Duplicants are delicate creatures. Overheating leads to stress and exhaustion, while freezing temperatures can result in untimely demises. Strategically place heaters and coolers to maintain a comfortable environment.
- Food Production: Keep those bellies full! Mealwood farms provide early sustenance, but advanced options like Bristle Blossoms and Mycopods offer higher nutritional value and variety.
- Waste Management: Latrines are essential, but they produce unsavory slime that needs processing. Compost heaps can turn waste into fertilizer, while outhouses vent the excess to prevent toxic buildup.
The Duplicants: Quirky Heroes of the Asteroid
Each Duplicant arrives with a unique set of traits and skills. Some are strong and efficient miners, others excel in research or farming. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses is key to assigning them appropriate roles and maximizing colony efficiency.
Trait | Description | Impact |
---|---|---|
Strong | Increased carrying capacity | Enhanced mining and resource transport |
Speedy | Faster movement speed | Improved response time, task completion |
Smart | Higher research rate | Accelerated technological advancements |
Clumsy | Prone to accidents | Potential for resource loss and injuries |
Remember, Duplicants are living beings with needs and emotions. Provide them with comfortable sleeping quarters, recreational areas, and occasional morale boosts (a game of “Speaky” anyone?). Neglect their well-being, and they may become stressed, depressed, or even succumb to insanity!
A Universe of Possibilities: Mods and Endless Replayability
ONI’s vibrant modding community constantly expands the gameplay experience. From new biomes and resources to intricate automation scripts and custom Duplicant traits, the possibilities are virtually endless.
The Verdict: Is Oxygen Not Included Worth Your Time?
If you crave a challenging yet rewarding survival experience that tests your strategic thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, then Oxygen Not Included is an absolute must-play. Its intricate systems, quirky Duplicants, and endless possibilities for customization will keep you engrossed for hours on end. Just be prepared for the occasional meltdown (both literal and metaphorical!).
Beyond Survival: Unveiling the Hidden Depths of ONI
ONI is more than just a game about staying alive; it’s a meditation on resource management, ingenuity, and the resilience of the human spirit (or at least, the Duplicant spirit!). The satisfaction of overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges through clever engineering and strategic planning is truly unmatched.
As you delve deeper into ONI’s world, you’ll uncover hidden lore fragments scattered throughout the asteroid, hinting at a larger narrative surrounding the colony’s origins and purpose. This added layer of intrigue enhances the immersive experience, leaving you wanting to unravel every mystery the game throws your way.