Oxygen Not Included Guide: Mastering Your Colony

Oxygen Not Included Guide is your starting point for building a thriving space colony. CONDUCT.EDU.VN provides comprehensive strategies for efficient resource management and colony survival, ensuring a balanced approach to complex systems. Explore optimized base layouts and automation techniques for a sustainable life beyond Earth.

1. Understanding the Basics of Oxygen Not Included

Oxygen Not Included is a challenging colony simulation game where you manage a group of Duplicants (or “dupes”) to survive in a harsh asteroid environment. Mastering the basics is crucial for long-term success. This section of the Oxygen Not Included guide will cover essential concepts to help you get started.

1.1. Core Mechanics

• Oxygen Production: The primary challenge is ensuring a stable oxygen supply. Electrolyzers, Algae Terrariums, and Rust Deoxidizers are key technologies for generating breathable air. Efficient management prevents suffocation and keeps your Duplicants alive.
• Food Production: Duplicants need food to survive. Mealwood, Bristle Berries, and Mushrooms are early-game options. Later, you can transition to more sustainable and automated food sources like hatches and pacus. Understanding crop cycles and nutrient requirements is vital.
• Power Generation: Power is essential for running machinery and life support systems. Coal Generators, Natural Gas Generators, and Hydrogen Generators are common power sources. Efficient power grids and smart battery management are necessary to avoid blackouts.
• Waste Management: Duplicants produce waste, including polluted water and carbon dioxide. Managing waste is critical for maintaining a clean and healthy environment. Water sieves, carbon scrubbers, and compost are important tools.
• Duplicant Management: Each Duplicant has unique skills and traits. Assigning Duplicants to appropriate tasks based on their abilities maximizes efficiency. Monitoring their stress levels and providing amenities are crucial for preventing breakdowns.

1.2. Essential Resources

Effective resource management is key to a successful colony. Here’s a breakdown of essential resources and how to acquire them:

1.3. Understanding Biomes

The asteroid in Oxygen Not Included is divided into various biomes, each with unique resources and challenges:

• Starting Biome: Typically contains basic resources like algae, copper, and sedimentary rock. It’s where you’ll establish your initial base.
• Slime Biome: Rich in slime, which can be converted into algae for oxygen production. However, it’s also filled with Slimelung germs, requiring careful handling.
• Oil Biome: Contains oil reservoirs, which can be refined into petroleum for power generation and plastic production. It’s usually hot and requires cooling solutions.
• Frozen Biome: Contains ice and wheezeworts, which can be used for cooling. Temperatures are extremely low, posing challenges for Duplicant survival.
• Magma Biome: Located deep within the asteroid, it’s extremely hot and contains valuable resources like gold and tungsten. Requires advanced cooling technologies.

2. Setting Up Your First Colony: A Step-by-Step Oxygen Not Included Guide

Starting a new colony in Oxygen Not Included can be overwhelming. This section of the Oxygen Not Included guide provides a step-by-step guide to help you establish a sustainable base and avoid common pitfalls.

2.1. Initial Base Setup

1. Prioritize Oxygen: Build an Algae Terrarium or Electrolyzer setup to generate oxygen. Ensure it’s powered and supplied with water. Lack of oxygen is the quickest way to lose your colony.
2. Establish a Food Source: Plant Mealwood seeds in farm tiles. Ensure there’s enough light and space for growth. Ration food carefully to avoid starvation.
3. Build Basic Infrastructure: Construct beds, a wash basin, and an outhouse to meet basic Duplicant needs. These improve morale and hygiene.
4. Designate a Research Station: Research is crucial for unlocking new technologies. Prioritize research that improves oxygen production, food production, and sanitation.
5. Create Storage: Build storage compactors to store mined resources. This prevents clutter and improves Duplicant efficiency.

2.2. Managing Early-Game Challenges

• Slimelung Prevention: Avoid digging directly into slime biomes without precautions. Use deodorizers to convert polluted oxygen into clean oxygen.
• Temperature Control: Prevent overheating by building your base away from heat sources. Use wheezeworts or ice to cool down critical areas.
• Power Management: Monitor your power grid to avoid overloads. Use smart batteries to store excess power and prevent blackouts.
• Duplicant Stress: Keep Duplicants’ stress levels low by providing downtime, comfortable environments, and a variety of tasks. High stress leads to negative traits and reduced productivity.

2.3. Expanding Your Base

1. Upgrade Oxygen Production: Transition to Electrolyzers powered by renewable water sources like cool steam vents. This provides a sustainable oxygen supply.
2. Automate Food Production: Set up automated farms using hydroponic tiles and irrigation systems. This ensures a consistent food supply with minimal Duplicant labor.
3. Improve Sanitation: Build toilets and showers to improve hygiene. Install hand sanitizers to reduce germ spread.
4. Expand Living Quarters: Build bedrooms and a great hall to improve Duplicant morale. Decorate with paintings and sculptures to create a more pleasant environment.
5. Explore New Biomes: Carefully explore surrounding biomes to discover new resources and technologies. Be prepared for the challenges each biome presents.

3. Advanced Strategies for Oxygen Not Included

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to delve into advanced strategies to optimize your colony and tackle more complex challenges. This section of the Oxygen Not Included guide covers advanced concepts for experienced players.

3.1. Advanced Oxygen Production Techniques

• Self-Powered Oxygen Module (SPOM): SPOM designs use the hydrogen produced by Electrolyzers to power themselves, creating a self-sustaining oxygen production system. This reduces power consumption and improves efficiency.
• Cooling Electrolyzers: Electrolyzers produce hot oxygen and hydrogen, which can overheat your base. Cooling them with a cooling loop and radiant pipes is essential for maintaining stable temperatures.
• Oxygen Diffusion: Utilizing natural gas pressure and gas physics for efficient oxygen distribution throughout the base, eliminating the need for extensive piping.

3.2. Efficient Power Generation

• Steam Turbines: Steam turbines convert high-temperature steam into power. They’re highly efficient when paired with a reliable heat source like a volcano or magma.
• Petroleum Boilers: Petroleum boilers convert crude oil into petroleum, which can be burned in petroleum generators to produce power. They’re a sustainable power source when oil is readily available.
• Hydrogen Generators: Hydrogen generators burn hydrogen to produce power. They’re often used in conjunction with Electrolyzers to utilize the hydrogen byproduct.

3.3. Automation and Control Systems

• Logic Gates: Logic gates (AND, OR, NOT, XOR) allow you to create complex automation systems. They can be used to control machinery, regulate temperatures, and manage resources.
• Sensors: Sensors detect specific conditions, such as temperature, pressure, or fluid levels. They can be used to trigger automated actions based on these conditions.
• Programmable Logic Circuits (PLC): PLCs allow you to create advanced automation programs with multiple inputs and outputs. They’re useful for controlling complex systems like automated farms and industrial processes.

3.4. Managing Germs and Diseases

• Sterilization: Use chlorine gas or ultraviolet lamps to sterilize rooms and equipment. This kills germs and prevents the spread of diseases.
• Atmo Suits: Equip Duplicants with atmo suits when working in germ-infested areas. This protects them from contracting diseases.
• Medical Facilities: Build a medical bay with a triage cot and medicine synthesizer. Train Duplicants in medicine to treat diseases and injuries.

3.5. Temperature Management

• Aquatuners: Aquatuners cool down liquids by transferring heat to another fluid. They’re commonly used to cool down oxygen, hydrogen, and industrial machinery.
• Thermoelectric Coolers: Thermoelectric coolers use electricity to transfer heat from one side to the other. They’re useful for cooling small areas or specific pieces of equipment.
• Insulation: Use insulated tiles and insulated pipes to prevent heat transfer between different areas of your base. This helps maintain stable temperatures.

4. Specific Challenges and Solutions in Oxygen Not Included

Oxygen Not Included presents numerous challenges that require creative solutions. This section of the Oxygen Not Included guide addresses some common issues and provides strategies for overcoming them.

4.1. Dealing with Limited Resources

• Resource Conservation: Implement strategies to conserve resources, such as recycling water, using renewable energy sources, and optimizing production processes.
• Exploration: Explore surrounding biomes to discover new resource deposits. Use scanners to identify resource locations.
• Resource Conversion: Convert abundant resources into scarce resources using specialized machinery. For example, convert polluted water into clean water using water sieves.
• Sustainable Practices: Shift to sustainable practices like farming hatches for coal or glossy dreckos for plastic to reduce reliance on finite resources.

4.2. Managing Heat and Cold

• Heat Sinks: Use large bodies of water or metal as heat sinks to absorb excess heat. Cool the heat sinks using aquatuners or wheezeworts.
• Cooling Loops: Circulate a coolant (such as water or polluted water) through radiant pipes to cool down specific areas. Use aquatuners to cool the coolant.
• Insulation: Use insulated tiles and insulated pipes to prevent heat transfer between different areas of your base.
• Temperature-Resistant Materials: Utilize materials like ceramic and insulation to construct buildings and pipes in extreme temperature environments.

4.3. Handling Polluted Water and Waste

• Water Sieves: Use water sieves to filter polluted water into clean water. The by-product, polluted dirt, can be used in compost heaps or as fertilizer.
• Steam Vents: Utilize steam vents to boil polluted water into steam, which can then be condensed into clean water. This is a sustainable way to purify large quantities of polluted water.
• Compost Heaps: Use compost heaps to convert organic waste into fertilizer. The fertilizer can be used to grow crops or feed pufts.
• Carbon Scrubbers: Use carbon scrubbers to remove carbon dioxide from the air. The captured carbon dioxide can be vented into space or used in other processes.

4.4. Preventing Duplicant Stress

• Morale Boosters: Provide Duplicants with morale boosters, such as bedrooms, great halls, and recreational activities. Decorate with paintings and sculptures to create a more pleasant environment.
• Job Rotation: Rotate Duplicants between different jobs to prevent burnout. Ensure they have a variety of tasks to keep them engaged.
• Downtime: Provide Duplicants with downtime to relax and recharge. Build recreational facilities, such as massage tables and arcade machines.
• Stress Relief: Allow Duplicants to engage in stress-relieving activities, such as grooming or complaining. Build grooming stations and counseling rooms.

4.5. Surviving Disease Outbreaks

• Hygiene Protocols: Implement strict hygiene protocols to prevent the spread of germs. Build toilets, showers, and hand sanitizers.
• Medical Isolation: Isolate sick Duplicants in a medical bay to prevent them from infecting others. Equip them with atmo suits to contain the spread of germs.
• Sterilization: Sterilize rooms and equipment with chlorine gas or ultraviolet lamps.
• Vaccination: Research and develop vaccines to protect Duplicants from common diseases.

5. Optimizing Your Colony Layout for Efficiency

An efficient colony layout can significantly improve resource management, Duplicant productivity, and overall colony sustainability. This section of the Oxygen Not Included guide explores key principles for designing an optimized base.

5.1. Centralized vs. Decentralized Design

• Centralized Design: In a centralized design, all essential facilities are located in close proximity to each other. This reduces travel time for Duplicants and simplifies resource distribution. However, it can also lead to congestion and increased heat generation in a single area.
• Decentralized Design: In a decentralized design, facilities are spread out across the asteroid. This reduces congestion and heat buildup in any one area. However, it can also increase travel time for Duplicants and complicate resource distribution.

5.2. Vertical vs. Horizontal Layout

• Vertical Layout: A vertical layout utilizes multiple levels connected by ladders or elevators. This maximizes space utilization and allows for efficient stacking of facilities. However, it can also lead to long travel times between levels.
• Horizontal Layout: A horizontal layout spreads facilities out across a single level. This reduces travel time but requires more space.

5.3. Key Zones and Their Placement

• Living Quarters: Place living quarters close to the base entrance to minimize travel time. Include bedrooms, a great hall, and recreational facilities.
• Farming Area: Locate the farming area near a water source and a power supply. Automate irrigation and lighting systems.
• Industrial Area: Isolate the industrial area from living quarters to reduce noise and pollution. Implement cooling systems to manage heat generation.
• Power Generation Area: Place power generators near a fuel source and cooling system. Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent overheating.
• Research Area: Locate the research area near a power supply and a storage area for research materials. Provide a quiet and comfortable environment for researchers.

5.4. Utilizing Automation for Efficiency

• Automated Resource Distribution: Use conveyor belts and loaders to automate the distribution of resources. This reduces Duplicant labor and improves efficiency.
• Automated Temperature Control: Use sensors and logic gates to automate temperature control systems. This ensures stable temperatures in critical areas.
• Automated Irrigation: Use sensors and pumps to automate irrigation systems. This ensures crops receive adequate water without Duplicant intervention.
• Automated Power Management: Use smart batteries and logic gates to automate power management. This prevents blackouts and optimizes power consumption.

6. Exploiting Geysers and Vents in Oxygen Not Included

Geysers and vents are natural sources of valuable resources in Oxygen Not Included. This section of the Oxygen Not Included guide provides strategies for harnessing these resources effectively.

6.1. Types of Geysers and Vents

• Water Geysers: Emit clean water at a constant rate. They can be used to supply water for Electrolyzers, farming, and other processes.
• Polluted Water Vents: Emit polluted water, which can be filtered into clean water using water sieves.
• Steam Vents: Emit high-temperature steam, which can be used to generate power with steam turbines.
• Natural Gas Vents: Emit natural gas, which can be burned in natural gas generators to produce power.
• Hydrogen Vents: Emit hydrogen, which can be burned in hydrogen generators to produce power.
• Volcanoes: Emit molten rock, which can be used as a heat source for steam turbines.

6.2. Taming Geysers and Vents

• Building a Chamber: Enclose the geyser or vent in a sealed chamber. This prevents the resource from escaping and allows you to control its flow.
• Temperature Control: Implement temperature control systems to manage the temperature of the emitted resource. This is particularly important for steam vents and volcanoes.
• Resource Collection: Use pumps and pipes to collect the emitted resource. Store the resource in tanks or reservoirs for later use.
• Automation: Use sensors and logic gates to automate the taming process. This ensures the geyser or vent is managed efficiently without Duplicant intervention.

6.3. Using Geysers and Vents for Sustainable Resources

• Sustainable Water Supply: Use water geysers and polluted water vents to provide a sustainable water supply for your colony.
• Sustainable Power Generation: Use steam vents, natural gas vents, and hydrogen vents to provide a sustainable power supply for your colony.
• Sustainable Heat Source: Use volcanoes to provide a sustainable heat source for steam turbines.

7. Ranching and Farming for Food and Resources

Ranching and farming are essential for providing a sustainable food supply and valuable resources for your colony. This section of the Oxygen Not Included guide explores different ranching and farming strategies.

7.1. Types of Critters

• Hatches: Consume sedimentary rock and produce coal. They can be ranched for a sustainable source of coal.
• Stone Hatches: Consume granite and produce coal. They are more efficient at producing coal than regular hatches.
• Smooth Hatches: Consume metal ore and produce refined metal. They are valuable for producing steel and other refined metals.
• Dreckos: Consume phosphorite and produce plastic. They can be ranched for a sustainable source of plastic.
• Glossy Dreckos: Consume fertilizer and produce plastic. They are more efficient at producing plastic than regular dreckos.
• Pacus: Consume algae and produce eggs and meat. They can be ranched for a sustainable food source.
• Pufts: Consume polluted oxygen and produce slime. They can be ranched for a sustainable source of slime.

7.2. Setting Up a Ranch

• Stable: Build a stable for the critters. The stable should be large enough to accommodate the number of critters you want to ranch.
• Feeder: Provide a feeder for the critters. The feeder should be filled with the appropriate food for the critters.
• Grooming Station: Build a grooming station to groom the critters. Grooming increases their reproduction rate.
• Automation: Use automation to automate the ranching process. This reduces Duplicant labor and improves efficiency.

7.3. Setting Up a Farm

• Farm Tiles: Build farm tiles to plant crops. The farm tiles should be placed in an area with adequate light and water.
• Irrigation System: Implement an irrigation system to water the crops. The irrigation system should be automated to reduce Duplicant labor.
• Fertilization: Fertilize the crops to increase their yield. Use compost or fertilizer produced from pufts.
• Automation: Use automation to automate the farming process. This reduces Duplicant labor and improves efficiency.

8. Space Exploration and Interplanetary Travel

Space exploration and interplanetary travel are essential for expanding your colony and acquiring new resources. This section of the Oxygen Not Included guide explores the basics of space exploration.

8.1. Building Rockets

• Rocket Platform: Build a rocket platform to construct rockets. The rocket platform should be located in a large open area.
• Rocket Modules: Attach rocket modules to the rocket platform to build the rocket. The rocket modules should be selected based on the purpose of the mission.
• Fuel: Fuel the rocket with the appropriate fuel. The fuel should be stored in fuel tanks on the rocket.
• Oxidizer: Provide an oxidizer for the rocket engine. The oxidizer should be stored in oxidizer tanks on the rocket.

8.2. Launching Rockets

• Crew: Assign a crew to the rocket. The crew should be trained in piloting and other skills necessary for the mission.
• Destination: Select a destination for the rocket. The destination should be chosen based on the resources you want to acquire.
• Launch: Launch the rocket. Monitor the rocket’s progress and make adjustments as necessary.

8.3. Exploring New Planets

• Landing: Land the rocket on the new planet. The landing site should be chosen based on the resources you want to acquire.
• Resource Extraction: Extract resources from the new planet. The resources should be stored in cargo modules on the rocket.
• Return Trip: Return the rocket to your home colony. The rocket should be refueled and repaired before the return trip.

9. Modding and Customization in Oxygen Not Included

Modding allows you to customize your Oxygen Not Included experience. This section of the Oxygen Not Included guide explores the basics of modding and customization.

9.1. Types of Mods

• Content Mods: Add new content to the game, such as new buildings, resources, and critters.
• Gameplay Mods: Change the gameplay mechanics of the game, such as the difficulty level or the resource requirements.
• Visual Mods: Change the visual appearance of the game, such as the textures or the user interface.
• Utility Mods: Add new utility features to the game, such as automated tools or debugging tools.

9.2. Installing Mods

• Steam Workshop: Browse the Steam Workshop for mods. Subscribe to the mods you want to install.
• Manual Installation: Download mods from other sources. Extract the mod files to the “Mods” folder in your Oxygen Not Included installation directory.
• Enabling Mods: Enable the mods in the game’s mod settings. Restart the game to apply the changes.

9.3. Creating Your Own Mods

• Modding Tools: Download and install the Oxygen Not Included modding tools. These tools allow you to create and edit mods.
• Programming Languages: Learn the programming languages used to create mods, such as Lua and C#.
• Documentation: Consult the Oxygen Not Included modding documentation for information on how to create mods.

10. Common Mistakes to Avoid in Oxygen Not Included

Even experienced players make mistakes in Oxygen Not Included. This section of the Oxygen Not Included guide highlights common mistakes and provides tips for avoiding them.

10.1. Neglecting Oxygen Production

• Mistake: Failing to prioritize oxygen production in the early game.
• Solution: Build an Algae Terrarium or Electrolyzer setup immediately. Monitor oxygen levels closely and expand production as needed.

10.2. Overlooking Temperature Control

• Mistake: Ignoring temperature control, leading to overheating or freezing.
• Solution: Implement cooling and heating systems early on. Use insulated tiles and pipes to prevent heat transfer.

10.3. Ignoring Duplicant Stress

• Mistake: Neglecting Duplicant stress levels, leading to breakdowns and reduced productivity.
• Solution: Provide Duplicants with comfortable living quarters, downtime, and a variety of tasks. Monitor their stress levels and address issues promptly.

10.4. Over-Expanding Too Quickly

• Mistake: Expanding the base too quickly without adequate resources or infrastructure.
• Solution: Focus on stabilizing existing systems before expanding. Ensure you have sufficient oxygen, food, and power before building new facilities.

10.5. Failing to Automate

• Mistake: Relying too heavily on Duplicant labor instead of automating tasks.
• Solution: Implement automation systems to reduce Duplicant labor and improve efficiency. Use conveyor belts, sensors, and logic gates to automate tasks.

This Oxygen Not Included guide provides a comprehensive overview of the game, covering everything from basic concepts to advanced strategies. By following the advice in this guide, you can build a thriving colony and overcome the challenges of space survival. Remember to visit CONDUCT.EDU.VN for more in-depth guides and resources.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Oxygen Not Included

1. How do I get started with Oxygen Not Included?

   • Begin by prioritizing oxygen production using Algae Terrariums or Electrolyzers. Secure a food source with Mealwood farms, and establish basic infrastructure like beds and wash basins. Research essential technologies early on.

2. What’s the best way to manage Slimelung?

   • Avoid digging directly into Slime Biomes without precautions. Use Deodorizers to convert Polluted Oxygen into clean Oxygen. Equip Duplicants with Atmo Suits when necessary.

3. How do I control temperature in my base?

   • Use Wheezeworts or Ice to cool down critical areas. Implement Cooling Loops with Aquatuners. Insulate your base with Insulated Tiles to prevent heat transfer.

4. How can I generate power efficiently?

   • Transition to Electrolyzers powered by renewable water sources for oxygen. Use Steam Turbines with a reliable heat source, or Petroleum Boilers if you have oil access.

5. What is a SPOM, and how does it work?

   • A Self-Powered Oxygen Module (SPOM) uses Hydrogen from Electrolyzers to power itself, creating a self-sustaining oxygen production system.

6. How do I manage Duplicant stress?

   • Provide comfortable Living Quarters with bedrooms and a Great Hall. Ensure downtime and recreational activities. Rotate tasks to prevent burnout.

7. How can I deal with limited resources?

   • Conserve resources by recycling water and using renewable energy. Explore surrounding biomes for new deposits. Convert abundant resources into scarce ones using specialized machinery.

8. What’s the best way to tame Geysers and Vents?

   • Enclose them in a sealed chamber to control the flow. Implement Temperature Control systems. Use pumps and pipes to collect the emitted resource.

9. How do I set up a Ranch?

   • Build a Stable for the critters. Provide a Feeder with appropriate food. Use a Grooming Station to increase reproduction rates. Automate the process to reduce Duplicant labor.

10. How do I explore space in Oxygen Not Included?

    • Construct a Rocket Platform and attach Rocket Modules. Fuel the rocket and assign a trained crew. Select a destination and launch the rocket. Explore new planets for resources and return home.