Oxygen Not Included: A Masterclass in Physics-Driven Survival Simulation

 

The Premise

Developed by Klei Entertainment (creators of Don’t Starve), Oxygen Not Included tasks players with managing a colony of "Duplicants" in an alien asteroid’s subterranean depths. Survival hinges on mastering real-world physics: gas diffusion, thermal dynamics, fluid mechanics, and ecosystem cycling—all while battling suffocation, starvation, and psychological breakdowns269.

Core Gameplay: Where Science Meets Desperation

  1. The Oxygen Paradox:
    Oxygen management is the linchpin. Early-game algae-based oxygen generators deplete rapidly, forcing a shift to electrolysis (splitting water into O₂ and H₂). However, hydrogen floats upward, CO₂ sinks, and misplaced vents can suffocate your colony. This gas-layer simulation isn’t just aesthetic—it’s a matter of life and death137.

  2. Resource Juggling & Sustainability:
    Every resource is finite. Water fuels farms and oxygen machines; coal powers generators but emits CO₂; waste pollutes water. The genius lies in closed-loop systems: recycling polluted water via purifiers, using CO₂ for mushroom farms, or harnessing hydrogen for power. One misstep—like a burst pipe or overheating machinery—cascades into colony collapse469.

  3. Duplicant Psychology:
    Beyond physical needs, Duplicants suffer stress from ugly environments, poor food, or dead friends. A stressed worker might vomit (creating more mess) or smash critical infrastructure. Decorating bases with paintings and sculptures isn’t optional—it’s survival349.

  4. Tech Tree & Automation:
    Research unlocks advanced solutions (e.g., climate control, automated transit tubes). Yet, complexity spikes: managing multi-layered power grids, liquid cooling loops, and pressure-resistant suits requires near-engineering prowess579.

Visuals & Atmosphere

The charming, cartoonish art style belies the game’s ruthless depth. Duplicants wobble with exaggerated expressions as they mine, build, or panic—adding dark humor to crises. Meanwhile, the eerie soundtrack underscores isolation, with mechanical whirs and gasps for air amplifying tension79.

The Learning Curve: Brutal but Rewarding

  • Early Game: Simple digging, basic oxygen/food setups.

  • Mid Game: Gas imbalances, temperature spikes (e.g., machinery overheating farms), and stress spirals.

  • Late Game: Sustainable ecosystems via geothermal energy, space exploration, and material synthesis46.

Failures are frequent ("Why is the base flooding?!"), but each collapse teaches vital lessons. Community guides and trial-and-error are essential—physics concepts like thermal conductivity and gas density become practical tools358.

Pros vs. Cons

Strengths ✅Weaknesses ❌
Deep, interlocking systems that reward creativity69Steep learning curve deterring casual players47
Endless replayability with procedurally generated asteroids6Opaque mechanics (e.g., unclear why objects can’t be swept)2
Satisfying "Eureka!" moments when systems finally work59Late-game micro-management overwhelms (e.g., 20+ Duplicants)4
Humor and personality in character design & animations79Occasional pathfinding/AI quirks (e.g., trapped diggers)47

Verdict

Oxygen Not Included is a scientific survival sandbox that demands precision, patience, and ingenuity. It transforms real-world physics into exhilarating challenges, where every victory—a self-sustaining oxygen loop or a stress-free dining hall—feels monumental. While its complexity may induce hyperventilation, the thrill of bending nature to your will is unmatched.

"More than a game—it’s a PhD in systemic chaos management." 🎓💥

Score: 9/10
Best for: Fans of RimWorld, Factorio, or anyone craving a cerebral, punishingly rewarding sim.
Not for: Those seeking relaxed base-building or instant gratification.

💡 Tip: Embrace failure. Your first 10 colonies will implode—but each disaster is a step toward cosmic domination.

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