Hey there, space cadets! Welcome to the wild, wacky, and sometimes downright brutal world of Oxygen Not Included! This survival colony simulator is a real gem, but trust me, it can be a bit overwhelming when you're first starting out. Don't worry, though; I'm here to give you the lowdown, a beginner's walkthrough to get you started on your journey of building the ultimate subterranean base. We'll cover everything from the basics of survival to some handy tips and tricks to keep your duplicants alive and thriving. So, buckle up, grab your spom (that's a water electrolyzer, in case you were wondering), and let's dive in! This comprehensive guide will get you through the rough patches.

Starting out in Oxygen Not Included can be daunting. You'll quickly realize that managing resources, keeping your duplicants happy, and dealing with all sorts of environmental hazards is a complex balancing act. But fear not! This walkthrough will break down the essential aspects of the game into manageable chunks, making the learning curve less steep. We'll start with the fundamentals: what you need to survive, how to manage your duplicants, and how to start building your base. Once you have a handle on these basics, we'll move on to more advanced topics like power generation, automation, and optimizing your resource production. My goal is to equip you with the knowledge and strategies you need to not just survive but to flourish in the harsh environment of Oxygen Not Included. Get ready to learn the strategies for thriving in the challenging environment of Oxygen Not Included. We'll delve into the nuances of base building, resource management, and duplicant care. So, grab your shovel and get ready to dig in because this journey is going to be epic.

Getting Started: The Basics of Survival

Alright, let's talk about the absolute necessities for survival in Oxygen Not Included. First and foremost: oxygen (duh!). Your duplicants need to breathe, so ensuring a constant supply of breathable air is priority number one. You'll start with some initial oxygen in your starting biome, but it won't last long. Next up: food. Your duplicants get hungry, and if they don't eat, well, they'll die. You'll begin with some basic rations, but you'll need to establish a sustainable food production system ASAP. Third: water. Just like real humans, duplicants need water. Water is also crucial for growing food and various industrial processes. Finally, you need a place to sleep. Duplicants get tired, and they need somewhere comfortable to rest and recharge. Now, let's look at it.

Initially, you'll be relying on the natural resources available in your starting biome. Look around: what resources are there? What's the surrounding temperature? Are there any hazardous materials? This initial reconnaissance is key to making informed decisions about where to build and what to prioritize. A solid foundation is essential for success. You will need to build things like a mess hall, a latrine and a place to sleep. In addition to these survival necessities, there are other considerations to make. The environment is always changing, so be sure to make sure all of your duplicants are safe. You are going to want to check the gas and temperature levels. You will want to research the appropriate technology. You need to always keep an eye on your duplicants' morale. You want them to be happy.

In the early game, the focus is on building a basic base, and it's essential that you're smart. Oxygen not Included is a game of patience, you will learn quickly that quick choices can kill your entire colony. Your early priorities should include:

• Oxygen Production: Set up an initial oxygen source using a manual generator, or, if you're lucky, an algae terrarium. Keep in mind that a manual generator will release carbon dioxide, so you'll need to vent that out to prevent poisoning your duplicants.
• Food Production: Grow some mealwood as soon as possible. It is a quick-growing, easy-to-manage food source.
• Water Management: Secure a water source and build a sink. Early game water can be used for making food, and this will ensure you have the water you need to survive.
• Base Building: Start constructing a basic living space with sleeping cots, a latrine, and a mess hall. It does not need to be fancy, just functional.
• Research: Prioritize research to unlock better technologies and make your base more efficient.

Duplicant Management: Keeping Your Crew Happy

Alright, guys, let's talk about the lifeblood of your colony: your duplicants! These little clones are the ones doing all the work, so keeping them happy and productive is absolutely crucial. You have to take care of them. They are not mindless drones. Each duplicant has its own unique traits, skills, and quirks. Some are strong, some are artistic, and some are just plain clumsy. Understanding their traits is essential for assigning them to the right jobs. You don't want to assign a duplicant with low strength to a job that requires heavy lifting or digging. Think of it like this: assigning a duplicant to a job they are good at means that you're playing them to their strengths. Now, let's dive into some of the things that your duplicants need to be happy.

Morale is key! Duplicants need a certain level of morale to avoid getting stressed, which can lead to vomiting, tantrums, and, eventually, breakdowns. Keep their morale high by providing them with good food, comfortable living quarters, recreational activities, and a clean environment. They love that! Here are some key factors that impact morale:

• Food: Serve them better food than just basic rations. Consider improving their meals with better ingredients to boost morale.
• Comfort: Build comfy cots and provide them with private sleeping quarters, or a common room, so that they can sleep.
• Recreation: Provide access to recreational items. Early on, a massage table can go a long way.
• Environment: Make sure your base is clean, with the right temperature, and well-lit. Make sure that they have access to oxygen. Your duplicants need a place to work, sleep, and relax. Make sure that you balance their needs.

Managing Stress is equally important. Stress can lead to a range of negative effects, from slowing down their work to straight up making them unproductive. The best way to manage stress is to avoid it in the first place. You can do this by balancing the job of duplicants. When assigning jobs, be sure that they are not overworked. Give them free time, and provide access to recreation. If the duplicant is under too much stress, then they may start to make problems for you. Now, let's talk about the ways to take care of your duplicants.

• Schedule: Pay attention to the work schedule of your duplicants. Set up a schedule with a balance of work and free time.
• Stress Relief: Provide them with ways to manage stress, such as massage tables, parks, and other recreational activities.
• Medical Care: Make sure that you have medical supplies, and train a duplicant to heal other duplicants.

Building Your Base: Design and Efficiency

Now, let's talk about base building. This is where you get to put your architectural dreams to work! Designing your base strategically can make a huge difference in the long run. Good base design can solve a lot of problems before they arise. It is going to reduce your workload as a player, and it is going to make it easier for your duplicants to work. In Oxygen Not Included, you're not just building a house; you're creating a self-sustaining ecosystem. You'll need to consider everything from gas management to temperature control. Let's start with some of the key considerations for a well-designed base:

Gas Management: This is one of the most critical aspects of base design. You'll want to separate different gases to prevent them from mixing and causing problems. Carbon dioxide is heavier than oxygen, so it will sink to the bottom of rooms. You will want to vent it out or filter it out. Hydrogen is lighter than oxygen, so it rises to the top. Plan your base layout so that you can control the flow of gases.

• Oxygen Production and Distribution: Place your oxygen generators in a well-ventilated area, and use vents and pipes to distribute the oxygen throughout your base.
• Carbon Dioxide Removal: Designate a separate area for carbon dioxide accumulation, and use carbon dioxide scrubbers or vents to remove it.
• Hydrogen Management: When using hydrogen generators, make sure to vent the hydrogen into a separate chamber or use it for power generation.

Temperature Control: Keeping your base at a comfortable temperature is crucial. If it is too hot or too cold, then your duplicants will be less productive, and some of the elements might get destroyed. There are a few different ways that you can control the temperature in your base.

• Insulation: Use insulated tiles to contain heat or cold and prevent them from spreading to unwanted areas.
• Cooling Systems: Set up cooling systems such as liquid-cooled aquatuners or steam turbines to regulate temperatures in your base.
• Heating Systems: When dealing with cold biomes, use heaters or other heating systems to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Base Layout: Think about efficiency. You want to make it easy for your duplicants to get around and do their jobs. A well-organized base can save you a lot of time and effort in the long run. Here are some basic ideas to consider:

• Centralized Infrastructure: Place all of your essential structures in a central location. This will reduce travel time for your duplicants.
• Dedicated Zones: Create separate zones for different activities, such as living quarters, industrial areas, and food production.
• Automation: Use automation to make your base run more efficiently. Automate tasks such as resource delivery and power generation.

Advanced Strategies: Power, Automation, and Resource Optimization

Alright, you've got the basics down, now it's time to level up your Oxygen Not Included game! Once you have a handle on the basics, you can start optimizing. Let's delve into advanced strategies for power generation, automation, and resource optimization. In this section, we'll talk about how to take your colony from surviving to thriving.

Power Generation: Power is the lifeblood of your base. Without it, everything grinds to a halt. There are multiple ways to generate power, and the best approach depends on your resources and the stage of the game. Initially, you'll likely rely on manual generators, but those are very labor-intensive and generate a lot of pollution. Here are some advanced strategies to help:

• Coal Generators: These are a step up from manual generators. They produce more power, but they still generate carbon dioxide.
• Natural Gas Generators: Natural gas is a more efficient source of power than coal. You can get this by getting natural gas vents.
• Hydrogen Generators: Hydrogen generators are powered by hydrogen, which is a byproduct of water electrolysis.
• Renewable Energy: Consider using renewable energy sources such as solar panels and turbines to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels.

Automation: Automation is your friend in Oxygen Not Included. Once you master it, it is going to free up your duplicants from repetitive tasks, and it is going to make your base more efficient. A few automation tips:

• Sensors and Logic Gates: Use sensors and logic gates to automate tasks such as turning on and off machines based on resource levels or environmental conditions.
• Conveyors and Rails: Set up conveyor systems and rails to automate the transport of resources.
• Timers and Circuits: Use timers and circuits to automate processes such as irrigation and power management.

Resource Optimization: Maximizing your resource production is key to long-term success. Here are some strategies:

• Efficient Farming: Optimize your food production by using the right crops, planting in optimal conditions, and automating irrigation.
• Resource Recycling: Recycle resources whenever possible. Use a recycler to turn trash into useful materials.
• Material Selection: Use the right materials for the job. Use different materials to build different parts of your base to increase efficiency.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Alright, let's talk about some common pitfalls that even experienced players stumble into. Knowing about these traps can save you a lot of frustration and wasted resources. Knowledge is power, so let's get you ready for it!

• Suffocation: The most common way to die. Always have an oxygen source and make sure that you are distributing the oxygen properly. Build a small room to generate your oxygen, and use a pump to make sure that the oxygen is distributed.
• Starvation: Always be prepared for your food supply. Ensure that you have multiple food sources and storage. You don't want to run out of food.
• Overheating or Freezing: Insulate your base. Make sure that you have cooling or heating systems. The last thing you want is a duplicant freezing to death.
• Stress-Related Breakdowns: Your duplicants can break down if they are too stressed. Keep them happy with recreation.
• Power Outages: You can't survive if your base doesn't have power. Make sure that you have enough power and that you can store it.
• Gas Leaks: Gases will mix if you don't keep them apart. Know the gases and how they act.

Conclusion: Mastering the Colony

Well, that wraps up our beginner's walkthrough for Oxygen Not Included. Remember, the key to success is patience, observation, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes. This game is all about experimentation and adaptation. Don't be afraid to try new things, and don't get discouraged when your colony inevitably collapses. It's all part of the fun! Every failure is a lesson, and every lesson makes you a better space colonist. Keep your duplicants fed, their oxygen flowing, and your base organized, and you'll be well on your way to building a thriving colony. Good luck, and happy digging! Now go forth and conquer the cosmos, or at least, survive the next cycle! You got this!