In the high-stakes space-colony simulation Oxygen Not Included, survival is never guaranteed. Developed by Klei Entertainment, this deep strategy and simulation title tasks players with guiding a group of colonists, known as Duplicants, through the treacherous environment of a subterranean asteroid. As you excavate new territory, you must contend with constant threats such as oxygen scarcity, extreme temperatures, and the depletion of vital resources. It is a game where every decision carries weight, and a single oversight in your infrastructure can lead to a colony-wide catastrophe.

Mastering Complex Survival Simulations

Oxygen Not Included stands out in the colony management genre through its intricate web of interconnected scientific systems. Unlike many survival games that rely on combat against zombies or hostile aliens, the primary antagonist here is physics itself. Players must manage a variety of overlapping simulations to keep their base functional:

  • Gas and Liquid Dynamics: Utilize complex gas and liquid simulations to create interlocking pipe systems. You will need to monitor carbon dioxide accumulation via the Oxygen Overlay and ensure that essential fluids reach critical areas of your base.
  • Thermodynamics and Temperature Control: Heat is a constant concern; generating oxygen or power often produces heat that can inadvertently kill your food crops. You must manage ambient temperatures to prevent your colonists from either freezing or frying.
  • Power Grid Management: Build a reliable energy infrastructure using diverse sources ranging from coal and hydrogen to natural gas or even manual labor via "hamster wheel" generators. However, beware of circuit overloads and meltdowns that can cripple your production.
  • Psychological Stress Simulation: Your Duplicants are not machines. High stress levels can lead to destructive behavior, such as colonists punching walls or even "stress vomiting." To maintain morale, you must invest in research, better accommodations, and leisure activities like massage rooms.

A Deep Dive into Science and Engineering

The gameplay loop of Oxygen Not Included revolves around expansion and automation. You begin with just a few colonists, basic tools, and minimal food. As you dig deeper into the asteroid, you unlock the ability to research new technologies and automate tasks, transforming your base from a desperate survival outpost into a well-oiled, efficient machine. The game rewards "thinking person" gameplay, as it allows players to apply real-world scientific principles—such as using water on magma to create steam for power—to solve complex engineering puzzles.

Who Is This Game For?

With its distinctive, "big-headed" cartoonish art style and incredibly challenging mechanics, Oxygen Not Included is a perfect match for fans of the colony management genre. If you enjoyed the strategic depth of titles like Rimworld but prefer a focus on resource engineering and thermodynamics over combat, this simulation offers an addictive, endlessly replayable experience. It appeals to players who love problem-solving, automation, and the satisfaction of turning a chaotic environment into a thriving, sustainable ecosystem.

Platform Availability: Oxygen Not Included is available on PC, macOS, and Linux.