Oxygen Not Included! A Hilarious Guide to Surviving Underground

Ever dreamed of building a self-sustaining colony… underground? Deep beneath an alien planet’s surface, where resources are scarce and sanity is even scarcer? Oxygen Not Included throws you into just this scenario, tasking you with managing a quirky crew of Duplicants who’ll need your guidance to thrive in the face of dwindling oxygen, volatile temperatures, and the ever-present threat of polluted water.

Developed by Klei Entertainment (the masterminds behind Don’t Starve), Oxygen Not Included blends base-building, resource management, and sandbox creativity into a surprisingly addictive package. Imagine SimCity meets Terraria, sprinkled with a healthy dose of absurd humor – that’s the Oxygen Not Included experience in a nutshell!

Digging Deep: Uncovering the Story

While there isn’t a traditional story arc in the conventional sense, Oxygen Not Included excels at crafting emergent narratives through its gameplay. You start with a handful of Duplicants dropped into an asteroid-sized world, entrusted by a mysterious organization known as “The Galactic Transit Authority” to colonize and terraform this subterranean paradise (or maybe just a really big hole?).

Your mission: establish a self-sustaining colony capable of producing breathable air, clean water, food, and – crucially – happiness. The catch? Your Duplicants are finicky creatures with unique personalities, skills, and even quirks. One might have a phobia of darkness while another is obsessed with collecting shiny objects. Navigating these personality clashes and fulfilling their needs becomes part of the ongoing challenge.

Mastering the Mechanics: A Symphony of Systems

Oxygen Not Included shines through its complex yet accessible systems. From the initial stages of drilling for resources and setting up basic power generation to researching advanced technologies like oxygen diffusers and automated farms, there’s always a new puzzle to solve.

Let’s break down some key elements:

A Dash of Humor: When Duplicants Go Rogue

One of Oxygen Not Included’s greatest strengths lies in its quirky humor. From the bizarre animations and sound effects to the hilarious dialogue lines delivered by your Duplicants, the game consistently surprises you with unexpected laughs. Imagine a Duplicant refusing to work because he “feels a strong connection” with his pet slime, or another who insists on serenading the colony with their off-key singing (which somehow counts as stress relief).

These lighthearted moments help break the tension and remind you that even amidst the challenges of survival, there’s always room for fun.

Building Your Utopia (or Dystopia)

Oxygen Not Included allows for a vast degree of customization. You can design sprawling underground complexes with intricate networks of tunnels, pipes, and conveyor belts. Experiment with different layouts, resource management strategies, and even architectural styles – from utilitarian bunkers to elaborate biodomes mimicking Earth’s ecosystems.

Beyond the Basics: Modding & Community

The game boasts a vibrant modding community that continuously expands the Oxygen Not Included experience. From new Duplicant types and decorative items to gameplay tweaks and complete overhauls, there are endless possibilities for tailoring the game to your preferences.

Plus, Klei Entertainment actively supports the modding community and regularly incorporates feedback from players into updates and future releases. This collaborative spirit ensures that Oxygen Not Included remains a fresh and engaging experience long after you’ve mastered its core mechanics.

So, if you’re looking for a challenging yet deeply rewarding survival game with a unique blend of humor, strategy, and creativity, Oxygen Not Included is definitely worth exploring. Just be prepared to spend countless hours tinkering with your colony, laughing at your Duplicants’ antics, and experiencing the endless possibilities of underground living!