Oxygen Not Included: 10 Pro Tips for a Thriving Colony

Surviving the Void Has Never Been Tougher

Oxygen Not Included quickly teaches you that maintaining a livable habitat for your colony of duplicants is a constant battle against physics, biology, and your own poor planning. With dozens of gases, liquids, and critters to manage, it's easy to spiral into chaos. But don't worry — these 10 pro tips will turn that chaos into the most orderly asteroid this side of the solar system.

10 Essential Tips for a Self-Sufficient Colony

1. Oxygen First, Everything Else Second

Your duplicants will suffocate long before they starve. In the first few cycles, build a Research Station and rush the Oxygen tech tree. Place Algae Terrariums close to your base — they're inefficient but essential early. As soon as you unlock Electrolyzers, replace them. Remember: green icons are breathable, yellow means danger.

• Build one algae terrarium for every 2 duplicants.
• Keep terrariums near water to reduce travel time.
• Monitor your oxygen pressure; too high or too low is harmful.

2. Don't Dig Everything at Once

It's tempting to tunnel every resource vein you see. Instead, dig only the space you need. Expanding too fast exposes your base to scalding heat and toxic gases. Plan your base in rows with insulated tiles to keep temperature stable. Create a central shaft for ventilation and later, travel.

3. Heat Is the Silent Killer

Every generator, battery, and grill emits heat. If left unchecked, your base will become an oven. Use insulated tiles around hot equipment and place them away from your living quarters. You can also use Wheezeworts or Ice Temp Shift Plates to cool down rooms gradually.

4. Manage Water Like a Precious Resource

Water is life in Oxygen Not Included. You need it for farming, research, and life support. Monitor your Water Reservoirs and avoid wasting it. Put your Sieve to work early — purifying polluted water is cheaper than pumping fresh. Use Liquid Reservoirs to store large batches, and keep polluted water away from your drinking supply.

5. Set Up a Food Chain That Won't Collapse

Mealwood is great for new colonies, but it requires careful temperature management. Once you have a stable power supply, invest in Bristle Blossoms or Pepper Plants for better meals. If you're feeling ambitious, ranch Hatches to produce coal and meat. Always keep a few cycles' worth of food stockpiled to survive unexpected meltdowns.

6. Let Dupes Have a Break

Stress causes vomiting and destructive tantrums. Build a podium dining hall and a recreation room with a jukebox or arcade cabinet. Schedule downtime regularly. Duplicants with high morale work faster and are less likely to snap. Put a candle or a piece of decor in every room to boost their mood.

7. Understand Gas Physics

Gas separation is vital. Carbon dioxide sinks to the bottom; hydrogen floats to the top. Use this to your advantage: place electrolyzers in a sealed chamber with a dedicated pump for each gas. Build a Carbon Skimmer in your base's basement to remove CO2. Avoid mixing gases, as it makes filtering a nightmare.

8. Don't Overload Your Power Grid

Flickering lights and broken wires are a recipe for disaster. Use Heavy-Watt Wire for power-drawing equipment and keep a Smart Battery connected to your generators to prevent burnout. Always have a backup power source — either a second coal generator or a manual generator for emergencies.

9. Research Smart, Not Fast

Your Research Station needs specific materials. Prioritize Advanced Research and Plumbing early on. Don't waste time on tech you don't need. The quicker you unlock Insulation and Water Filtration, the quicker your colony stabilizes. Build a dedicated research room with good lighting and air supply to speed things up.

10. Know When to Expand

Expanding to new asteroid biomes is exciting but risky. Before you mine into a dangerous area, build a exosuit checkpoint and equip your duplicants with suits. Seal off your main base with airlock doors to prevent contamination. Keep an eye on the temperature of the new area — you don't want your duplicants freezing or overheating.

Conclusion

Oxygen Not Included is a game of slow, deliberate planning. By following these ten tips, you'll avoid the most common colony-destroying mistakes and free yourself up to explore, expand, and maybe even discover the mysteries of the cosmos. Now get back to your keyboard — those dupes aren't getting any smarter on their own.