Oxygen
The invisible breath of life that keeps the colony ship from becoming a tomb.
Oxygen is the lifeblood of every Duplicant aboard the colony ship, a colorless, odorless gas essential for respiration and combustion. While it naturally exists in trace amounts within certain biomes like the Space Biome and Frozen Biome, it is rarely abundant enough to sustain a growing population without active production. As the primary consumable resource, its management dictates the pace of expansion, forcing colonists to balance generation through electrolysis or indirect plant-based methods against consumption by living beings and fires.
- Natural Sources
- Space Biome, Frozen Biome (Ice), Oxyfern
Lore & Background
The planet below, with its diverse biomes, offers natural reservoirs of oxygen trapped within ice formations or floating in the upper atmosphere. However, these sources are often perilous to access, requiring careful engineering to prevent rapid depletion or contamination by heavier gases like Carbon Dioxide. The struggle to maintain a breathable environment has driven the development of advanced technologies, from simple algae-based generators to complex electrolysis plants that split water molecules to harvest this precious gas.
In Their Own Story
The air was thick and heavy, tasting of stale metal and exhaustion. Above, the electrolysis unit hummed a steady rhythm, splitting water into bubbles of life-saving gas that drifted upward like silver rain.
Reader's Guide
Oxygen is most naturally found in the Atmosphere Layer and within Ice formations in the Frozen Tundra, though it is often mixed with other gases. In the Atmosphere Layer, oxygen floats freely but can be diluted by methane or carbon dioxide if not managed carefully. Temperature plays a crucial role; extreme heat can cause gas expansion and pressure issues, while freezing temperatures may trap oxygen within solid ice blocks that require mining to release. Duplicants must ensure their living quarters maintain a temperature range where oxygen remains gaseous and breathable. Extraction methods vary by zone: in the Atmosphere Layer, fans are used to circulate air and prevent stagnation. In the Frozen Tundra, miners extract Ice which is then melted or processed to release trapped gases. Electrolysis of water remains the most reliable method for generating pure oxygen on demand, provided a steady supply of liquid water and power is maintained.
Did You Know?
- Oxygen is heavier than Hydrogen but lighter than Carbon Dioxide, causing it to settle in specific layers if not circulated.
- Duplicants require food and water to survive; without them, they will die from starvation or dehydration regardless of oxygen.
- Only Oxyfern can produce oxygen indirectly; plants like Clover and Wheat do not generate oxygen.
- A single fire consumes significant amounts of oxygen, potentially causing suffocation in enclosed spaces if ventilation is inadequate.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines Oxygen as a resource?
It is an invisible, odorless gas that serves as the lifeblood for every Duplicant aboard the ship. This substance is required for both breathing and sustaining combustion within your colony.
Where can I find natural deposits of Oxygen?
Trace amounts occur naturally in the Atmosphere Layer and inside Ice found in the Frozen Tundra biome. These sources are usually insufficient to support a growing population without active production.
Why is maintaining Oxygen levels critical for survival?
Duplicants begin to suffocate over time if atmospheric concentration drops below the 21% threshold. Effective management dictates your expansion pace and prevents the ship from becoming a tomb.
How do players actively produce more Oxygen?
Colonists must balance generation through electrolysis or plant photosynthesis against consumption by beings and fires. This cycle forces you to carefully plan resource loops for long-term stability.
Does Oxygen interact with other elements in the game?
Yes, it combines chemically with Hydrogen during electrolysis processes to form Water. Understanding this interaction allows players to recycle gases into liquids efficiently.
More in Biomes & Resources
Elsewhere in the Oxygen Not Included universe
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