Oxygen Not Included
Manage duplicants surviving on a procedurally generated asteroid.
Oxygen Not Included is a survival simulation video game developed and published by Klei Entertainment. It was released on Steam's early access in February 2017 and officially launched on July 30, 2019. The game tasks players with managing a colony of duplicants stranded on an asteroid.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- Klei Entertainment
- Engine
- Unity
- Platforms
- Linux
- macOS
- Microsoft Windows
- Release
- July 30, 2019
- Genre
- Survival, simulation
- Modes
- Single-player
- Composer
- Vince de Vera
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
Oxygen Not Included is a simulation survival game. At the start, three colonists called duplicants appear on an asteroid with isolated pockets of breathable atmosphere, having no memory of how they arrived. The player manages the duplicants' hunger, waste, and oxygen levels to keep them alive. Each world is procedurally generated and divided into biomes containing specific materials and alien animals called critters. Initial areas have breathable air, but later regions may be in a vacuum or lack oxygen, requiring preparation before exploration. Hazards include diseases and extreme temperatures. The game simulates gas diffusion and atmosphere equalization when new chambers are opened, which can lower oxygen in existing areas, as well as liquid drainage by gravity. The player directs duplicants to perform tasks such as mining, growing food, crafting equipment, researching technologies, and maintaining health through nourishment, rest, and hygiene. Duplicants are not directly controlled; instead, the player gives prioritized instructions that the duplicants follow as best they can. Each duplicant has stats affecting task effectiveness and will prioritize tasks they are best at, with skills improving over time.
Development and release
Oxygen Not Included was developed by Vancouver-based indie studio Klei Entertainment. The game was announced for Windows during the PC Gaming Show at E3 2016, with later confirmation for macOS and Linux. An early access version became available on February 15, 2017. The full release was originally planned for May 28, 2019, but was delayed to July 2019. Klei announced plans for downloadable content, which included the free Automation Innovation update and the paid Spaced Out update. The developer later stated there would be no more DLCs, opting for free updates, but subsequently released four additional DLC packs: The Frosty Planet Pack on July 19, 2024, The Bionic Booster Pack on December 13, 2024, The Prehistoric Planet Pack on June 12, 2025, and The Aquatic Planet Pack on June 11, 2026. Klei's Johann Seidenz cited Dwarf Fortress, Prison Architect, and The Sims as influences on the game's design.
Reception
Critics generally gave Oxygen Not Included positive reviews, according to the aggregate site Metacritic. Rock Paper Shotgun's Nate Crowley liked the design and progression but worried that the increasing complexity might put off casual players, especially those without science or engineering backgrounds. GameCentral awarded it 8/10, commending its scientific accuracy and design while criticizing the high difficulty and missing in-game tutorials. The game received nominations for Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year at the 23rd D.I.C.E. Awards and for Strategy/Simulation at the 2020 Webby Awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What platforms is Oxygen Not Included available on?
Oxygen Not Included was released for Linux, macOS and Microsoft Windows.
Who composed the music for Oxygen Not Included?
The music for Oxygen Not Included was composed by Vince de Vera.
What engine does Oxygen Not Included use?
Oxygen Not Included runs on Unity.
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