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Oxygen Not Included

Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2019

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Quick resume

Oxygen Not Included is a space-colony simulation game. Deep inside an alien space rock your industrious crew will need to master science, overcome strange new lifeforms, and harness incredible space tech to survive, and possibly, thrive.

Global score

97/100

Genres

Indie, Simulator, Strategy

Pros

  • Deep and complex gameplay
  • High replayability
  • Engaging colony management
  • Regular updates and developer support
  • Unique blend of science and strategy

Cons

  • Steep learning curve
  • High micromanagement demands
  • Limited social interaction
  • Performance issues in late game
  • Lack of multiplayer

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players direct duplicants by assigning tasks and priorities, with freedom to design and optimize colony systems."

  • Competence
    5

    "High skill and knowledge required to manage complex systems and solve technical challenges."

  • Competition
    -3

    "Focus is on personal colony management and progression, with minimal direct player competition."

  • Continuation
    5

    "Highly addictive with long play sessions and extensive replayability reported by players."

  • Cooperation
    2

    "Players manage groups of duplicants working together, but social cooperation is AI-driven."

  • Creativity
    5

    "Strong emphasis on creative base design, system building, and problem-solving."

  • Domination
    -4

    "Interactions are balanced and cooperative within the colony; no player dominance or PvP."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game as a complex, immersive distraction and mental challenge."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and personal challenge."

  • Experimenting
    5

    "Players experiment with mechanics, layouts, and strategies to optimize colony survival."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Procedurally generated maps and asteroid types encourage discovery and adaptation."

  • Expression
    3

    "Customization of colony layout and duplicant roles allows personal expression."

  • Fantasy
    -2

    "Game grounded in realistic physics and science, despite cartoonish style."

  • Fellowship
    -3

    "Minimal social interaction; focus on managing own colony and duplicants."

  • Growth
    5

    "Strong learning curve with continuous personal development and mastery."

  • Health
    -4

    "Primarily sedentary gameplay with no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires constant attention and micromanagement to maintain colony stability."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "Limited emotional connections; interactions are mostly task-focused."

  • Leadership
    4

    "Players lead and manage duplicants, assigning roles and priorities."

  • Progression
    5

    "Strong progression through technology research, colony expansion, and resource management."

  • Relaxation
    -2

    "Game involves sustained tension and challenge, though some find it rewarding."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Appealing art and sound design provide sensory enjoyment, but not intense stimulation."

  • Status
    -4

    "Achievements and progress are personal; little social recognition or competition."

  • Story
    1

    "Minimal narrative; some lore and emergent storytelling through gameplay."

  • Strategy
    5

    "Requires complex planning, problem solving, and strategic resource management."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Tension from survival challenges and risk of colony failure create suspense."

  • Value
    5

    "Players report excellent value for time and money with extensive content and updates."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No combat or destruction; focus on constructive colony building and management."

  • Survival
    5

    "Core gameplay centers on overcoming threats and maintaining colony survival."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026