Initial Base Layout

Learn the essential steps for establishing your initial base in Oxygen Not Included. Covers temperature, food, dupes, power, and ventilation for a strong start.

This guide covers the basics of starting your base in Oxygen Not Included, focusing on essential elements for survival and growth. It's designed to be a helpful starting point for new players.

Starting your base:

1. Use the overlays in the top right of your screen to assess your surroundings.
2. Temperature: Pay close attention to the temperature overlay. Keep living quarters away from hot or cold spots. Ensure greenhouses maintain optimal temperatures for crops like Meal Lice and Bristle Blossoms, as even a 1-degree difference can prevent growth. Be aware that generators and batteries produce heat and should not be placed near greenhouses.
3. Food: Start with Mealwood for Meal Lice, which is easy to obtain but has low food quality and requires dirt. As your colony grows, transition to Bristle Blossoms for Gristle Berries (requires water and light) or Mushrooms (requires polluted water and carbon dioxide). Consider using hydroponic farm tiles for efficiency. Food on the floor won't decay in a carbon dioxide-filled greenhouse or if stored in a ration box within an ice biome.
4. Dupes: Avoid recruiting too many dupes early on. Aim for a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 until you can reliably support them. Build rooms like barracks (increases stamina regeneration) and latrines (relieves stress) to manage dupe morale and stress.
5. Power: Ensure you have a stable power source, like a coal generator, to support essential facilities such as lights for greenhouses.
6. Ventilation: While not detailed in this section, proper ventilation is crucial for managing gas levels and maintaining a breathable atmosphere.