Mastering Cell Painting In Oxygen Not Included: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to cell paint oxygen not included

Cell painting in *Oxygen Not Included* is a creative and functional way to customize your base while also serving practical purposes, such as organizing resources or marking specific areas. To cell paint, players must first research and unlock the Decor technology, which grants access to the Paint Tool. Once unlocked, select the Paint Tool from the Decor menu, choose a color, and click on the desired cell to apply it. Painted cells not only add aesthetic appeal but can also help differentiate zones, highlight important areas, or even improve dupes' morale when combined with other decorative items. However, be mindful of resource usage, as excessive painting can consume materials and impact your base’s efficiency. Mastering cell painting allows players to blend creativity with functionality, enhancing both the visual and organizational aspects of their colony.

Characteristics Values
Purpose Cell painting is used in Oxygen Not Included to visually organize and manage your base by assigning specific colors to different areas or functions.
Tool Required Paint Brush (unlocked in the "Decor" tab of the research tree)
Materials Needed 100 Refined Metals per Paint Brush
Application Click on the Paint Brush in your inventory, then click on the cell you want to paint.
Color Options 8 base colors available: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Pink, and Grey.
Opacity Paint is semi-transparent, allowing underlying terrain features to remain visible.
Durability Paint is permanent and does not wear off over time.
Overlap Painting over an already painted cell will replace the existing color.
Functionality Primarily decorative, but can aid in organization and navigation within your base.
Duplicant Interaction Duplicants do not interact with painted cells directly.
Mod Support Mods may add additional colors or functionalities to cell painting.

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Setting Up a Chlorine Gas Generator

To set up a chlorine gas generator in *Oxygen Not Included*, you’ll need to harness the game’s electrolysis process, which involves splitting water (H₂O) into hydrogen and chlorine gas using a water electrolyzer. Chlorine gas is particularly useful for disinfecting polluted water, killing germs, and managing algae in your base. Start by locating a suitable area for your setup, ideally near a water source to minimize piping requirements. Ensure the area is well-ventilated or has a way to contain the chlorine gas, as it can be harmful to your duplicants if left unchecked.

Next, construct a water electrolyzer, which is the core machine for generating chlorine gas. Place it in the designated area and connect it to a power source. The electrolyzer requires 120 watts of power to operate, so ensure your power grid can handle the load. Connect a water input to the electrolyzer using liquid pipes, and ensure there’s a steady supply of water. The electrolyzer will split the water into hydrogen and chlorine gas, so you’ll need separate output pipes for each gas. Use automated smart vents or gas pumps to direct the chlorine gas to storage or its intended use.

To safely handle chlorine gas, consider building a containment chamber or using chlorine filters to neutralize it before it becomes a hazard. Chlorine gas is heavier than air, so place your vents or pumps at the bottom of the chamber to collect it efficiently. Alternatively, you can direct the chlorine gas into polluted water tanks to disinfect them, effectively killing germs and algae. Use automation (e.g., liquid sensors and shutoff valves) to control the flow of chlorine gas and prevent over-disinfection, which can waste resources.

For optimal efficiency, pair your chlorine gas generator with a hydrogen storage system, as hydrogen is a byproduct of the electrolysis process. Hydrogen can be used as fuel for generators or stored in gas tanks for later use. Ensure your hydrogen storage is safe, as it is highly flammable. Use cool environments or thermal regulators to keep the hydrogen storage area below its ignition temperature.

Finally, monitor your setup regularly to ensure it’s functioning as intended. Use the game’s overlay tools to track gas and liquid flow, temperature, and pressure. Adjust your automation settings as needed to maintain a steady supply of chlorine gas without overproducing or wasting resources. With a well-designed chlorine gas generator, you’ll have a reliable way to manage water quality and maintain a healthy environment for your duplicants in *Oxygen Not Included*.

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Using Algae to Produce Oxygen

In *Oxygen Not Included*, managing oxygen levels is crucial for your colony's survival. One efficient and sustainable method to produce oxygen is by utilizing algae, which can be cultivated in specific setups to generate oxygen through photosynthesis. To begin, you’ll need to create an algae-based oxygen production system, which involves setting up an Algae Terrarium or using Algae Diffusers in water. Start by constructing a designated area for algae growth, ensuring it’s well-lit and has access to water. Algae requires light to photosynthesize, so place Natural Gas Generators or Phosphor Lamps nearby to provide the necessary illumination.

Next, introduce algae into the system by either allowing it to spawn naturally in polluted water or by manually placing Algae seeds obtained from Algae Distilleries. Polluted water, a byproduct of your duplicants' activities, is an excellent medium for algae growth. Ensure the water is shallow, as algae thrives in thin layers. Once the algae begins to grow, it will absorb carbon dioxide and polluted water while releasing oxygen and clean water as byproducts. This process not only produces oxygen but also helps in recycling polluted water, making it a dual-purpose solution.

To maximize oxygen production, consider using Algae Diffusers, which are devices that spread algae across a larger water surface area. Place these diffusers in bodies of water, such as reservoirs or natural pools, to encourage widespread algae growth. Pairing diffusers with Electrolyzers can further enhance the system, as Electrolyzers convert polluted water into oxygen and hydrogen, complementing the oxygen produced by algae. Ensure the area is well-ventilated to distribute the generated oxygen throughout your base.

Maintaining the algae system requires monitoring water levels, light exposure, and temperature. Algae grows best in warm conditions, so keep the area between 20°C and 40°C. Use heaters or coolants as needed to maintain this range. Additionally, regularly harvest excess algae using Algae Scoops to prevent overgrowth, which can clog the system. Store the harvested algae in an Algae Deoxidizer to convert it into fertilizer or other useful resources, ensuring the system remains efficient and productive.

Finally, integrate the algae oxygen system with your base’s overall design. Place oxygen-producing areas near high-traffic zones or living quarters to ensure a steady supply of breathable air. Use automation and smart storage to manage resources like polluted water and algae efficiently. By leveraging algae’s natural ability to photosynthesize, you can create a self-sustaining oxygen source that reduces reliance on mechanical systems and minimizes resource waste. With careful planning and maintenance, algae can become a cornerstone of your colony’s oxygen strategy in *Oxygen Not Included*.

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Managing Carbon Dioxide with Electrolyzers

In *Oxygen Not Included*, managing carbon dioxide (CO₂) is crucial for maintaining a healthy and sustainable colony. One of the most effective tools for this purpose is the Electrolyzer, a machine that splits polluted water (a mixture of water and CO₂) into oxygen and hydrogen. To begin managing CO₂ with Electrolyzers, start by setting up a system to capture polluted water, which naturally accumulates in your base as dupes exhale CO₂ into the environment. Place a Liquid Vent or a Water Sieves system to collect this polluted water and direct it into the Electrolyzer. Ensure the Electrolyzer is powered and has enough polluted water input to operate continuously.

Once the Electrolyzer is operational, it will produce oxygen as one of its outputs, directly addressing the need for breathable air in your base. The oxygen can be released into the atmosphere via automated smart vents or stored in oxygen tanks for later use. Simultaneously, the Electrolyzer produces hydrogen as a byproduct, which can be vented out of the base or used in other systems, such as generating power via a Hydrogen Generator. Properly managing these outputs is key to maximizing efficiency and minimizing resource waste.

To optimize CO₂ management, consider placing Electrolyzers in areas with high CO₂ concentration, such as near bedrooms or farms, where dupes naturally produce more CO₂. Use automation (e.g., smart vents and liquid pumps) to ensure polluted water is consistently fed into the Electrolyzer without manual intervention. Additionally, monitor the system regularly to prevent backpressure, which can occur if oxygen is not properly vented or stored. Using Automation Overlays in the game can help visualize and manage the flow of resources effectively.

Another important aspect is scaling your Electrolyzer setup as your colony grows. Start with one or two Electrolyzers and expand as needed based on CO₂ production rates. Pairing Electrolyzers with Carbon Skimmers can further enhance efficiency by directly converting CO₂ into polluted water, which can then be processed by the Electrolyzer. This dual system ensures a steady supply of polluted water and reduces the need for excess water consumption.

Finally, consider the energy requirements of your Electrolyzer setup. Electrolyzers consume a significant amount of power, so ensure your power grid can support the demand. Renewable energy sources, such as Solar Panels or Hydrogen Generators, can help offset the energy cost. By carefully planning and integrating Electrolyzers into your base’s infrastructure, you can effectively manage CO₂ levels while producing valuable oxygen and hydrogen, creating a self-sustaining cycle that supports your colony’s growth.

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Optimizing Oxygen Diffusion with Mesh Tiles

In *Oxygen Not Included*, optimizing oxygen diffusion is crucial for maintaining a healthy and efficient colony. One effective method to enhance oxygen distribution is by strategically using Mesh Tiles. These tiles allow gases to pass through while blocking liquids and dupes, making them ideal for creating breathable spaces without compromising structural integrity. To begin, understand that oxygen diffusion relies on proper airflow and minimal obstructions. Mesh Tiles facilitate this by enabling oxygen to spread evenly across areas, especially in confined or multi-level bases.

When cell painting with Mesh Tiles, start by identifying high-priority areas that require consistent oxygenation, such as bedrooms, farms, and work areas. Replace solid floors or walls in these zones with Mesh Tiles to allow oxygen to permeate freely. However, avoid overusing Mesh Tiles in areas prone to liquid spills or where dupes frequently walk, as they can cause dupes to fall or liquids to spread. Instead, focus on creating pathways for oxygen to flow vertically and horizontally, ensuring all spaces are adequately ventilated.

To maximize efficiency, combine Mesh Tiles with natural oxygen sources like Algae Terrariums or Electrolyzers. Place these oxygen generators in central locations and use Mesh Tiles to create a network that distributes the gas throughout your base. For multi-level bases, install Mesh Tiles on floors and ceilings to allow oxygen to diffuse between levels. This approach ensures that oxygen reaches all areas, even those far from the source, without relying solely on air pumps.

Another key strategy is to use Mesh Tiles in conjunction with automation and airflow management. For example, place Mesh Tiles near automated doors or in corridors to prevent oxygen from becoming trapped in specific rooms. Additionally, avoid placing Mesh Tiles in areas with high heat or pollution, as these can degrade the tiles over time. Regularly monitor oxygen levels using the Oxygen Overlay to identify areas where diffusion is lacking and adjust your Mesh Tile placement accordingly.

Finally, consider the aesthetic and functional balance of your base when using Mesh Tiles. While they are excellent for oxygen diffusion, overuse can make your base look cluttered or unstable. Plan your layout carefully, ensuring Mesh Tiles are placed in a way that complements your overall design while prioritizing oxygen flow. By optimizing oxygen diffusion with Mesh Tiles, you’ll create a sustainable and breathable environment for your dupes, fostering a thriving colony in *Oxygen Not Included*.

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Balancing Oxygen Production and Consumption Rates

In *Oxygen Not Included*, balancing oxygen production and consumption rates is crucial for maintaining a sustainable colony. The game’s ecosystem relies on a delicate equilibrium between oxygen generation (typically from Algae Diffs or Electrolyzers) and consumption by Duplicants and other oxygen-demanding systems. To achieve this balance, start by calculating your colony’s oxygen consumption rate. Each Duplicant consumes 0.0167 kg of oxygen per second, so multiply this by the number of Duplicants to determine the total consumption. Additionally, account for oxygen used by machinery or other systems. This baseline will guide your production strategy.

Once consumption is understood, focus on oxygen production. Algae Diffs are a common early-game solution, as they produce oxygen and polluted water while consuming carbon dioxide and light. Place them in well-lit areas with sufficient carbon dioxide, ensuring they operate at maximum efficiency. For larger colonies, Electrolyzers become essential, as they split polluted water into oxygen, hydrogen, and bleach stone. Pair Electrolyzers with a reliable water source and ensure excess hydrogen is vented or used to prevent pressure buildup. Monitor production rates using the Oxygen Overlay to identify surpluses or deficits.

Cell painting plays a critical role in optimizing oxygen balance. Use the Priority Tool to designate high-priority areas for oxygen production, ensuring Algae Diffs or Electrolyzers operate before less critical systems. Paint oxygen-rich areas with high ventilation to distribute oxygen evenly, avoiding pockets of low oxygen that can suffocate Duplicants. Conversely, isolate oxygen-consuming areas, like bedrooms or recreation rooms, to prevent unnecessary waste. Proper zoning ensures oxygen is produced and consumed efficiently, minimizing waste and maximizing sustainability.

Another key aspect is managing carbon dioxide levels, as they directly impact oxygen production. Algae Diffs require CO2 to function, so ensure it is not vented or scrubbed excessively. Use Carbon Skimmers or Deodorizers only where necessary, and consider redirecting CO2 to Algae Diff areas using automation or manual adjustments. Similarly, monitor polluted oxygen levels, as they can reduce Duplicants’ efficiency. Use Air Filters or Deodorizers strategically to clean polluted oxygen without disrupting CO2 availability for production systems.

Finally, regularly review and adjust your setup as your colony grows. Increasing Duplicant numbers or adding oxygen-consuming machinery will shift the balance, requiring additional production capacity. Plan for scalability by leaving space for more Algae Diffs or Electrolyzers and ensuring your power and water systems can support expanded operations. Use the game’s overlays and tools to track oxygen levels and consumption trends, making data-driven decisions to maintain equilibrium. Balancing oxygen production and consumption is an ongoing process, but with careful planning and cell painting, it becomes a manageable and sustainable part of your colony’s ecosystem.

Frequently asked questions

Cell painting is a method used to visually organize and manage your base by assigning specific functions to different areas, often marked with color-coded tiles or overlays, to improve efficiency and resource management.

To begin cell painting, use the "Paint Tool" found in the "Build" menu. Select a color and apply it to the floor or walls to designate specific zones for tasks like farming, storage, or living quarters.

Cell painting helps streamline resource flow, reduces duplication of efforts, and makes it easier to troubleshoot issues by clearly defining areas for specific purposes, ultimately improving base organization and productivity.

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