Refrigerating food is a vital aspect of survival in the popular game Oxygen Not Included. This simulation game, developed by Klei Entertainment, challenges players to create and manage a space colony on an asteroid. Maintaining a steady food supply is crucial for the colonists’ survival, and without proper refrigeration, food can spoil quickly, leading to hunger and potentially disastrous consequences.
Understanding the Importance of Refrigeration
In Oxygen Not Included, food preservation plays a significant role in ensuring the colony’s growth and sustainability. As the colony expands, the need for refrigeration also increases. Refrigerators are essential for storing perishable food items such as meal lice, mush bars, and bristle berries for extended periods.
Refrigeration slows down the food’s spoilage process by reducing the rate at which bacteria and fungi grow. By maintaining low temperatures, refrigerators help preserve the nutritional value and quality of food, ultimately preventing food-related health issues that could arise from consuming spoiled or contaminated food.
Building a Refrigeration Area
To refrigerate food in Oxygen Not Included, you need a dedicated refrigeration area. This area should be cool, enclosed, and outfitted with Refrigerators or Ice Boxes. These structures provide the necessary temperature control to keep your food fresh for an extended period.
Start by identifying a suitable location near your colony’s kitchen or mess hall. This way, your colonists won’t have to travel far to access the stored food. Next, create an enclosed room using walls or other floor-to-ceiling structures around the desired area. Ensure that the room is appropriately insulated to maintain a cool environment.
Using Thermal Shift Plates
Utilizing Thermal Shift Plates can enhance the cooling efficiency of your refrigeration area. These specialized building components help distribute temperature evenly across a room. By placing them strategically, you can mitigate temperature inconsistencies and achieve uniform cooling.
Cooling Mechanisms
Implementing various cooling mechanisms is essential for refrigerating food effectively. Oxygen Not Included offers several options to achieve and maintain low temperatures in your refrigeration area:
1. Wheezeworts: These plants absorb heat from their surroundings, making them an excellent cooling mechanism for your refrigeration area. Ensure you have a controlled environment for the Wheezeworts, as extreme temperatures can affect their efficiency.
2. Ice Tempshift Plates: These plates are made of ice and can absorb heat from their surroundings, helping to cool down the area. Place them strategically near your refrigerators or Ice Boxes for optimal cooling.
3. Hydrogen Gas: By pumping hydrogen gas into your refrigeration area and using Hydrogen Gas Tempshift Plates, you can maintain a consistently low temperature. Prioritize setting up a Hydrogen Generator to produce a steady supply of hydrogen.
Temperature Regulation
Maintaining the proper temperature in your refrigeration area is crucial to keep your food fresh. In Oxygen Not Included, the ideal temperature range for refrigeration is between -2°C (28°F) and 4°C (39°F). Foods stored within this temperature range will last significantly longer, helping you manage your colony’s food supply more effectively.
Food Placement
Once you have set up your refrigeration area and regulated the temperature, it’s time to store your food. Place your perishable food items, such as meal lice, mush bars, bristle berries, and other edible resources, into the refrigerators or Ice Boxes.
Remember to keep an eye on the storage capacity of your refrigeration area. Ensure that you have enough room to store an adequate food supply for your colony. If your storage gets full, prioritize expanding the refrigeration area to accommodate more food.
Conclusion
Refrigeration is an essential aspect of maintaining a sustainable and prosperous colony in Oxygen Not Included. By understanding the importance of refrigeration, building dedicated refrigeration areas, utilizing cooling mechanisms, regulating temperatures, and properly placing food items, you can effectively refrigerate food and ensure your colonists’ survival.
Remember to regularly check and maintain your refrigeration setup, as even minor temperature fluctuations can impact your food spoilage rates. With a well-managed refrigeration system, you can keep your colonists well-fed, healthy, and thriving in the challenging world of Oxygen Not Included.