The Ultimate Guide to Oxygen in No Man’s Sky: Best Sources and Strategies
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The sprawling universe of No Man’s Sky presents endless opportunities for exploration and survival, and oxygen is a vital resource for both. Whether you’re venturing into underwater depths or navigating hostile environments, understanding how to efficiently obtain oxygen is crucial. This article delves into the most effective methods for securing this essential element, ensuring you can thrive in any corner of the galaxy.
The Best Source of Oxygen: A Multi-Faceted Approach
There isn’t a single “best” source of oxygen in No Man’s Sky; rather, an optimal strategy involves combining several methods. Relying on only one approach can limit your progress. Here’s a breakdown of the most reliable ways to acquire oxygen, and the context where each excels:
- Oxygen Harvesters: These are, without a doubt, the cornerstone of a reliable oxygen supply. Once researched and built at your bases, Oxygen Harvesters automatically extract oxygen from the atmosphere. They do require power to function, and the yield will depend on the quality of the oxygen hotspot you’ve built it on, but they are a crucial piece of the oxygen puzzle in the long-term. This method provides a continuous, passive source of oxygen, freeing you up for other activities. They are ideal for large-scale oxygen production, as you can set up multiple harvesters. The current limit is six per site but may be more through further experimentation.
- Refining Kelp Sacs: Kelp sacs are easily obtainable from common underwater flora like candle kelp. By combining one kelp sac and one unit of condensed carbon in a Refiner, you’ll get two units of oxygen. This is a quick and reliable method for generating oxygen, particularly when you’re actively exploring underwater environments. This works best for on demand production of oxygen. Another alternative is to combine one fungal mould, one kelp sac and one unit of condensed carbon in a Refiner to get ten units of oxygen. This method is not fast but gives you more oxygen for your effort and time.
- Harvesting Oxygen Rich Plants: These vivid red plants can be found on all planets and biomes, including Dead worlds. They provide oxygen directly when harvested by hand. While not the most efficient method for large quantities, these plants are a readily available source for immediate needs. This source is helpful for refilling your oxygen on the fly when you don’t have other options.
- Buying from Trade Terminals and Pilots: In high-supply systems, you can often find oxygen for sale at space station trade terminals or from NPC pilots landing at trading posts on planets. This method allows you to quickly acquire large quantities of oxygen, but at the cost of units. When in a rush, purchasing oxygen can help get you back to your explorations quickly. Keep an eye out for trading posts on planets as they usually provide better prices for oxygen than space stations.
The “best” source ultimately depends on your immediate needs, long-term goals, and the resources at your disposal. Combining these methods ensures you always have access to a reliable oxygen supply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Oxygen in No Man’s Sky
1. Can I get unlimited oxygen in No Man’s Sky?
While you can’t generate infinite oxygen out of thin air, combining Oxygen Harvesters with efficient resource management can provide an effectively unlimited supply. By setting up multiple harvesters on high-yield hotspots, you can generate far more oxygen than you’ll typically need.
2. What is the fastest way to get oxygen in No Man’s Sky?
Purchasing oxygen from high-supply systems at trade terminals and from NPC pilots is the fastest way to acquire large amounts quickly. For a more sustainable approach, combining Oxygen Harvesters with refining Kelp Sacs is the best bet.
3. Is it worth farming Oxygen Rich Plants?
While these plants are readily available, they’re not the most efficient source of oxygen. They are best used as an emergency supply or for refilling when you’re far from a base. Use them in conjunction with the other methods for the best effect.
4. How do I build an Oxygen Harvester?
You’ll need to research the Oxygen Harvester blueprint on the Anomaly in the Construction Research terminal. Then you can construct it at one of your bases. The efficiency of the harvester will depend on where the base is located in relation to an oxygen hotspot. A high-yield hotspot (S-Class) will generate a high-volume of oxygen.
5. What are Oxygen Hotspots?
Oxygen hotspots are locations on planets where oxygen is concentrated in the atmosphere. Using your Analysis Visor’s Survey Device you can locate hotspots marked by a specific symbol. Placing an Oxygen Harvester on one of these hotspots will maximize its output. The quality of the hotspot (C, B, A, or S Class) influences the rate at which the harvester works.
6. Can you make oxygen from other materials?
Yes. You can refine oxygen from Kelp Sacs (and condensed carbon), and combining fungal mould, one kelp sac and one unit of condensed carbon to get 10 units. This is a highly efficient method, especially when exploring underwater biomes. You can also purchase oxygen from trading posts on planets and from space stations.
7. Why shouldn’t I sell oxygen?
Oxygen is a vital resource. It is used for life support, crafting, and more. Selling it should be avoided, unless in a pinch, as you’ll always need a good supply of it.
8. What’s the best thing to farm for money?
While not directly related to oxygen, for those looking to optimize their profits, Venom Urchin and Gravatino Balls are excellent crops for farming and selling. They provide a good income and are easy to cultivate.
9. Where is the best place to sell items in No Man’s Sky?
Galactic Trade Terminals at planetary Trade Outposts are the best places for selling goods and oxygen, as they usually offer better prices than space stations. NPC pilots landing on trading posts offer similar prices as well.
10. Can I build underwater bases in No Man’s Sky?
Yes! The Abyss update introduced the ability to build underwater bases, allowing you to explore and thrive in the ocean biomes. Use these bases to harvest underwater resources, such as Kelp Sacs.
11. Can I make other gases like Dioxite?
Yes. Dioxite can be refined by combining 1 unit of condensed carbon and 1 unit of sodium nitrate.
12. How many Oxygen Harvesters can I have?
The current limit is six per base, but further experimentation might reveal ways to have more. Keep this in mind when planning your large-scale oxygen production.
13. How can I maximize my Oxygen Harvester’s output?
Place your Oxygen Harvesters on the highest class oxygen hotspot possible (S-Class is best). The higher the class, the more oxygen your harvesters will produce. Also, placing them within proximity of the hotspot’s marked center will maximize yield.
14. What is the most useful resource in No Man’s Sky?
While oxygen is crucial for survival, Platinum is a versatile resource, used in crafting items like the Cargo Scan Deflector and the Pocket Reality Generator.
15. What are the best planets to live on?
Paradise Planets offer the most ideal conditions, similar to Lush worlds, but with perfect environments. Lush Planets are also a very solid choice. Other great planet types are Exotic and Water Worlds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the art of oxygen acquisition in No Man’s Sky is essential for your survival and success. By strategically combining Oxygen Harvesters, refining Kelp Sacs, harvesting Oxygen Rich Plants, and buying from trade terminals and pilots, you can establish a robust and sustainable oxygen supply, allowing you to confidently explore the vast and fascinating universe of No Man’s Sky. Always prioritize long-term solutions like building bases on oxygen hotspots, but utilize the other methods as needed for a seamless and immersive adventure.