To dig through hard materials like obsidian in Oxygen Not Included, use a duplicant with a high Mining skill. Equip them with a Rock Granulator to speed up the process. Alternatively, research and build a Thermo Regulator to cool down the obsidian and make it easier to dig through.
Understanding the Challenge
When tackling the task of digging through hard materials like obsidian in Oxygen Not Included, you must approach it strategically. Obsidian is one of the hardest materials in the game, requiring specific tools and techniques to efficiently excavate. The properties of obsidian make it a challenging substance to mine, as it has a high overheat temperature, which can cause tools to break easily if not handled correctly.
Tool Selection and Skill Level
Firstly, ensure that your duplicants have appropriate tool levels to dig through obsidian effectively. Using basic tools on obsidian will result in slow progress and frequently broken tools. Upgrading your duplicants' tool skills to a higher level, such as steel or higher, will significantly improve their efficiency in excavating hard materials like obsidian. Additionally, equipping them with tools made from stronger materials like steel will increase their durability and allow them to withstand the rigors of mining through obsidian for longer periods.
Managing Duplicant Attributes
Another crucial aspect to consider is the attributes of your duplicants. Strength and athletics play a significant role in how quickly and efficiently they can dig through tough materials like obsidian. Duplicants with high strength attributes will be able to use tools more effectively and mine through obsidian at a faster pace. Similarly, duplicants with high athletics attributes will move around the map quicker, allowing them to cover more ground and mine more efficiently.
Managing Overheat Risks
When digging through obsidian, it's essential to monitor the temperature levels of your duplicants and their tools. Obsidian has a high overheat temperature, which means that duplicants and tools can quickly overheat and break if not managed properly. To mitigate the risk of overheating, consider using suits that provide insulation against heat or setting up cooling systems near the excavation site to regulate temperatures. Additionally, scheduling breaks for your duplicants and providing them with cooling amenities like water or oxygen will help prevent overheating-related accidents.
Utilizing Advanced Techniques
One advanced technique to dig through obsidian more efficiently is to utilize automation and mechanized tools. Constructing automation systems, such as conveyor rails or robotic miners, can expedite the mining process and reduce the strain on your duplicants. By automating the digging process, you can ensure a continuous and consistent excavation of obsidian without risking duplicants' health or tool durability. Additionally, using specialized tools like tunnel bores or high-powered drills can significantly speed up the excavation process and make mining through obsidian more manageable.
Environmental Considerations
Lastly, consider the environmental factors that can impact your duplicants' ability to dig through hard materials like obsidian. Factors such as high temperatures, lack of oxygen, or exposure to hazardous gases can hamper their mining efforts and pose risks to their health. Ensuring that the excavation site is well-ventilated, properly lit, and free from environmental hazards will create a safe and conducive work environment for your duplicants to dig through obsidian efficiently.
In conclusion, digging through hard materials like obsidian in Oxygen Not Included requires a combination of strategic planning, skillful management of duplicant attributes, proper tool selection, and utilization of advanced techniques. By implementing these strategies and considering environmental factors, you can optimize your duplicants' mining efficiency and successfully excavate hard materials like obsidian in the game.