Hey there, fellow Oxygen Not Included (ONI) enthusiasts! Ready to dive into the nitty-gritty of base building? Today, we're tackling a crucial element for any thriving colony: the water airlock. These nifty contraptions are your first line of defense against the harsh, unforgiving environments of ONI. They help to prevent unwanted gases from mixing, control temperature, and generally keep your dupes safe and sound. Let's get down to how to craft one, shall we?

Why Water Airlocks are Your Best Friends in Oxygen Not Included

Before we get our hands dirty, let's talk about why these things are so awesome. In Oxygen Not Included, gases and temperatures are your constant adversaries. You might have carbon dioxide (CO2) seeping in from the depths, or scalding hot hydrogen threatening to cook your dupes alive. That's where the water airlock saves the day! The primary functions of this useful device are:

• Gas Separation: They create a perfect seal to separate different gases, preventing nasty stuff like chlorine or polluted oxygen from contaminating your base. This is especially vital in the early game when you're just starting to establish your base and don't have advanced filtration systems.
• Temperature Control: Water acts as a fantastic thermal regulator. It helps to trap heat, which is important when dealing with extreme temperature differences.
• Security & Safety: Airlocks offer a safe transition point, safeguarding your dupes from harmful environments outside your base. Whether it's the vacuum of space or a toxic cloud, water airlocks provide a secure barrier.

Now you see why these are so vital. If you're tired of polluted oxygen and extreme temperatures ruining your colony, then buckle up. This guide will help you craft perfect water airlocks every time.

Materials and Tools You'll Need

Building a water airlock in Oxygen Not Included requires a few specific materials and a bit of know-how. Don't worry, it's not rocket science (though, in a way, it is!). Here's what you'll need:

• Building Materials: The core of your airlock will be made of tiles. You can choose from various materials such as igneous rock, sandstone, or even obsidian. However, igneous rock is an excellent choice for its availability and decent properties. You'll need enough to construct the walls of your airlock. The exact amount depends on the size you want.
• Water Source: Obviously, you need water! Any source will do. Clean water is preferable since it won't contaminate your base. You can use a water reservoir or tap into a natural source. You need enough water to fill your airlock and maintain a proper seal.
• Pipes and Plumbing (Optional, but recommended): While not strictly necessary for a basic airlock, pipes and plumbing components will give you much more control. They let you automate water filling and emptying, keeping your airlock running smoothly. You'll need pipes, pumps, and possibly automation components like pressure sensors.
• Construction Skills: Your duplicants need the construction skill to build the structures and handle the materials. Ensure you have a dupe assigned to construction duties to get the job done efficiently. The higher their skill, the faster they'll build.

Make sure you have all of these before you start construction. If you're missing something, then you'll quickly realize how important these materials are. With everything ready to go, let's get building!

Step-by-Step Guide: Constructing Your Water Airlock

Alright, let's get into the step-by-step process of constructing a water airlock that will keep your base secure. Here is a simple guide you can follow:

1. Plan and Design: Determine the size and shape of your airlock. A standard design consists of a door, a small chamber, and another door. The chamber needs to be big enough to hold water but small enough to conserve resources. Consider the space you have available and how your dupes will move through it. The size will change based on where you're putting it.
2. Build the Walls: Construct the walls of your airlock using tiles. You want the walls to be at least two tiles high and two tiles wide. This creates the chamber to hold your water. Make sure to use solid, durable materials. The materials that you choose are essential to your airlock's success.
3. Place the Doors: Install pneumatic doors at both ends of the airlock chamber. Place the doors so they seal the entrance and exit of your base. Automation Tip: consider automating the doors so they open only when the airlock is full of water (more on that later).
4. Add the Water: This is the critical step. Pour water into the chamber until it fills to a level that completely seals both doors. The water should be high enough to prevent gases from passing over the top of the doors. Keep in mind that a thin layer of water is all you need. Overfilling can slow down your dupes.
5. Test and Refine: Once everything is in place, test the airlock. Have a dupe open one door, then the other. Observe how the gases behave. If you see gases mixing, adjust the water level or check for any gaps in the construction. Making adjustments may be needed to make the perfect airlock for your base.

By following these steps, you'll have a basic but effective water airlock up and running. Remember, you can always improve this design.

Advanced Techniques and Automation

Once you've mastered the basics, you can start incorporating advanced techniques and automation to make your water airlocks even better. Here are a few advanced tips:

• Automated Filling and Emptying: Using pumps, pipes, and automation sensors, you can automate the filling and emptying of the airlock. Place a liquid sensor in the airlock chamber to detect the water level. Connect this sensor to a pump that either fills or empties the chamber. When the chamber is full, the doors open. When empty, they close. This automation allows for hands-free operation.
• Temperature Control: If you want to control the temperature of the air passing through the airlock, you can use the water in the airlock to either cool down or heat up the air. Simply circulate the water through a cooling loop or a heating element. This will help to maintain a stable environment.
• Material Choice: Consider using different materials for your airlock components. For instance, using insulated tiles can prevent heat transfer, and using refined metal for your doors can make them more durable and efficient.
• Multiple Airlocks: For high-traffic areas or areas with extreme conditions, consider using multiple airlocks in series. This provides an extra layer of protection and allows you to better manage gas and temperature exchanges.

These advanced techniques will help you take your water airlocks to the next level.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even seasoned ONI players make mistakes! Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when building your water airlocks:

• Incorrect Water Level: The most common mistake is either not enough or too much water. Too little water, and gases will pass over the top of the doors. Too much water, and your dupes will have to swim through it, which slows them down and can even lead to drowning in certain situations. Find the sweet spot where the doors are sealed, but dupes can still walk through quickly.
• Leaky Construction: Any gaps in your tile construction can allow gases to seep through. Ensure your tiles are properly connected, and there are no holes. Also, make sure that the water level is high enough to seal any gaps.
• Ignoring Temperature: Water's temperature affects your base's temperature. Be mindful of the water's temperature. If it's too hot, it can overheat your base. If it's too cold, it can cool it down too much. Consider adding temperature control elements as mentioned earlier.
• Poor Placement: Don't place your airlock in a high-traffic area. This can slow down your dupes' movement. Consider the path of your dupes and place the airlock in an out-of-the-way location that still provides access to your base.

Avoiding these common mistakes is essential to a functioning and efficient airlock.

Final Thoughts: Mastering the Water Airlock

And there you have it! Building a water airlock in Oxygen Not Included isn't just a task; it's a vital step in creating a thriving, safe colony. By following these steps and mastering the advanced techniques, you can keep your dupes safe and sound, even in the most challenging environments. These airlocks are vital components of any successful base.

Remember to experiment and iterate on your designs. Every colony faces different challenges, so what works for one may not work for another. The real fun of ONI comes from figuring out how to overcome these challenges. Building the perfect airlock is a constant process of learning. Keep experimenting, keep building, and most importantly, keep those dupes breathing easy!

Happy building, and may your bases always have clean air! If you need any more tips or have questions, feel free to ask. I will be happy to assist you in creating the perfect Oxygen Not Included colony! Happy building, guys!