Hey there, fellow Oxygen Not Included (ONI) enthusiasts! Ready to dive into the nitty-gritty of one of the game's most essential, and often misunderstood, elements: the water airlock? This guide is your ultimate companion to constructing a perfect water airlock. We will cover everything from the basic principles to advanced techniques, ensuring that your base stays safe from unwanted gases and vacuum environments. Let's get started, shall we?

Understanding the Basics: Why Water Airlocks Matter in ONI

Before we jump into the construction, let's chat about why a water airlock is such a big deal. In ONI, your base is a delicate ecosystem. Gases like oxygen, carbon dioxide, chlorine, and hydrogen are constantly vying for space, and a breach in your base can have catastrophic consequences. Imagine a scenario where your carefully cultivated oxygen supply is replaced by a toxic cloud of chlorine, or where the precious atmosphere is sucked out into the unforgiving vacuum of space. Not fun, right?

This is where the water airlock steps in. It acts as a seal between two different environments. Unlike solid door airlocks, water airlocks utilize a pool of liquid (usually water, but can also be petroleum, crude oil, or other liquids) to prevent the passage of gases. This is a crucial element for multiple reasons. Water, being a liquid, can effectively block gases from passing through. Unlike gas or solid doors, they don't need power to operate, making them reliable and cheap.

So, think of the water as a barrier. When a dupe or a material tries to pass through, it has to displace the liquid. The liquid then reseals the gap, preventing any unwanted gases from escaping or entering your base. This simple mechanism is the cornerstone of base security, allowing you to venture out into the asteroid's harsh environments and bring resources back without compromising the safety of your dupes. Additionally, it helps to regulate temperature, since the water can help to transfer heat between two areas.

Essential Components: What You Need to Build a Water Airlock

Alright, now that we know why we need a water airlock, let's talk about how to build one. The core components of a functional water airlock are surprisingly simple, but their precise arrangement is what makes the difference. Get your building materials ready, guys! You'll need:

• A Container: This is where the magic happens – the container holds the liquid that forms the seal. It can be made of any material, but it's best to use materials that are durable, like igneous rock, to avoid any unintended leaks. This structure has to be completely sealed. Otherwise, the liquid will leak.
• Doors: You'll need two doors: one on either side of the water container. These are the entry and exit points for your dupes and materials. Make sure to place the doors so they align with the top of the container, not inside the container. Ideally, you can use automated doors to speed things up.
• Liquids: The most common liquid to use is water, but other liquids like petroleum and crude oil are also effective. Just be mindful of their properties, like boiling and freezing points, and their potential interactions with the environment. If your liquid has a very high boiling point, it could potentially boil if exposed to a hot environment, leading to the airlock failing. Be sure to select the correct liquid based on the surrounding environment.
• Automation (Optional): While not strictly required, automation can significantly improve the efficiency of your airlock. Automation allows you to open and close the doors automatically. You can use a pressure sensor to detect when a dupe has entered the airlock, and close the outer door until the inner door has opened, or vice versa. This reduces the time dupes spend moving in and out, reducing the overall stress in your base.

Step-by-Step Construction Guide: Building Your ONI Water Airlock

Now, let's roll up our sleeves and build it. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide to constructing your very own water airlock.

1. Preparation is Key: Before you start building, plan out the location of your airlock. It's usually placed where you'll be entering or exiting your base. Consider the surrounding environment. Be sure that there are no exposed wires or pipes nearby that can cause a hazard. Make sure it is away from any extreme heat or cold. Remember to leave enough space on either side for your doors and any additional automation components you plan to add.
2. Build the Container: Construct the container for your liquid. This structure should be two tiles wide and at least three tiles high. Make sure it's completely sealed. Use solid building materials to ensure it will not leak. The depth of the container can vary depending on the liquid you intend to use. For water, three tiles deep is usually sufficient.
3. Place the Doors: Place a door on each side of the container. These doors should be positioned directly in line with the top of the container, creating an easy transition into and out of the airlock. Consider using automated doors to save time. If you want to use automation, place the pressure sensor at this time.
4. Add the Liquid: Fill the container with your chosen liquid. Ensure the liquid level is high enough to cover the bottom tiles, but not so high that it floods the doors or spills over. The depth of the liquid should be at least one tile, but ideally two or three, to ensure an effective seal.
5. Test the Airlock: Once the liquid is in place and the doors are installed, test your airlock. Have a dupe enter one side, and then try to transfer gases through. If the airlock is constructed correctly, no gases should be able to pass through. You may need to experiment a bit with the liquid level to get the perfect seal. Be patient, it takes some practice, guys!
6. Optional Automation: Implement automation if desired. Place a pressure sensor in the airlock. Set it to activate the doors. Configure the doors to automatically open and close when a dupe enters or exits. This will make your base more efficient!

Advanced Techniques: Optimizing Your Water Airlock

Once you've mastered the basics, you can elevate your airlock game with some advanced techniques. These optimizations will help you refine your base, reducing gas problems.

• Automation and Timing: Experiment with automation to streamline your airlock's operation. Use timers and sensors to control door opening and closing. This will enhance the overall efficiency of your base and help you manage resources better.
• Liquid Selection: Different liquids have different properties. Water is the most common, but petroleum and crude oil can also be useful in specific situations. Consider the temperature and the environment when choosing your liquid. Petroleum can work very well in extreme cold, since it has a very low freezing point.
• Multiple Layers: For extra security, you can build multiple water airlocks in series. This is especially useful in high-risk areas. Each layer adds an extra level of protection against gas leaks and helps maintain a stable atmosphere inside your base. However, this will slow dupes down, so consider this trade-off.
• Size and Placement: Make sure your airlock is the correct size. If it's too small, it may be difficult for dupes to move through with supplies. Too large, and it can waste base space. Strategic placement is also key. Position your airlock in areas where dupes need to travel frequently to minimize travel time.
• Maintenance: Regularly inspect your water airlocks for leaks or damage. If you notice any issues, repair them promptly to maintain the integrity of your base. Keep an eye on the water level, and top it off when necessary. Inefficient airlocks can easily compromise your base, so keep an eye on them!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned ONI players can make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when building water airlocks.

• Leaky Containers: Make sure your container is completely sealed. Any gaps or imperfections can cause your liquid to leak, rendering your airlock useless.
• Incorrect Door Placement: Placing the doors inside the container can prevent the airlock from functioning. Always place the doors flush with the top of the container.
• Insufficient Liquid Level: The liquid level must be high enough to create a complete seal. Otherwise, gases can pass through the airlock.
• Forgetting Automation: While not essential, skipping automation can slow down your dupes and reduce the efficiency of your base. Automate your airlocks for optimal performance.
• Ignoring the Environment: The environment can affect your water airlock. Extreme temperatures or corrosive gases can damage your airlock. Be sure to select the correct liquid for the appropriate environment. Petroleum and crude oil may react with certain gases. Make sure to consider that!

Conclusion: Mastering the Water Airlock in ONI

And there you have it, guys! You now have the knowledge and skills to build and maintain a functional water airlock in Oxygen Not Included. By understanding the basics, mastering the construction process, and implementing advanced techniques, you can create a safe and secure base that will stand the test of time.

Remember to experiment, iterate, and most importantly, have fun! The journey of building a perfect base in ONI is a continuous process of learning and improvement. Your base will only get better with practice. The water airlock is just the beginning. Good luck, and happy building!