Oxygen Not Included: The Aquatic Planet Pack Review Summary

Stunning art and engaging mechanics offer great value, but unfixed bugs, crashing issues, and DLC that eases early gameplay hold it back.

Stunning Art Style: The DLC boasts gorgeous art, beautiful new biomes, and excellent visual improvements.

New Gameplay Mechanics: The update adds new mechanics such as swimming, new biomes, and complex resource handling.

Duplicant Swimming Ability: The ability for duplicants to swim is a helpful new feature that enhances gameplay.

Fantastic DLC Overall: Many players consider this DLC fantastic, one of the best expansions for the game.

Easy Recommendation to Buy: Players highly recommend buying this DLC, especially if you own the base game.

Known bugs not fixed: Several known bugs from the beta version were not fixed before the official release, including the hydroponic brick bug, the iron-armored turtle not jumping into water bug, and general bugs that affect gameplay.

DLC makes early game easy: The new DLC reduces challenge in the early game by making heat control too easy and removing difficult aspects, which disappoints challenge-seeking players.

Game crashes frequently: After installing the last pack, the game constantly crashes on the main screen, preventing players from even launching the game properly.

Rushed and unfinished DLC: The Space Out! DLC feels quarter-baked, with a dumbed down radiation mechanic and a rushed release that ignored many community concerns.

Lack of waterproof upgrade: Players are disappointed that there is no waterproof upgrade option available, which limits their ability to protect structures and creatures underwater.

New aquatic biomes and environments: Multiple clusters highlight the addition of new aquatic biomes, critters, plants, and dynamic environments. These features enrich exploration and add visual variety to the game.

New critters and ranching content: The expansion introduces new critters and ranching-focused content, including their interdependence and management. Players can now interact with and utilize aquatic life.

Swimming mechanics introduced: Several clusters mention that swimming mechanics have been added, allowing duplicants to swim and avoid drowning. This includes underwater interaction with fish and new movement options.

New mechanics and building systems: The DLC introduces new mechanics such as modular building, tidal turbines, flue coral, and polluted brine purification. These add complexity and new gameplay options.

Underwater exploration expanded: Players can now explore underwater worlds with new biomes, flora, fauna, and background visuals. This significantly expands the game's exploration depth.

Startup crashes prevent gameplay: Multiple players report that the game either crashes on the main screen or fails to launch entirely, making it unplayable. These are critical blocking issues that need immediate patch attention.

Highly recommended overall: Players overwhelmingly recommend purchasing this DLC, describing it as worth buying and easy to recommend, especially in a bundle.

Best for base game owners: The DLC is most recommended for those who already enjoy the base game, and it is suggested as the first expansion to pick up.

Exceptional value for price: Players note that for $10, the DLC feels like free content and offers great value, making it an easy purchase.

Collect all DLC: Some players strongly advise collecting all DLC without missing any, indicating completeness is valued.

Support the developer: A segment of feedback encourages buying the DLC to support developer Klei, showing goodwill toward the company.