Is Oxygen Not Included Free?

Is " Oxygen Not Included " free? This question often pops up among fans of the survival simulation game developed by Klei Entertainment. To answer it, we need to look at the different versions and platforms the game is available on.

However, before delving into the pricing specifics, it's important to note that "Oxygen Not Included" is a premium game, meaning it's not free by default, contrary to many other online games. But does this mean you can't play it without spending any money at all? Let's break it down.

Steam Purchase

"Oxygen Not Included" is indeed available for purchase on the Steam platform, a popular digital distribution service for PC games. The price is set by Klei Entertainment and can vary depending on promotions or sales. At the time of writing, the game is priced at $24.99.

Once you own the game on Steam, you have access to all updates and additional content, including the game's numerous expansions and DLCs, at no extra cost. This is the full, ad-free purchasing experience, which most gamers who value the game's content appreciate.

Steam Free Weekends

Steam occasionally offers free weekends for "Oxygen Not Included" and other games. During these promotional events, you can play the full game for free for a limited time. If you enjoy it and decide to purchase it afterwards, your saved progress carries over.

However, these free weekends are temporary and not a permanent solution to playing the game for free. They are marketing tools to attract new players.

Game Pass

For those who prefer.Windows 10 PC Game Pass, there's good news. "Oxygen Not Included" is included in the subscription service. This means you can play the game for free, as long as your Game Pass subscription is active. But remember, once your subscription ends, you lose access to the game.

If you decide to buy "Oxygen Not Included" while your Game Pass subscription is active, you'll get a discount equal to the amount you've paid for the subscription so far. This is a unique perk offered by Microsoft's gaming service.

Mobile Version

The mobile version of "Oxygen Not Included" is available on both iOS and Android platforms. It's important to note that this version is a separate release from the original PC game and has some differences in terms of content and features.

While the mobile version is free to download and play, it uses an energy system and offers in-app purchases for additional content, which can significantly impact your gameplay experience. The free-to-play model may make it seem like you can enjoy the game without spending money, but the grind can be quite intense.

No Ads

One aspect that sets "Oxygen Not Included" apart from many other free-to-play games is that it doesn't rely on ads for revenue. Whether you're playing the PC or mobile version, you won't be interrupted by ads while playing. This ensures a more immersive and pleasant gaming experience.

However, this means that the game's monetization comes from either direct purchases (in the case of the PC version) or in-app purchases (in the case of the mobile version). Either way, you're exchanging money for the content.

In conclusion, while "Oxygen Not Included" isn't free in the traditional sense, there are several ways to play the game without paying upfront, such as through Steam Free Weekends or Microsoft's Game Pass. However, these methods only offer temporary or conditional access to the game. Ultimately, enjoying the full experience of "Oxygen Not Included" comes with a monetary commitment, much like many other premium games on the market. But given the game's unique premise, engaging gameplay, and dedicated community, many players find that it's well worth the price of admission.