The Unique Sustenance of Bionic Duplicants
In the sci-fi world of Oxygen Not Included, the introduction of bionic duplicants fundamentally alters the survival gameplay loop. For players accustomed to managing farms, kitchens, and food storage for their organic dupes, the energy requirements of bionic dupes are a stark contrast. These specialized units do not possess a digestive system for food but are powered by a mechanical energy source: consumable power banks. Their core energy source is a battery, not calories derived from food. This crucial distinction means players must shift their focus from food production to crafting and managing a reliable power infrastructure.
The Bionic Power Grid
Bionic dupes consume battery power at a rate of 120 kJ per day. To facilitate this, they are designed to carry multiple power banks internally, with the capacity to hold four slots initially and up to six with the right skills. They automatically draw from these stored banks to maintain operations. Several types of power banks can be used, each with different resource costs and properties.
- Metal Power Banks: Crafted from any metal ore at a crafting station, these are a common early-game option.
- Uranium Ore Power Banks: A different, late-game material, offering a different resource pathway.
- Eco Power Banks: These are a more sustainable, late-game solution, as they can be recharged at a power bank charger.
When a bionic dupe's power levels drop, they will seek out the nearest available power bank to 'eat'. If none are available, they will become immobile and eventually 'power down,' continuing to drain oxygen but unable to work until another dupe provides a fresh battery.
Beyond Just Power: Other Bionic Needs
While they don't eat, bionic dupes have other crucial maintenance requirements that replace the biological needs of their organic counterparts. Managing these needs is key to keeping a bionic workforce productive.
- Oxygen Supply: Bionic dupes have an internal oxygen tank that slowly depletes over time. They will refill this tank by either drawing from the atmosphere or, more efficiently, by using bottled oxygen from canister fillers.
- Lubrication: Their moving parts require a constant supply of lubrication, which can be provided by Gear Balm or Tallow Gear Balm crafted at an Apothecary, or through a Lubrication Station using crude or phyto oil.
- Gunk Removal: Instead of producing polluted water, bionic dupes generate a waste liquid called 'gunk' that must be periodically drained. This can be done via a dedicated Gunk Extractor or, less efficiently, by clogging standard toilets.
Bionic vs. Organic Duplicants: A Comparison
| Feature | Bionic Duplicant | Organic Duplicant |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Source | Consumable Power Banks (Batteries) | Food (Calories) |
| Waste Byproduct | Gunk (Liquid waste) | Polluted Water (Bladder) |
| Key Maintenance | Power Banks, Gear Oil, Oxygen | Food, Oxygen, Water, Bathroom Access |
| Disease Immunity | Immune to food poisoning and other food-borne germs | Susceptible to various germs, including food poisoning |
| Skill Progression | Attributes are increased via skills and boosters, not naturally | Attributes improve passively through repetition and experience |
| Morale Factors | Affected by gear oil and boosters, not food quality | Affected by food quality, rooms, and other factors |
| Atmosphere Tolerance | Can operate in a vacuum indefinitely with power and oxygen supply | Requires an Atmo suit to function in a vacuum |
The Role of 'Eating' in the Broader Sci-Fi Genre
While the bionic dupes of Oxygen Not Included operate purely on mechanical logic, the concept of cyborgs 'eating' is a broader topic in science fiction. In some stories, a cyborg or humanoid robot may consume food for reasons other than direct energy. This can serve a social function, helping them integrate with humans and appear more normal. Eating could also be for pleasure or a symbolic act, not a necessity for biological components that may still exist. Some fictional narratives explore robots with digestive systems designed to convert non-traditional sources, like vegetation or waste, into energy. This contrasts with the pragmatic needs of bionic dupes, who simply 'refuel' with a manufactured power source. Understanding this contrast highlights the different narrative choices authors and game developers make when designing artificial lifeforms.
Benefits of Bionic Sustenance
Adopting bionic duplicants in your colony offers several advantages for resource management and efficiency.
- Resource Conservation: Eliminates the need for food production, saving water, power, and labor that would otherwise go into farming and cooking.
- Increased Productivity: Bionics have a longer work schedule over their three-cycle day, meaning fewer interruptions for sleep or breaks.
- Environmental Resilience: They are immune to diseases and can work indefinitely in a vacuum, making them excellent for construction or maintenance in hostile environments.
- Simplified Logistics: Managing power banks, lubrication, and gunk is a different logistical challenge than a complex food chain, and can be streamlined with the right infrastructure.
In conclusion, the question of "do bionic dupes eat?" is a gateway to understanding their entirely different operational paradigm. Their mechanical nature dictates that power banks, not food, are their energy source, supplemented by specific maintenance for oxygen, lubrication, and waste. This system provides distinct advantages over their organic counterparts and showcases a unique take on robotics in the sci-fi landscape. For a more detailed guide on their specific needs and maintenance, consider consulting the Oxygen Not Included Wiki - Bionic Duplicant.
