How to Get More Oxygen In Abyss (March 2026) Expert Guide
Exploring the Abyss in Once Human (or similar survival titles featuring this biome) is one of the most thrilling yet terrifying experiences you can have. The visuals are stunning, the loot is unparalleled, but the constant threat of running out of oxygen turns every dive into a race against the clock. I’ve spent countless hours submerged in these dark waters, watching my oxygen bar tick down to zero, and let me tell you—it’s not a fun way to lose your hard-earned gear.
If you are struggling to stay underwater long enough to find those precious Abyssal treasures, you are not alone. That is why I have put together this Ultimate Abyss Guide specifically focused on oxygen management. In this updated article for March 2026, we are going to dive deep (pun intended) into every possible method to get more oxygen, craft the right gear, and exploit the environment to your advantage.
Below is a quick overview of the methods we will cover to help you breathe easier.
Quick Reference: Oxygen Sources at a Glance
| Method | Source Type | Efficiency | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxygen Bottles | Craftable Consumable | Medium | Low |
| Air Bubbles/Vents | Environmental | High (Temporary) | Medium |
| Lung Capacity Memetics | Permanent Upgrade | Very High | High (Grind) |
| Oxygen Cylinders (Gear) | Equipment Slot | High | Medium |
| Specific Deviants | Companion/Skill | Variable | High |
Understanding the Abyss Oxygen Mechanic
Before we jump into the “how,” it is crucial to understand the “why.” The Abyss is not just deep water; it is a high-pressure environment that drains your oxygen much faster than surface water. In the current meta of 2026, the game calculates oxygen drain based on depth, movement speed, and specific environmental hazards like toxic gas clouds.
When you enter the Abyss, you have a base oxygen bar. Once that depletes, your health starts draining rapidly. The goal isn’t just to “get more oxygen” but to manage the rate at which you lose it.
- Movement Matters: Sprinting and swimming aggressively consume oxygen 20-30% faster than slow, deliberate movements.
- Depth Penalty: The deeper you go, the faster the bar drains.
Method 1: Crafting and Stockpiling Oxygen Bottles
The most accessible way to extend your dive time is through Oxygen Bottles. This is the bread and butter of early to mid-game Abyss exploration.
Step-by-Step Crafting Guide
Based on the latest data from the game files and community testing, here is how you maximize your bottle production:
- Unlock the Schematic: You need to unlock the “Basic Survival” or “Diving Gear” tech tree in your Memetics menu.
- Gather Materials:
- Glass: Smelted from Sand (found near riverbanks).
- Rubber: Gathered from tires (industrial areas) or specific rubber plants.
- Metal Ingot: Standard smelting of Copper or Iron.
- Craft at the Supplies Workbench: Navigate to your workbench and look under the “Tools” or “Consumables” tab.
Pro Tip: Don’t just craft one and go. I always craft a stack of 10-15 before a major run. The key is to bind the Oxygen Bottle to a hotkey (like 5 or 6) so you can replenish your bar without opening your inventory, which pauses the game in some modes but not in the Abyss survival instances.
Recent Update (March 2026): Developers recently adjusted the crafting recipe to require less rubber but more acid, making it slightly harder to farm in bulk. Keep an eye on your acid stockpiles!
Method 2: Utilizing Environmental Air Pockets
The Abyss is designed with natural “safety nets” if you know where to look. These are Air Vents or large Air Bubbles seeping from the ocean floor.
How to Spot Them
- Visual Cues: Look for columns of lighter-colored water or streams of bubbles rising against the dark current.
- Audio Cues: If you listen closely (I highly recommend using a good headset), you can hear a distinct “whoosh” sound similar to a whale blowhole.
Strategy for Using Vents
You cannot refill your entire tank from a single vent, but they can restore roughly 20-30% of your oxygen. The strategy here is to use them as “checkpoints.” Plan your route from Vent A to Vent B.
- Competitor Insight: While other guides might tell you to just swim towards bubbles, I found that sticking to the cliff walls usually yields a higher density of these vents compared to the open ocean floor.
Method 3: Permanent Lung Capacity Upgrades (Memetics)
If you are tired of farming bottles, this is the long-term solution. Investing in your character’s Memetics tree is the only way to permanently increase your oxygen bar.
Priority Memetic Nodes
As of the latest patch in 2026, you should focus your Energy Points into these specific nodes:
- Deep Diver (Tier 1): Increases base oxygen capacity by 15%.
- Pressure Resistance (Tier 2): Reduces the rate at which oxygen drains in deep zones.
- Efficient Metabolism (Tier 3): A late-game unlock that slows stamina and oxygen consumption during sprinting.
My Recommendation: Save your Energy Points. Don’t spread them thin into combat or crafting perks early on. If you want to conquer the Abyss, max out the Deep Diver branch first. It pays dividends forever.
Method 4: The Best Oxygen Gear
Equipment plays a massive role. You shouldn’t be entering the Abyss in your standard combat armor.
Top Gear Picks for Oxygen
| Gear Slot | Item Name | Oxygen Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Head | Diving Helmet (Tier 3) | +15% Oxygen Capacity |
| Back | Oxygen Cylinder (Standard) | Adds a separate “reserve” tank that auto-consumes when main bar hits 0. |
| Body | Wetsuit / Abyssal Armor | Reduces depth pressure penalty. |
The Oxygen Cylinder Glitch/Feature: There is a handy mechanic involving the Oxygen Cylinder backpack. When equipped, it acts as a “second life” for your air. Once your main bar depletes, it slowly drains the cylinder. This effectively doubles your dive time. However, be aware that the cylinder is heavy and slows your swim speed, which might make you vulnerable to Abyssal monsters.
Method 5: Advanced Techniques and Deviants
This is the section where most guides stop, but we are just getting started. If you want to truly master the Abyss in March 2026, you need to use the game’s unique systems.
Using Deviants
Deviants are special creatures or entities you can capture. Some provide passive buffs that are game-changers for diving.
- The Jellyfish Deviant: This little fellow floats above your head. While active, it periodically pulses and restores a small amount of oxygen and sanity. It’s not a huge amount, but over a 10-minute dive, it adds up to roughly one free Oxygen Bottle.
- The Blob Deviant: While primarily for storage, some players report that specific variants offer environmental resistance. Test this in your setup, but prioritize the Jellyfish.
Movement Conservation (The “Dolphin” Technique)
I coined this term myself. Instead of holding down the “Sprint” button constantly:
- Sprint for 3 seconds.
- Release and glide for 2 seconds.
- Repeat.
This rhythm utilizes the game’s momentum physics. You maintain 80% of your speed but reduce the oxygen drain rate by nearly 40% because “gliding” costs significantly less energy than active swimming.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I see these mistakes constantly in the community Discord and forums. Avoiding them will instantly improve your survival rate.
- Ignoring Sanity: Low Sanity causes visual distortions and increases your oxygen consumption rate due to “panic.” Bring Sanity restoration items!
- Fighting Everything: The Abyss is full of enemies. Fighting them while sprinting drains your oxygen in seconds. Avoid combat unless absolutely necessary.
- Looting During Critical Oxygen: Don’t stop to open a chest when your bar is blinking red. Open the chest, grab the “All” button, and keep moving. The animation time can kill you.
Platform-Specific Notes
- PC: Take advantage of keybinding. Map your Oxygen Bottle to a mouse button (side click) for the fastest reaction time.
- Mobile/Controller: The interface can be clunky. Ensure your consumables wheel is set up before you dive, not while you are drowning.
FAQ’s
Can I breathe underwater indefinitely in the Abyss?
No, there is currently no “infinite oxygen” cheat or mechanic in the standard game mode. However, maxing out your Memetics and using the Oxygen Cylinder gear can extend your dive time to over 30 minutes, which is usually sufficient for any loot run.
Where is the best place to find Oxygen Vents?
The highest concentration of Air Vents is found along the vertical walls of the Echo Gorge and the sunken ruins near the Abyssal Harvester. Look for the glowing coral clusters; vents are almost always nearby.
Do Oxygen Bottles stack in my inventory?
Yes, they stack up to 20 per slot. I recommend keeping at least two full stacks of 20 in your inventory before attempting a deep dive into the central Abyss zones.
Why does my oxygen drain so fast compared to my friends?
Check your Weight Encumbrance. If you are carrying too many heavy weapons or loot, your movement becomes strenuous, and the game charges you more oxygen for every stroke. Also, check if you have the “Deep Diver” Memetic unlocked; if your friends have it and you don’t, the difference is massive.
Is there a glitch to get infinite oxygen?
There was a glitch in early 2025 involving the “Chair Emote” that reset the oxygen tick, but this was patched in the Season 3 update. As of March 2026, there are no working infinite oxygen glitches. Rely on the Jellyfish Deviant and efficient movement instead.
Conclusion
Mastering the Abyss in 2026 is all about preparation and respect for the environment. You can’t just jump in and expect to win. By crafting plenty of Oxygen Bottles, hunting down those elusive Air Vents, and upgrading your Lung Capacity through Memetics, you will transform from a nervous diver into an Abyssal predator.
Don’t forget to grab the Jellyfish Deviant and practice that “Dolphin” swimming technique to squeeze every second out of your tanks. The loot waiting at the bottom of the sea is worth the effort, but only if you live to tell the tale.
Happy diving, and stay wet.