Mutations: Cross-Pollinated

Unlock New Plant Possibilities with Mutations: Cross-Pollinated

For those looking to expand their botanical endeavors in Oxygen Not Included, the Mutations: Cross-Pollinated mod offers a revolutionary approach to plant cultivation. This mod transforms the existing plant mutation system into a dynamic breeding program, allowing Duplicants to create entirely new plant strains with unique characteristics.

The Power of Hybridization

At its core, Mutations: Cross-Pollinated introduces a system where plants can become “Receptive,” capable of storing genetic material from two different mutations. This is facilitated by a new “pollinizer” item that creatures like Sweetles, Grubgrubs, and Mimikas can carry between plants. When a Receptive plant successfully collects two distinct mutations, it enters a state where its offspring can inherit traits from either parent, or even combine them into a novel hybrid strain. This system goes beyond simply stacking mutations, aiming for a more nuanced and balanced creation of hybrid plants.

Introducing New Mutations

This mod doesn’t just enable cross-breeding; it also adds five foundational mutations to the game:

• Fibrous: Grants bonus Reed Fiber alongside the standard crop, though it consumes more fertilizer.
• Cryophilic: Significantly lowers the plant’s ideal temperature range, making it suitable for colder environments.
• Thermophilic: Conversely, raises the plant’s viable temperature range for warmer climates.
• Receptive: The cornerstone mutation, allowing the plant to store genetic samples for hybridization.
• Stabilized: Removes the radiation requirement for mutation and speeds up growth by 20%.

A Deeper Breeding System

The mechanics of pollination are expanded to include the transfer of these crucial “pollinizer” samples. Creatures will actively seek out mutated donor plants and deliver their genetic payload to receptive plants. The process involves two successful visits to establish both Genetic Parent 1 and Genetic Parent 2, culminating in the potential for a hybrid offspring. The resulting seed has a chance to be either parent, a new Receptive seed, or one of the 91 unique named hybrid strains introduced by the mod. These hybrids inherit and blend traits from their parent plants, leading to fascinating combinations like the temperature-resistant “Adaptive” or the radiation-immune “Steadycrop.” Information cards provide detailed insights into the genetic makeup and potential of both Receptive plants and their completed hybrid offspring.