Welcome to The Alters beginner guide, your ultimate companion for surviving one of the most innovative and thought-provoking games of the year. Developed by 11 Bit Studios, the minds behind Frostpunk and This War of Mine, The Alters thrusts you into a deeply psychological and sci-fi-infused survival experience. You play as Jan Dolski, a lone astronaut stranded on a hostile, sun-scorched planet, battling isolation and time itself. But you’re not entirely alone; through experimental technology, you can create alternate versions of yourself, called “Alters,” each representing different life paths Jan could have taken.
The Alters Beginner Guide: Shifting Perspectives
The game blends intense survival mechanics, complex moral choices, and strategic base-building into a narrative-driven experience unlike anything else. Managing these multiple selves isn’t just about utility; it’s about empathy, balance, and understanding what each Alter brings to the table: skills, personalities, traumas, and even disagreements. As the sun rotates around the planet, you’ll face constant environmental threats, forcing you to make high-stakes decisions with limited time and resources.
This The Alters beginner’s guide is here to help you every step of the way, from understanding which Alters to create and when, to optimizing your mobile base and keeping your crew mentally and physically stable. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or struggling to keep everything together mid-game, this guide will give you the foundational tools and deeper strategies to not only survive but thrive in The Alters.
Prepare to dive deep into a world of fractured identity, tense exploration, and clever resource management. Let’s get started.
Understanding the HUD
Before getting started, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with The Alters HUD. Here are the key elements to watch:
- Alters Status Panel: Shows health, location, and mood of each Alter. Dialogue prompts appear as pink text boxes.
- Tasks & Notifications: Track main and side tasks and view alerts about crew members.
- Time Bar: Manages work, rest, and radiation windows. Ensure you rest before 23:00 to avoid exhaustion.
- Radiation & Suit Energy: Keep an eye on radiation levels and battery life when outside.
- Resource Inventory: Displays current stock of key materials like Metals, Organics, and Rapidium.
- Event Alerts & Anomaly Warnings: Exclamation marks indicate important events or nearby anomalies.
- Magnetic Storm & Sun Countdowns: Timers show impending environmental dangers.
Time Management is Key
Time in The Alters moves fast; three seconds of real time is one minute in-game. Your workday starts at 07:00 and winds down at 21:00, though radiation at night can be fatal. As The Alters beginner’s guide highlights, don’t push past 23:00 or you’ll risk exhaustion the following day. Use the ability to pause time in menus to plan efficiently. Be strategic with time-intensive actions like mining and crafting, which speed up the clock even more. Smart scheduling and prioritization are essential.
Exploration and Resource Gathering
Exploration is at the heart of The Alters, driving both your survival and progression. Venturing out across the hostile landscape is essential for collecting key materials, including Metals, Organics, Minerals, Rapidium, Enriched Metals, and the rare but powerful ALX. These resources are used in everything from crafting vital tools to expanding your Base and keeping your Alters alive.
We strongly advise establishing Mining Outposts early in your playthrough. These facilities passively gather essential materials over time and serve as anchors for your growing infrastructure. Connect them to your Base using Pylons, which not only transfer power but also unlock the Fast Travel system. Fast Travel becomes indispensable as the map expands, saving valuable time and minimizing the dangers of radiation exposure and hostile environments.
Efficient exploration and mining are key to keeping your operation stable; invest in them early and reap the rewards later.
Understanding and Fighting Anomalies
Anomalies block essential paths and contain valuable resources, but they’re also dangerous. Use the Luminator to clear them, especially when they’re obstructing Rapidium or tech. The Alters beginner’s guide suggests dealing with anomalies early before they evolve and require advanced tools or team effort. Upgrading your gear and adapting your tactics is critical as anomalies become more aggressive.
Base Building and Management
Your mobile Base begins modestly but can expand into a fully functioning survival unit. Modules such as labs, workshops, infirmaries, and dorms offer specialized support. Each module adds mass, so you’ll eventually need to upgrade to a higher Base Tier. This increases your storage and Organics capacity. Don’t forget radiation protection; install Radiation Filters in the Machinery room and aim to upgrade to Radiation Repulsors for long-term safety. Overbuilding can hinder progress. Avoid blocking routes with Storage Tanks and use the Command Center to reposition rooms intelligently.
Using the Quantum Computer and Creating Alters
After gaining access to the Quantum Computer, you’ll be able to scan Jan’s alternate life paths and “Alterate” them into existence. Each Alter takes time and Rapidium to create, so plan their creation at night to maximize daytime productivity. The Alters you bring into the world will heavily shape your efficiency and capacity to survive.
Which Alters to Create First
Begin with the Technician, then prioritize the Scientist, who is vital for unlocking the Research Lab. Without him, you can’t progress technologically. As The Alters beginner’s guide advises, your next Alters should address current needs; perhaps a Doctor to speed up healing, a Miner for efficient extraction, or a Shrink to keep morale high. Each Alter plays a different role, and your timing can make or break your progress.
Assigning and Managing Alters
Delegating tasks through the Assignments tab is fundamental. Alters work from 09:00 to 21:00, though Crunch Hours can be enabled at the cost of morale. One core recommendation is to match tasks to individual strengths; your Scientist should stay in the Lab, while your Doctor belongs in the Infirmary. Idle Alters should always be reassigned. Use the Production tab to automate crafting, ensuring items like food and batteries are always stocked.
Alter Morale and Relationships
Keeping your Alters happy boosts their productivity. Daily conversations, quality meals, private rooms, and even movie sessions help maintain morale. Gifting unique items also strengthens bonds. Regularly checking the Alters menu, as recommended by The Alters beginner’s guide, allows you to address emotional needs and sometimes unlock hidden story content or bonuses.
Crafting and Resource Use
In The Alters, crafting is the backbone of your survival, and efficient resource use can mean the difference between life and death. Always prioritize crafting essentials that support both your mobility and the functionality of your mobile base. Top of the list should be Radiation Filters; these are crucial for exploration and survival in irradiated zones. Aim to keep at least three on hand at all times to avoid getting stuck during missions.
Repair Kits are just as vital, allowing you to quickly fix damaged systems in emergencies. Without them, you risk losing power, oxygen, or movement capabilities. Stockpile Pylon Components to extend your power grid, and never underestimate the importance of Suit Batteries, which keep your personal systems running during excursions.
Lastly, Drill Cartridges are essential for mining key resources. Tools degrade over time, and emergencies happen when you least expect them. Stay prepared by crafting smartly and maintaining a balanced inventory.
Prioritize Rapidium
Without Rapidium, you can’t create Alters or upgrade key parts of your Base. It’s a limited but essential resource. Set up a dedicated Rapidium Outpost early and keep a steady supply. Your long-term success, as emphasized in The Alters beginner’s guide, depends on how you manage this rare material.
Research Continuously
The Research Lab should always be in use. If no research options are left, explore the world for Qubit Chips to unlock new techs through the Quantum Computer. Only the Scientist can operate the Lab, so keeping him motivated is a top priority.
Optimize Fast Travel and Map Use
Mining Outposts and Pylons allow Fast Travel, which becomes crucial during long treks or emergencies. Regularly scan your map to locate deep deposits, evaluate unexplored zones, and trace the most efficient travel paths. One useful trick from The Alters beginner’s guide is to connect Pylons not just to your Base, but to each other, creating a flexible network.
Beware of Environmental Hazards
As days progress, the world grows more hostile. Radiation starts earlier, Magnetic Storms sap morale, and unchecked exposure will cause Jan to collapse. Ensure your Base is protected, follow a strict sleep schedule, and never overextend your daily limits.
Take Calculated Risks
In The Alters, survival doesn’t come without a price, and sometimes, taking calculated risks is the only way forward. Whether it’s venturing into a radioactive storm to salvage rare resources or pushing an Alter to complete a critical task despite fatigue, high-stakes decisions can yield game-changing rewards. But risk without preparation is a shortcut to disaster.
You should always assess the potential benefits and consequences before acting. Equip yourself with the right gear: Radiation Filters, Batteries, Repair Kits, and monitor your health and stamina levels closely. Consider your environment, the time of day, and the conditions outside before stepping into danger.
Risk-taking can lead to valuable discoveries, new crafting opportunities, or progression in your mission. Just be sure to balance bravery with strategy. Every bold move should be a well-informed one. After all, fortune may favor the bold, but only the prepared survive in The Alters.
Final Tips and Summary
To recap, here’s a condensed survival checklist from The Alters beginner’s guide:
- Learn your HUD to avoid missing crucial info.
- Use menus to pause time and plan ahead.
- Prioritize early Base building and resource management.
- Create the Scientist quickly to begin essential research.
- Maintain Alter morale through daily interaction and support.
- Avoid exhausting Jan; sleep before 23:00!
- Use Fast Travel smartly and keep your supply lines efficient.
- Keep a buffer stock of critical items.
- Don’t overbuild; manage Base weight and layout.
- Expect things to go wrong, and prepare for recovery.
With the advice in this article, you’re well on your way to mastering Jan’s journey. Whether you’re navigating anomalies or managing an expanding team of Alters, stay alert, stay organized, and keep one eye on the sun. Time is always against you. Happy cloning, and good luck out there!
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FAQs
Can you delete or retire an Alter once created?
No, once you create an Alter in The Alters, they cannot be deleted or retired through normal gameplay. Alters are permanent additions to your crew and Base. While you can choose to assign them less critical roles or let them remain idle, they will continue to consume resources and affect Base morale. This makes planning ahead vital; only create Alters when you have a clear use for them and can manage their needs.
Does the game have multiple endings based on how you use your Alters?
Yes, The Alters features multiple narrative outcomes that depend on how you interact with your Alters, how well you manage the Base, and your choices during story events. Your relationship with each Alter, how many survive, and whether you uncover certain story threads can all affect the game’s conclusion. Moral choices and emotional decisions carry real weight, shaping Jan’s fate and the resolution of his fractured identity.
Is there a way to customize Alters’ appearances or personalities?
Alters come with preset appearances and personalities based on the alternate paths Jan could have taken in life. While you can’t directly customize them, their personalities evolve slightly based on your interactions and story choices. Some Alters may become more cooperative or distant depending on how you treat them, and these subtle shifts influence morale, dialogue options, and even performance in certain roles.
