The Alters

The Alters

June 13, 2025
11 Bit Studios S.A.
4.7/5.0(2,500 reviews)

Genres

Adventure

Themes

sci-fispacesurvivalpsychologicalphilosophicaldarkexplorationcooperation

Mechanics

base-buildingresource-managementcraftingconstructionexplorationtime-managementai-companionschoice-basedstory-drivendialoguevoice-actinginventory-managementweather-system

About This Game

The Alters is an ambitious sci-fi survival game with a unique twist. You play as Jan Dolski, the lone survivor of a crash-landed expedition on a hostile planet. To survive, you must form a new crew for your mobile base. Using a substance called Rapidium, you create alternative versions of Jan—THE ALTERS—each one shaped by a different crucial decision from the protagonist’s past.

As you navigate through survival and moral dilemmas, you will explore a branching narrative filled with captivating character dynamics and challenging decisions.

Features:

• Craft items and build your base.

• Gather resources to escape the deadly sun.

• Survive on a hostile planet.

• Create Alters and manage their needs.

At the same time, you’re challenged to reflect on one of life’s fundamental questions – do we shape our destiny or does it shape us? This makes your bid for survival a deeply personal experience.

Create Your Alters

Use the quantum computer onboard your base to simulate alternate outcomes of your past choices and uncoverJan’s different life paths. Each Alter brought to life thanks to the remarkable properties of Rapidium comes with unique skills and emotional depths. These variantions offer both opportunities and challenges as you navigate personal struggles and manage the fragile dynamics of your crew.

Survival Mechanics

To operate the mobile base, you’ll need to explore the planet’s surface in search of precious resources, like metals and organics. Yet venturing outside the safe haven comes with the risk of exposing you and your Alters to various deadly anomalies as well as the ever-present radiation of the sun. That’s why you must pay attention to the in-game day and night cycle and plan your daily activities wisely!

Branching Storylines

Navigate a narrative rich with moral dilemmas and branching paths. Your choices will shape Jan’s relations with his Alters which then will impact their journey and lead you to multiple outcomes and endings.

Expand your base

Gathered resources can be used in different ways – create necessary items or develop your base with additional modules like Research Lab or Social Room. Sometimes you will have to choose between creating items specially for your Alters and ones that could push the mission forward, like Anomaly Detectors or Radiation Filters. The burden of every decision lies solely on your shoulders as you will never be able to satisfy everyone’s needs.

The emotional sci-fi story

Jan Dolski is about to face the answers to the essential “what if?” question in the form of alternative versions of himself. This makes the predicament he is in even more daunting as you slowly discover the impact every choice has on Jan’s survival.

Platforms

PS5

Multiplayer

Single Player Only

Game Information

ESRB Rating:ESRB Mature
Languages:12

Gameplay

Modes
Single player
Perspective
Third personBird view / Isometric

Time to Beat

Rushed:20h
Main story:29h
Completionist:52h

Player Reviews

Mixed

Overall, player feedback for 'The Alters' reveals a significant divide: while a substantial number of reviews celebrate its storytelling, emotional depth, and unique gameplay mechanics, others criticize it for technical issues, repetitive gameplay, and frustrating design choices. The positive reviews emphasize both the gripping narrative and the engaging mechanics, suggesting a strong connection to the game's emotional themes, while the negative reviews highlight serious concerns about bugs and overall gameplay execution.

Pros

  • Engaging and emotional storytelling
  • Unique gameplay mechanics
  • Strong atmosphere and graphics
  • Consequential player choices
  • Deep philosophical themes

Cons

  • Frequent technical bugs
  • Repetitive gameplay at times
  • Frustrating design leading to progress blocks
  • Some characters perceived as unlikable or shallow
  • Dialogs can become tedious

Based on 101 reviews from playstation, steam

Screenshots

Gameplay Video

The Alters - Before You Buy

DLC & Editions

The Alters: Last Variable
The Alters: Last Variableexpansion

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The Alters — Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Alters worth playing?
The Alters has a mixed reception from players, holding an average score of 4.7 out of 5 across 2,500 reviews.
How long does it take to beat The Alters?
The Alters takes around 29 hours for the main story and about 52 hours to fully complete.
Is The Alters single-player or multiplayer?
The Alters supports single player.
What platforms is The Alters available on?
The Alters is available on PS5.
When did The Alters release?
The Alters released on June 13, 2025.
What is The Alters's age rating?
The Alters carries an ESRB rating of ESRB Mature.