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The Alters Gameplay Video
The Alters Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Unreal Engine |
| Genre | Sci-Fi Survival, Base Building |
| Initial Release | 2025-06-13 |
| Developer | 11 bit studios |
| Publisher | 11 bit studios |
| Setting | A desolate, alien planet |
| Perspective | Third-Person |
| Platforms | PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Game Pass |
| Multiplayer | Single-Player Only |
| Unique Feature | A unique blend of base-building survival with a deep, psychological narrative about managing alternate versions of oneself, each with distinct personalities and skills. |
The Alters System Requirements
1080p
tune Minimum (Targets 1080p, Low/Medium settings, ~30-60 FPS) – Low to Medium settings at 1080p resolution.
tune Recommended (Targets 1080p, High settings, ~60 FPS) – High settings at 1080p resolution, aiming for a consistent 60 FPS.
1440p
tune High (Targets 1440p, High settings, ~60 FPS) – High settings at 1440p resolution with a target of 60 FPS.
2160p
tune Ultra (Targets 2160p/4K, High/Ultra settings, ~60 FPS) – High to Ultra settings at 2160p (4K) resolution, aiming for 60 FPS. Upscaling technology is highly recommended.
The Alters Laptop Recommendations
memory Intel Core i7-12700H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 140W
storage 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
US $1349
Model: MSI Pulse GL66 with RTX 3070 and i7 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i7-12700H (Score: 900)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 (Score: 6600) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low to Medium settings at 1080p resolution.).
memory Intel Core i9-13900H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
US $999
Model: Acer Nitro V with RTX 4060 and i9 13th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-13900H (Score: 1058)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low to Medium settings at 1080p resolution.).
memory Intel Core i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 140W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1749
Model: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060)
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low to Medium settings at 1080p resolution.).
memory Intel Core i9-12900H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti 150W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $1397
Model: Asus Rog Strix Scar 15 with RTX 3070 Ti and i9 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-12900H (Score: 1030)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti (Score: 7100) @ 150W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low to Medium settings at 1080p resolution.).
memory Intel Core i5-12450H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 75W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
US $645
Model: HP Victus 15 with RTX 3050 and i5 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i5-12450H (Score: 628)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low to Medium settings at 1080p resolution.).
memory Intel Core i5-12500H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 80W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
US $710
Model: Acer Nitro 5 with RTX 3050 Ti and i5 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i5-12500H (Score: 633)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti (Score: 7220) @ 80W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low to Medium settings at 1080p resolution.).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 75W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $799
Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS (Score: 1655)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low to Medium settings at 1080p resolution.).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 6800H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $1299
Model: ASUS ROG Strix G15 with RTX 3060 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 6800H (Score: 880)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (Score: 7448) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low to Medium settings at 1080p resolution.).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 100W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
US $1489
Model: ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 Ultra with RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS (Score: 820)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 (Score: 7904) @ 100W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low to Medium settings at 1080p resolution.).
memory Intel Core i7-13620H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $1350
Model: MSI Katana 15 with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core i7-13620H (Score: 843)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low to Medium settings at 1080p resolution.).
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Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11 (64-bit)
A 64-bit version of Windows 10 is the minimum requirement. Windows 11 is also fully supported and recommended for newer hardware like the 40 and 50 series GPUs to take full advantage of features like DirectStorage.
- memoryDirectX: DirectX 12
The game requires a DirectX 12 compatible GPU. This is a common requirement for modern games, enabling features like ray tracing and mesh shaders.
- save_altStorage Note: 50 GB available space (SSD Recommended)
An SSD is strongly recommended for faster loading times and a smoother overall experience. Ensure at least 50 GB of free space on your drive.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Upscaling: The game supports upscaling technologies including NVIDIA DLSS 3 (with Frame Generation for 40/50 series) and AMD FSR. These can significantly boost performance, especially at higher resolutions.
Key Settings: Performance will be most affected by settings such as shadow quality, texture quality, effects detail, and anti-aliasing. Adjusting these settings can help achieve a balance between visual quality and framerate.
The Alters: Map Size and Regions
The game is structured across several large, distinct maps that Jan must traverse in sequence. Each map represents a different biome of the alien planet, presenting unique environmental hazards, resources, and exploration challenges. The gameplay is not a seamless open world but a series of large, explorable zones that the mobile base travels between.
The Alters: Post-Launch Content / DLC
The Deluxe Edition includes one planned paid DLC to be released post-launch. Details about the content of this DLC have not yet been announced by 11 bit studios.
The Alters Skills & Upgrades Overview
Progression is tied to base expansion and research. Creating Alters with specific skills (e.g., Scientist, Technician, Miner) unlocks new capabilities. The Scientist Alter can work in the Research Lab to unlock new technologies, base modules, and crafting recipes. The Technician can repair the base more efficiently. Upgrades focus on improving the base's efficiency, resource production, and survivability against environmental threats.
The Alters: Game Editions
The game was released with a Standard Edition and a Deluxe Edition. The Deluxe Edition includes the base game, a digital artbook, and the original soundtrack. A physical Signature Edition with collectibles like a 'Pierogi Press' was also available from specific retailers.
The Alters: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
The Alters is a strictly single-player experience, so cross-platform play and cross-progression are not applicable.
The Alters Other Features & Info
- labelMultiplayer Modes
The Alters does not feature any multiplayer or co-operative modes.
- labelUser Interface
The UI features a time bar at the top of the screen, indicating the safe daylight hours for exploration. Menus on the left side show the status and mood of each Alter and current tasks. A resource counter is displayed at the bottom. The interface is designed to provide critical survival and management information at a glance.
- labelSound and Music
The game features a full voice cast for Jan and all his Alters, with the same actor (Alex Jordan) delivering nuanced performances for each personality. The soundtrack is atmospheric and emotional, emphasizing the themes of isolation and introspection. The launch trailer notably featured the song 'We Might Be Dead by Tomorrow' by Soko.
- labelGraphics and Visuals
Built on Unreal Engine, the game features a distinct visual style with a striking, alien planet filled with bizarre, physics-defying anomalies and beautiful yet menacing landscapes. The mobile base is highly detailed, with a modular, industrial aesthetic.
- labelAccessibility Features
Includes standard accessibility options such as customizable subtitles, difficulty settings (particularly for the economy and survival elements), and remappable controls on PC.
- labelStory and Setting
The game follows Jan Dolski, a worker on a high-stakes mining mission on a distant, alien planet. After his ship crashes and the rest of the crew perishes, Jan is left alone. To operate his massive, wheeled mobile base and escape the planet's deadly sun, he must use a quantum computer and a rare element called Rapidium to manifest 'Alters'—alternate versions of himself who made different life choices and thus possess different skills and personalities.
- labelTop 3 Gameplay Mechanics
- 1. Creating and Managing Alters: The core mechanic involves using a quantum computer to explore Jan's life path and manifest alternate versions of himself. Each Alter has a unique personality, skills, and emotional needs that must be managed. 2. Mobile Base Management: The game is centered around a massive, wheeled base that must be constantly maintained, upgraded, and moved. Players build new modules (like a kitchen, infirmary, or research lab), manage power, and assign Alters to tasks, similar to games like This War of Mine or Fallout Shelter. 3. Time-Sensitive Exploration: The planet has a harsh day/night cycle. A deadly sun forces players to carefully plan their expeditions outside the base to gather resources, as staying out too long results in lethal radiation exposure. This creates a constant race against time.
The Alters Frequently Asked Questions
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help_outline What kind of game is The Alters?It's a unique sci-fi game that blends base-building and resource management with a deep, psychological narrative about survival and identity. It has been described as a mix of 'This War of Mine', 'Fallout Shelter', and a narrative adventure game.
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help_outline Is there combat in The Alters?No, the game is non-violent. The primary challenges come from survival against the harsh environment, managing resources, and navigating the complex social dynamics between the different versions of Jan.
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help_outline How do you 'create' an Alter?Using a quantum computer, the player explores a branching tree of Jan's past life choices. By selecting a different path (e.g., 'What if Jan became a scientist?'), a new Alter with the corresponding skills and personality is manifested using a rare resource called Rapidium.
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help_outline Is The Alters on Game Pass?Yes, The Alters was available on day one on both Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass.