Upon first glance, 11 Bit Studios‘ latest survival game, The Alters, may seem daunting. However, it is more accessible than it appears. With a focus on learning, avoiding pitfalls, and conducting thorough research, players can navigate the challenges effectively.
Research tasks can be initiated through the Research Lab, with the assistance of the Jan Scientist on your team. Understanding the upgrades available and the time needed for each can guide you to prioritize these tasks early on.
Drawing from my experiences within the game, I’ve compiled a tailored list of essential research priorities in The Alters. Let’s explore what needs to be at the top of your to-do list.
8 Recycler
Ain’t Much, But It’s Honest Work
| Type | Base |
|---|---|
| Estimated Research Time | 10:00 |
The Recycler is an excellent starting point on your research journey. Its true potential increases significantly as your base expands.This module allows for the passive generation of organic resources, based on the size of your crew.
While the production may be modest with just a few Alters, investing time in this research will pay off when you need organics for crafting essential tools and meals.
As you progress and juggle more tasks, having a Recycler to automate organic resource collection can free up your Alters for more pressing duties.
7 Luminator Density
Show Me The Champion of Light
| Type | Exploration |
|---|---|
| Estimated Research Time | 6:00 |
For those keen on efficiently dispelling glob-like anomalies, the Luminator Density upgrade is a must-have.Complete the Suit Upgrade research to unlock this upgrade, especially beneficial in the later acts of the game.
While anomalies are sparse in the first act, this upgrade enhances your battery efficiency, enabling quicker anomaly neutralization.
Consider researching Luminator Density II later on, especially when facing an abundance of anomalies, making this enhancement critical for survival.
6 Base Expansion II
No Room For Suffocation
| Type | Base |
|---|---|
| Estimated Research Time | 14:00 |
Researching Base Expansion II is vital for scaling your operations. This upgrade significantly increases the number of modules you can construct, allowing for larger organic storage tanks crucial for resource management.
It’s wise to pursue this research midway through the first act once you have tackled other urgent projects. Prioritize effectively to maximize your efficiency.
5 Suit Upgrade I
Juiced Up & Radiation-Free
| Type | Exploration |
|---|---|
| Estimated Research Time | 6:00 |
Exploration will fill much of your gameplay in The Alters. While the first act may feel manageable, the challenges intensify in the subsequent acts, necessitating a suit upgrade.
Keep in mind that the first suit upgrade requires a Planetary Sample, making it essential for survival. Although the second upgrade is optional, the extra battery life and increased radiation resistance from the first upgrade make it unquestionably valuable.
4 Cheaper Batteries
Not Your Typical AA Ones
| Type | Exploration |
|---|---|
| Estimated Research Time | 10:00 |
Batteries are essential for your exploration tools like the suit and Luminator.Without sufficient power, you risk vulnerability during your missions.
Gathering organics are key to fabricating batteries.By completing this research, you’ll cut the crafting cost of battery packs by half, making it a smart investment.
3 Cheaper Climbing
Jan Dolski Porter Bridges
| Type | Exploration |
|---|---|
| Estimated Research Time | 10:00 |
The game’s terrain is structured to incentivize exploration and shortcut manipulation. With numerous elevated regions to navigate, scaling these areas can quickly deplete your battery.Pairing this research with Cheaper Batteries can maximize efficiency.
This also paves the way for the Free Climbing upgrade, a possibly game-changing enhancement.
2 Non-Metals Efficiency I
Rock and Stone!
| Type | Economy |
|---|---|
| Estimated Research Time | 6:00 |
Initially, I was hesitant to delve into Non-Metals Efficiency, but it’s one of the premier research options available. By facilitating the mining of rarer resources such as minerals and Rapidium, it ensures you have the materials necessary for critical tasks, including building advanced modules and crafting essential tools.
Rapidium is particularly crucial for cloning mechanics, central to your survival in the game. Prioritize this research alongside Metal Efficiency to maintain a balanced resource management strategy.
1 Radiation Repulsor
The Best Thing to Research Early
| Type | Base |
|---|---|
| Estimated Research Time | 6:00 |
The Radiation Repulsor is a game changer.Utilize your first planetary sample on this research. This upgrade enhances the effectiveness of your Radiation Filters, allowing them to last longer, reducing your need for frequent refills.
Having a Radiation Repulsor is invaluable since Radiation Filters are crucial for base operation and can be costly to craft during the mid-game. The frequent magnetic storms can quickly deplete your filters, making a Repulsor or two essential for extended gameplay. Secure this upgrade early to alleviate the constant need for resource expenditure.
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