Jul 13, 2026

The Alters: Last Variable Walkthrough – Part 1

Mahmud Munazil Rahman

Welcome to our walkthrough for The Alters: Last Variable, the new dlc for last year’s amazing game.

In part 1 of the walkthrough, following the death of the Old Scientist, Jan must restore the underground base, uncover the secrets of the Quantum Computer, and prepare for long-term survival beneath the planet’s surface. As he repairs the Research Lab, gathers vital resources, creates his first new Alter, and investigates the mysterious Oasis, he gradually uncovers evidence of an unknown force protecting the region, leading to the construction of a SAM to further analyze the anomaly.

If you want to know more about the game beyond this walkthrough, please go here.

Cycle 1: Day 1
Day 2
- Where it all started (continued)

After the initial cutscenes are over, talk to Old Scientist. Dialogue choices don’t quite matter at the moment, just remember the context of what was discussed about the Quantum Computer and the Comms Room.

Cycle 1: Day 1

Famous Last Words

Once the Old Scientist has passed away, inspect him to bury him. Now, Head to the Communication Room to talk to Janbot. You will also notice that unlike last time we are underground now. This is the base that Builder Jan built while his group was away from the Crucible.

Janbot is here to assist you with the findings and the data left behind by the Old Scientist. You learn there are two phases – cool phase and hot phase. Hot phases last for 13 years, during which humans needs to stay underground, which explains why the Old Scientist got, well, so old. Ask him about the Quantum Computer. He will finally ask you to build a Cryosleep chamber. Ask about why the Old Scientist did not build one himself. Once the conversation is done, you will get the task “Forced Dormancy”, for which you need to build the Cryosleep Chamber in 14 days. If you check the requirements for the Cryochamber you will see you need 50 Metals and 65 Rapidium.

New Home

Now explore the base and check the Quantum Computer. You will not be allowed access. Talk to Janbot again about access. After debating the advantages of creating more Alters, Janbot will eventually tell you he can’t provide access. You will need to reprogram the QC yourself. You will also learn the cure for Rapidium-induced illness has been found. Conclude the conversation and you will have the task “More Eggheads Needed” for which you need to fix the Research Lab and Research a new branching Procedure. Now check your Storage to see what equipment you have available.

More Eggheads Needed

You need to build a Repair kit to fix the Research Lab. This will require 10 Metals at the Workshop.

So, head to the airlock and head out. You will now receive the task “First Things First”, for which you need to build a Metals Outpost.

First Things First

Deal with the anomalies and pick up the odd bits of metal from the ground. Keep going south and you will find the metals deposit. Build the outpost and connect it to the base.

This will complete “First Things First”. Go back to the Metals Outpost and collect metal for rest of the day. Fast travel back to base once you are done. Head to the workshop and set up the production for the Repair Kit. Finish building it and head to bed.

Head to the Research Lab to fix it.

Next, check the White board of the Old Scientist.

This will get you the task “The Whiteboard” for which you need to talk to Janbot.

The Whiteboard

Go back to the Comms room and talk to Janbot. Ask about Earth, the planet, and the research. You learn that “something” is protecting the oasis. Then ask, what’s next. Janbot will ask you head out and check the surroundings to build a new theory and clear the whiteboard. This will complete “The Whiteboard” and get you a new task “Find a way into the Oasis”.

More Eggheads needed (continued)

Check the research tab and research “New Branching Procedure”.

Complete the research, it should take 2 hours. Head outside to get Rapidium as the process takes 20 Rapidium. Follow the path south from the Metals outpost and you will find the Rapidium deposit. Emptying the deposit will get you 60 Rapidium.

Climb up the wall on the left (requires 6 Energy).

Where it all started

Watch the cutscene playout. You now need to gather 3 samples from the Oasis. Getting down will require energy which you shouldn’t have so head back to base. You will notice a geyser on your way back.

You can collect some more metal from the deposit, if you have enough time. You have enough Rapidium to build the Cryochamber as well. I would suggest getting that out of the way, but it may leave you short for creating the Alter. I had enough for both.

More Eggheads needed (continued)

The next step is to inspect the QC. You can check your lifepath here to see which Alters you can create. You have 2 available slots.

Physicist gives you 50% efficiency when doing Base Maintenance and 50 Efficiency when crafting items in the workshop.
Geologist gives you 50% efficiency when Mining Metals and accompanies Alters in the Contemplation Room.
Biologist gives you 100% efficiency when growing crops in the greenhouse and heals Alters 8X faster at the Infirmary.
Chemist gives you 50% efficiency when refining enriched metals into Metals and Organics and cooks food faster.

As our priority is collecting as many resources as possible, the best choice right now is to get the Geologist for the 50% bonus to mining metals. End the day after creating the Alter.

Day 2

Where it all started (continued)

Head back to the oasis and climb down. Head to the water and pick up the first sample.

The next sample is to the right.

Go around the back and to the left near the small waterfall for the 3^rd sample.

The next part is researching the samples. Follow the oasis south and go around and eventually you will see the Geyser again.

Head back to the base and to the Research Lab and click “Analysis of Samples”.

This will take 4 hours, lets get to it. Once its complete check the Whiteboard. The next step is to discuss the findings with Janbot. Janbot will ask you to build a SAM. This will complete “Where it all started” and get you the new task “Get SAM results”. This has to be built from the modules in the base building section and requires 60 Metals, 50 Rapidium, and 60 Organics.