Top Alters to Select & Optimal Order for Best Results

The Alters is a captivating game characterized by pivotal choices, branching narratives, and moments that provoke the thought, “What if?”This immersive experience allows players to craft their own journey, with the tone of each playthrough largely dictated by the Alters selected for their crew.
Each incarnation of Jan brings a distinct backstory, unique narrative nuances, specific reactions to in-game events, and specialized skills that may enhance your chances of success in various tasks.
Nonetheless, in typical fashion for 11 Bit Studios, known for their challenging game designs, players are restricted to selecting only six Alters for their rescue mission. To aid your progress, we have outlined a strategic approach to unlock these Alters and selected branches to bolster your survival odds.
Keep in mind that while certain selections are compulsory, the sequence in which you unlock them may vary. Importantly, there are no inherently wrong choices among the Alters; our recommendations serve merely to maximize your survival potential.
1 Jan Technician
The OG Alter
The Technician is the first Alter you will encounter, regardless of your choices. This version of Jan stayed home, stood up to his father, and developed into a skilled tradesman.
Although he represents a mandatory option, he will likely become a key member of your team due to his capacity to expedite repairs by 50%.At first glance, this may seem insignificant, but his abilities prove invaluable in later chapters when magnetic storms pose a constant threat. Getting repairs done quickly can be essential for your survival.
Though he can be somewhat difficult to engage with initially, he quickly earns a reputation as one of the more dependable Alters in your ensemble. Thus, having him early on is a significant advantage.
2 Jan Scientist
The Productivity Pest
You will have the option to select the Scientist as your second or third Alter, but he is another mandatory choice for your journey.
Although he can be pompous and irritating at times, his proficiency in rapid research is undeniably beneficial, especially as it directly influences The Alter’s integrated skill tree. Thus, it’s wise to utilize him early on.
It’s advisable to select him second and prioritize building the Research Module shortly thereafter. The earlier you ramp up your research in the initial act, when the situation is relatively stable, the better your preparation for the more tumultuous challenges that lie ahead.
3 Jan Miner
The Walking Tragedy
In the early acts of the game, aside from repairing structures and conducting research, your primary concerns are feeding your Alters and gathering resources. I highly recommend choosing Jan Miner as your third option due to his unique capabilities.
While he can be a challenge—injury-prone and carrying emotional baggage—he presents a worthwhile trade-off.Jan Miner possesses the unique ability to mine resources 50% faster than other Alters, making him the prime candidate for deployment at a Mining Outpost. This efficiency allows you to amass resources passively while attending to other urgent tasks.
One quick note: he harbors strong feelings regarding your shared arm, which might complicate interactions.
4 Jan Refiner
The Chill Dude
Many Alters exhibit deep-seated emotional issues or trauma that make collaboration challenging, yet Jan Refiner is notably an easy-going character.
This Alter processes Refinery tasks 50% faster than his counterparts, which is especially advantageous when crafting Polymers necessary for key constructions in Act One.
The only consideration is that his relaxed demeanor may necessitate fulfilling some of his leisure requests, but this minor inconvenience is trivial compared to his effectiveness in delivering prompt results in crucial tasks.
5 Jan Worker
The Union Rep
Ideally, I would slot the Worker into the fourth position, but his branching path requires you to recruit the Refiner before introducing him to your team.
Once you navigate this path, you’ll gain an Alter capable of crafting items in the Workshop 50% quicker than anyone else, a crucial capability as you’ll frequently need to produce items for survival.
Having this Alter integrated into day-to-day operations means you can assign crafting tasks while exploring, ensuring you return to a well-equipped base without hindering your progress.
6 Jan Botanist
The Heartbroken Guy
In your final selection, you are essentially choosing a preferable utility as the remaining Alters offer situational benefits. The decision ultimately hinges on the greatest challenge you face in the later stages, whether it’s managing moods, health, food, or overall morale.
Among these considerations, I find that food management can be particularly taxing, especially when handling six Alters. Therefore, the Botanist is an invaluable team member.
Despite his tendency to be emotional—often expressing undue sentiments towards your ex-wife—his agricultural skills provide vital assistance. He can cultivate raw ingredients for meals in the Greenhouse Module at a pace unmatched by others. This capability significantly enhances morale and allows you to avoid the monotony of basic rations.
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