The Alters

The Alters features a complex web of systems including time management, resource gathering, and crafting, all crucial for survival. This guide breaks down the essential controls and user interface elements to help you manage your base, your Alters, and your limited time effectively.

Your primary objective is to escape the planet before the sun rises. This involves refueling your base, manufacturing necessary equipment, and securing enough supplies. Success hinges on wise time management and understanding the game's interface.

Key elements covered include:

• Base Building: Access the building menu via the Command Center terminal. Modules must be placed adjacent to existing ones, with valid placement highlighted in green. Pay attention to base mass and storage capacity. Modules can be moved or deleted, though some are fixed.
• Base Mass: Each module increases base weight, requiring more Fuel (organics) for travel. Upgrade storage and the Organics Tank, and use the Scanner to locate and connect organic deposits via Mining Outposts and Pylons.
• Tiredness and Exhaustion: All actions consume energy. Monitor your Energy Bar to avoid becoming tired, which slows tasks, or exhausted, which impacts the next day's available time. Prioritize essential tasks.
• Crafting: Schedule crafting in the Workshop Queue via the 'TAB' menu ('Production' > 'Workshop'). Then, go to the specific room (e.g., Kitchen) and use the Workbench with the 'E' key. Crafting consumes significant energy.
• Workshop Recipes: Includes items like Mining Outposts, Pylon Components, Suit Batteries, Drill Cartridges, Repair Kits, Radiation Filters, and Qbit Chips, detailing materials and descriptions.
• Kitchen Recipes: Mush (x5 Organics) and Cooked Meal (x1 Raw Food).
• Greenhouse Recipes: Raw Food (x10 Organics) and Raw Food Package (x50 Organics).
• Refinery Recipes: Metals and Organics from x5 Enriched Metals.
• Alters: These are alternate versions of yourself. Keeping them happy is vital. Monitor their mood, health, and event logs in the Alters tab. Unhappy Alters can become dangerous. Prioritize High-Quality Meals, build the Social Room, and engage in activities like Beerbong and watching movies to maintain their happiness.

The Alters are different versions of yourself, each with a unique life path. Managing their happiness and well-being is crucial for survival and successful evacuation. Unhappy Alters can become dangerous, leading to dire consequences for you and your crew.

Key aspects of managing Alters include:

• Mood and Health: Regularly check each Alter's individual tab to monitor their mood, health status, and any specific issues they are experiencing.
• Event Log: Pay close attention to the event log within each Alter's tab to understand their thoughts and feelings. This insight is vital for proactive management.
• Preventing Negative Outcomes: Unhappy or angry Alters can turn violent, harming themselves and others. Maintaining their contentment is paramount.
• Boosting Mood: Prioritize crafting High-Quality Meals as soon as possible to improve Alter mood. Building the Social Room also contributes to their happiness.
• Social Interaction: Engage in activities like playing Beerbong and watching movies with your Alters during downtime to ensure they are not just content, but genuinely happy.

Mastering the art of keeping your Alters happy and thriving is a core mechanic of The Alters, directly impacting your ability to escape the Sun.