Exploring The Alters: a sci-fi survival game with a twist

17 June 2025

Have you ever wondered what life would be like if you’d made different choices? The Alters, a thrilling new sci-fi survival game, lets you dive into that very question with a twist that’s sure to captivate any gaming enthusiast.

Jan Dolski, your new best friend(s)

11 bit studios recently released their new hit: The Alters. Set against the backdrop of a hostile alien world, you’ll step into the shoes of Jan Dolski, the sole survivor of a catastrophic expedition, tasked with creating alternative versions of himself using a mysterious substance called Rapidium. These Alters, each shaped by different pivotal decisions from Jan’s past, come with unique skills and emotional complexities, adding layers of depth and intrigue to your survival journey. 

With a branching narrative rich in moral dilemmas and the challenge of managing a dynamic crew, The Alters offers an unforgettable exploration of alternative realities that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Get ready to embark on an adventure that challenges not only your gaming skills but also your perspective on destiny and choice!

The Alters gameplay

In this sci-fi survival game, you’ll face the challenge of staying alive on a hostile alien planet. Let’s dive into the unique mechanics that make ‘The Alters’ stand out in the gaming world.

Rapidium is the game-changing substance at the heart of ‘The Alters’. This mysterious material allows you to create alternative versions of the protagonist, Jan Dolski. Each Alter represents a different life path Jan could have taken.

These Alters aren’t just carbon copies. They come with unique skills and personalities, shaped by the pivotal decisions that created them. You’ll need to manage their individual strengths and weaknesses to survive.

The concept of Rapidium adds a fascinating layer to the gameplay. It’s not just about survival, but about exploring the ‘what ifs’ of life. As you create and interact with your Alters, you’ll find yourself questioning the nature of identity and choice.

Your new home

Your mobile base is your lifeline in the harsh alien environment. It’s not just a shelter, but a complex system that needs careful management to keep you and your Alters alive.

Resource allocation is key. You’ll need to balance the needs of your crew with the demands of your mission. This might mean choosing between creating items for your Alters’ comfort or developing tools to advance your exploration.

The base isn’t static, as it can be upgraded and expanded. As seen in the gameplay trailer, you can add modules like a Research Lab or Social Room. These additions can open up new possibilities, but they also require more resources to maintain.

Moral dilemmas in The Alters

The Alters isn’t just about survival; it’s a deep dive into alternative realities and the consequences of our choices.

As you progress through the game, you’ll face numerous moral dilemmas. These aren’t simple black and white choices, but complex decisions that will test your values and priorities. Your choices will shape Jan’s relationships with his Alters. Will you prioritize one Alter over another? How will you handle conflicts between different versions of yourself? These decisions can lead to tense situations and unexpected outcomes.

Moreover, the game makes you live with the consequences. Your choices will ripple through the story, affecting both the immediate situation and the long-term trajectory of your mission.

This freedom of choice leads to branching narrative paths. The Alters features a rich, narrative that responds to your choices. Each decision, even a seemingly unsignifiacnt one, can massively impact the whole story.Every decision, no matter how small, can significantly alter the course of the story.

The Alters reviews

11 bit studio’s work has been widely appreciated by players, earning very positive reviews across various platforms. Players particularly praise the original and engaging storyline, as well as how impactful and meaningful their choices feel throughout the game, adding depth to the overall experience. 

On Metacritic, the game achieved an impressive 84 metascore, reflecting strong approval from both players and critics. Overall, critics also commend the game for its unique approach to storytelling, its polished gameplay mechanics, and the emotional weight it brings to decision-making, making it a standout title in its genre.

The Alters platforms and release date

The game launched on June 13, 2025, across major platforms, including PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, offering players an exciting experience on the latest hardware.