The Alters

The Alters is a strange one – in the best way. A mix of survival strategy and personal drama, this game drops you (as Jan Dolski, a regular guy) on a deadly alien planet after a spaceship crash. With radiation creeping in and time running out, Jan’s only option? Clone himself. Yep, you heard that right. Using a mysterious substance called Rapidium, he creates alternate versions of himself—each with different backstories, skills, and emotional baggage. It’s like managing a workplace full of your own weird past lives. What could go wrong?

What kind of game is The Alters?

Think of it as This War of Mine meets Fallout Shelter, but in space and with more existential dread. You’re managing a base, building rooms, solving resource problems—and trying not to lose your mind as your “alters” argue or spiral into emotional chaos. The game blends simulation and third-person exploration. Inside your base, you handle logistics and relationships. Outside, you explore the planet, gather resources, and dodge death-by-radiation.

Key Features

• Clone management with a twist – Create alters, but be careful. They’re not mindless copies. They come with attitudes. And trauma.
• Strategic base building – Build kitchens, labs, sleeping pods… every room matters.
• Third-person exploration – Go outside the base to gather resources, avoid danger, and unlock new areas. Radiation? Oh yeah, it’s bad.
• Deep decision-making – Your choices define who your alters become. And how they behave. Friendly? Paranoid? Up to you.
• Emotional survival – It’s not just about staying alive. It’s about staying sane.

Gameplay breakdown

Inside the base, everything runs in side view. You build, upgrade, and assign tasks to your alters. Some might be better at science, others at cooking or engineering. Just don’t forget they have feelings. Ignore one for too long and, well… things might get awkward. Or violent.

Outside, it shifts to third-person. Jan (or sometimes his alter) explores the planet’s eerie, glowing surface. It’s stunning. And very deadly. You’ll often need special suits or tech to reach areas due to radiation spikes. Lesson learned: always check the meter before stepping outside.

Why it’s interesting

This isn’t your usual survival game. The Alters makes you think not only about how to stay alive, but who you choose to become. Literally. Each clone represents a “what if” path in Jan’s life—like a walking regret or dream. Some get along. Some clash. You manage the tension while keeping the base running. It’s personal, weird, and kind of brilliant.

Tech and platforms

Built on Unreal Engine 5, the game looks fantastic. Lighting, character detail, and the haunting base interiors are top-notch. It’s available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. And yes, it’s part of Xbox Game Pass. Easy win.

Similar games worth checking out

• This War of Mine – From the same devs. Less sci-fi, more human struggle.
• Mr. Prepper – If you enjoy building underground bunkers and prepping for the worst.
• Fallout Shelter – For that base-building fix with a nuclear twist.

The Alters isn’t about saving the world. It’s about saving yourself—and all the messy, complicated versions of you. Where else can you argue with yourself and lose?