Latest news with #Jan
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Best Alters to pick when starting the game in The Alters
(Image via 11 Bit Studios) Starting strong in The Alters can make or break your entire playthrough. While the game gives you complete freedom in choosing which Alters (clones of Jan) to create, some choices can make the opening hours smoother, faster, and far less stressful. Picking the right Alter early on means fewer hiccups as you race against the sun and scramble to survive. Here's a detailed guide to help you choose the best first Alters when beginning your journey. 1. Jan Technician Before we get to the fun picks, let's get this out of the way — you have to make the Technician first. It's non-negotiable. He'll repair modules, fix your systems, and keep your mobile base functional. No Technician, no progress. Think of him as the foundation of everything that follows. JAN SCIENTIST | The ALTERS Hard Challenging Gameplay Walkthrough Part 3 | ACT 1 | Day 12 - 15 2. Jan Scientist If you want to move fast and unlock new possibilities quickly, the Scientist is your MVP. He gives you access to the Research Lab — which means: Unlocking essential base upgrades Accessing new modules (like Greenhouse, Refinery, etc.) Speeding up your long-term efficiency He's also critical for progressing in Act 1 of the main story. Without the Scientist, you're going to hit a narrative wall sooner or later. The faster you get him, the sooner you start optimizing everything else — from food production to power efficiency. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Pro Tip : Prioritize research on mobility and base enhancements first. It'll pay off big time later. 3. Jan Botanist Survival's not just about tech — it's about food too. The Botanist is your best friend when it comes to feeding your growing crew. He doubles Greenhouse efficiency when growing crops Raw food keeps Alters happy (unlike the bland Organics mush) With a few upgrades, he can produce way more food than your team can consume You don't want your Alters starving or turning moody when you're trying to build bridge anchors and outrun a burning sun. Get the Botanist early and let him handle the crops while you focus elsewhere. Get These Alters FIRST | Best Alters Unlock Order Guide | The Alters 4. Jan Refiner If you're planning to go full throttle on construction and resource processing, the Refiner is a solid choice. +50% efficiency in turning Enriched Metals into usable materials Essential for Polymer production, which you'll need for bridge anchors Unlocks access to the Worker Alter, who's a beast in item crafting He's not a 'must-have-in-hour-one' kind of Alter, but picking him early speeds up both crafting and progression. And once you unlock the Worker, your base becomes a productivity machine. So, what's the best order? Technician → Scientist → Botanist → Refiner (optional but helpful) This combo covers tech, food, repair, and resource flow — everything you need to get ahead early. The Alters is all about momentum. Start with the right clones, and you'll spend more time expanding and exploring, and less time firefighting.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
How to Unlock All Achievements and Trophies in The Alters
The Alters, the genre-blending sci-fi survival game from 11 Bit Studios, are too often a trial by nature alone. If you want to 100% complete the game completely, you'll have to find all 56 achievements including ones from story progressions, character attractions, moral choices, and tactical base-building. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Unlocking every single trophy isn't merely a matter of completing the game, though that's definitely part of the equation. You'll be tasked with truly engaging with every iteration of protagonist Jan Dolski and more than once, at that. Character-Driven Achievements Much of the game's accolades focus on Jan's alters—alternate identities Jan manifests to endure the world's brutal environment. Each alter is introduced with their individual backstory, psychological disposition, and moral tale. In order to complete all of the character-specific achievements, you'll have to: Unlock and interact with all alters: This includes the Technician, Shrink, Guard, Botanist, and others. This includes the Technician, Shrink, Guard, Botanist, and others. Finish their side missions: for instance, Take It Easy, Dude for the Shrink or Her Last Wish for the Technician. for instance, Take It Easy, Dude for the Shrink or Her Last Wish for the Technician. Understand their experiences: These are individual accomplishments that illustrate Jan's emotional and spiritual development (such as a Quality of Life or Integrity). The Alters - Ultimate Beginners Guide (Top Gameplay Tips Every Beginner Should Know) Engineering Success: Base-Building & Survival Achievements Survival in The Alters isn't just personal. Your mobile base must change and adapt as well. You can expect to have to do the following Build important extensions Quantum Computer Produce these materials in the Refinery Construct custom-built modules, even the ultra-rare Park These accomplishments aren't just a testament to your engineering excellence. They directly affect your community's resilience to storms and resource shortages. Split Decisions: Mutually Exclusive Story Paths One of the game's most interesting design decisions are its divergent paths. Two of the most important achievements, Bold Science and Corporate Plug, are based on how you handle Jan's brain ailment. Each method is linked to a separate protagonist and perspective, so they can't be completed in the same playthrough. You'll have to schedule a second run with the alternate route to fully 'complete' the experience. The Alters - 100% Platinum Walkthrough PS5 Pro (All Trophies) No Commentary Gameplay - Part 1 Hidden and Optional, But Worth It Some accomplishments are technically optional. Completing them deepens your appreciation of this world and further educates you on Jan's story. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Others, such as In Shield I Trust, need repeated environmental exposure, prompting exploration rather than efficiency. If you aspire to achieve 100%, then here's what you should understand. The Alters bestows its gifts upon those who travel with patience, empathy, and foresight. Have fun with the budgeting tools, pay attention to each Jan, and think through your choices. Forgotten before, each success now shines a light on the larger narrative that is as much about dignity as it is restoration.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
How to destroy Anomalies in The Alters?
(Image via 11 Bit Studios) Anomalies in The Alters are more than just creepy floating wisps; they're dangerous, damage-dealing hazards scattered across the planet. But here's the twist: with the right tools and a bit of courage, you can actually destroy them for rare and valuable rewards. In this quick guide, we'll break down how to deal with anomalies, use the Luminator, and get your hands on ALX and Planetary Samples. What Are Anomalies in The Alters? You'll start spotting anomalies early in the game—floating, eerie gas-like entities suspended in mid-air. They might look harmless, but approach them and you'll quickly see Jan's health drop. Some are stationary, while others chase you and explode, causing irradiation or even time dilation. There's also a special type called Interals—glowing green anomalies that hint at even better rewards down the line. Step 1: Craft the Luminator Before you can destroy anomalies, you'll need the Luminator. Here's how: Speak with Jan Scientist after discovering your first anomaly. Find an Interal and talk to the Scientist again. Now you can craft the Luminator using: 20x Metals 20x Rapidium Think of it as a high-tech flashlight designed specifically to eliminate anomalies. The Alters How To Defeat & Destroy Anomalies & Craft & Use The Luminator In The Alters Step 2: Destroy Anomalies to Collect ALX Once you have the Luminator: Equip it from your item wheel. Aim at the anomaly's bright core. Shine the light continuously until the core bursts. Boom. The anomaly is gone, and you'll receive a special resource called ALX. ALX can be refined into other materials after unlocking the right techs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo Super useful. Warning: The Luminator drains your Suit Energy, so carry extra Suit Batteries or use nearby outposts to recharge. The Alters: Get 2nd Planetary Samples Step 3: Destroy Interals to Get Planetary Samples Spotted a glowing green wisp? That's an Interal—a rare anomaly that leads to something better. Use your Luminator to destroy the Interal. Follow the luminescent grass and flowers that appear. They'll lead you to an Interal Vein Core. Blast it with the Luminator to receive a Planetary Sample. Use Planetary Samples to unlock advanced techs at the Research Lab, like: Upgraded suits Better tools Stronger outposts During High Planetary Activity, you might find a second Interal Vein in the same area, so, grab an extra Planetary Sample if you're quick! Anomalies in The Alters are more than just spooky set pieces. If you're willing to risk some damage and plan your moves, destroying anomalies becomes one of the most rewarding aspects of the game. Just don't forget to bring batteries, and your nerves of steel.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
How to heal the radiation damage in The Alters?
(Image via 11 Bit Studios) Radiation is one of the biggest and constant threats in The Alters. It slowly poisons and damages characters who face environmental hazards or venture outside, especially if left unchecked. To heal though, requires a strategic base management and quicker action. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to reverse the damage. It works, if you can act fast. Here is how you can counter radiation poisoning and protect the crew without revealing all the secrets up front. How to cure radiation poisoning in The Alters? An effective way to heal the radiation damage is by staying inside the base with the radiation barrier active. The barriers quite usually help to reduce the radiation level (but they consume the radiation filters) for all those who are inside, including Jan. If anyone is already affected, for radiation damage healing The Alters, return to the base with the barrier active. Radiation will slowly decrease as characters work, sleep inside, or chat. Note: To activate the barrier, head right to the Machinery Room of your base. There, interact with the control panel present on the right-side. The Alters How To Remove, Get Rid Of & Cure Radiation Poisoning & Survive Magnetic Storms The Alters For a faster recovery, make sure to build an Infirmary. Sleeping in the infirmary bed will speed up the healing process, though it comes with a trade-off—characters will wake up later on. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Direct Shopping From Adidas Franchise to 50% off Adidas Buy Now Undo It is quite useful in the case of emergencies, specifically if the radiation levels are quite critical. Also, always make sure to check the barrier status if someone gets suddenly irradiated. In such cases, deactivated systems or dead filters are quite often the main culprits. How to do Radiation Filters management ? The radiation barriers are reliant on the filters that start to degrade over time. When the filter finally hits 0%, it must be replaced. To replace it, you need to craft it, and for it to be done at the workshop, you need 10 Metal and 40 Organics. Make sure to keep some filters stocked, as running them can be quite disastrous. In cases of resource shortages, you might even turn off the barrier briefly. But it will risk exposing all to radiation. So, if possible, ensure that a technician is assigned to automate the filter swaps, thereby reducing the case of micromanagement. Make sure to stockpile at least 3 to 4 extra filters for emergencies, especially before the predicted magnetic storms. How to survive magnetic storms ? Magnetic storms can intensify radiation exposure, thereby draining the filters faster and damaging the base. To prepare, make sure to search Magnetic Storm Analysis within the Research Lab. It will give advance warnings, allowing you to stock up on the repair kits and filters. During the storm, avoid sending Jan out unless it's necessary. Instead, try to keep focus on repairs, crafting, or even sleeping to wait out the storm. Storms can speed up Rapidium mining, but the risk often outweighs its rewards here. If the radiation level of Jan spikes, retreat immediately and then use Infirmary. How to ensure long-term radiation protection in The Alters? Some later upgrades, including Radiation Repulsors, help reduce filter consumption, reinforcing base shielding. It needs 40 Minerals, 30 Rapidium, and 30 Metas each. They are worth an investment. Further, suit upgrades too can minimize outdoor exposure, allowing Jan to work longer in the contaminated zones. Monitor the high-risk zones. The radiation spikes during nighttime and in the yellow-marked areas like the Enriched Metal deposits. Avoid anomalies glowing zones that inflict instant exposure. When the Radiation Curfew warning flashes, you will have 60 seconds to reach safety. By maintaining filters, reacting quickly to the radiation spikes, and optimizing the base defenses, you can keep your crew safer in the harsh world of The Alters. For the rest, stay vigilant, as your survival is based on your preparation. Mastering all the steps mentioned above will make radiation a manageable threat in the fight for your survival.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Clones, sandworms, scrapbooking and other new indie games worth checking out
It's been a big week or so in the video game realm between the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2 (our review is now live) and Summer Game Fest. During the Xbox Games Showcase on Sunday, Microsoft announced handheld gaming PCs that will have deep Xbox integration as well as support for storefronts such as Steam, GOG and Ubisoft Connect. If Microsoft and its partner ASUS stick the landing, the Xbox Ally systems could be a strong option for powering through your backlog of games, big and small. As it happens, you might be about to add more to your wishlist thanks to our latest indie games roundup. The latest Steam Next Fest also started this week. Part of the fun of the event, which runs until June 16, is diving into demos for games you'd never heard of until now, so go forth and play some! You never know if you might be one of the first people to play the next Balatro, for instance. A quick word of advice: if you'd prefer to avoid titles with generative AI, remember that Valve requires developers that use such material in their games or marketing to disclose that on their Steam store page. The Alters is the latest project from Frostpunk and This War is Mine studio 11 Bit Studios, which self-published this game. As the sole survivor of a space expedition, Jan Dolski has to keep a large mobile base moving across the surface of a planet to avoid the deadly radiation of the sun. To help him solve problems along the way, Jan must create and rely on clones of himself. These alternate versions (or "alters") are based on divergences from pivotal life choices Jan made in his past. They each have their own specialist roles, skill sets and personalities, with needs that have to be fulfilled. The Alters has an interesting premise. Once you factor in elements like traditional survival gameplay and base building, there should be plenty of variety here. Reviews have been positive for this one. I'm interested in trying it out, though it seems like the kind of thing that may prompt one to reflect on their own life choices. The Alters is out now on Steam, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. It's on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Dune: Awakening is another major indie game that arrived on Steam this week (well, June 5 for those who bought pricier editions) following a delay. It will hit consoles at a later date. The open-world survival MMO from developer Funcom takes inspiration from Frank Herbert's novels and Denis Villeneuve's films. It still takes place on Arrakis but is set in an alternate timeline. You'll want to be extra careful when it comes to sandworms. You'll keep most of your gear if you die by the hands of other players or other computer-controlled enemies, though you'll drop some resources that you can pick up again if you perish in PvP combat. If a sandworm devours you, though, you'll lose absolutely everything you're carrying. Oh dear, where to start with MindsEye? It is fair to say this is a video game that became available to buy this week on Steam, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. It is also fair to say that the debut of this action-adventure title from former GTA producer Leslie Benzies' studio Build A Rocket Boy has been less than smooth. It was already pretty ominous that two executives left Build a Rocket Boy just days before the arrival of MindsEye. After the game's release, Sony reportedly issued refunds to some players as clips showing glitches, bugs, performance issues and clunky gameplay spread. There isn't even an in-game world map. One creator who played the game kept laughing throughout their sponsored stream (the developer is also said to have pulled the plug on another sponsored stream just as it was about to start). That's pretty ironic, considering Build a Rocket Boy co-CEO Mark Gerhard said there was "a concerted effort" against MindsEye and claimed "that there are bot farms posting negative comments and dislikes." The studio claimed this week it was "working around the clock" to improve MindsEye. Perhaps Build A Rocket Boy will surprise everyone and turn things around in a similar fashion to Cyberpunk 2077 and No Man's Sky. That seems like a tall order, to say the least. Indie games aren't all survival and action, of course. They can also be about things like arranging photos in chronological order to discover a family story. Such is the case with Instants from developer Endflame, which debuted on Steam during last Saturday's Wholesome Direct showcase. It's a charming-looking puzzle game in which you can decorate your photo album and, if you need it, get some help from a furry friend. I've been itching to get my hands on Baby Steps for ages, so after we got a September 8 release date for the game on Steam and PS5, I was very happy that a Steam demo arrived last weekend. This is a walking simulator in the truest sense of the term from Bennett Foddy (QWOP, Getting Over It), Gabe Cuzzillo, Maxi Boch (both of whom worked with Foddy on the enjoyable Ape Out) and publisher Devolver Digital. You use controller triggers or mouse buttons to lift main character Nate's feet one at a time and place them on the ground after using directional buttons or a thumbstick to position them. Nate, "an unemployed failson" who seems very unfamiliar with the skill of walking, will fall over and over and over again as you hike up mountains. Sometimes he'll fall down a muddy ravine, sending him tumbling down the side of a peak. You might want to quit or uninstall the demo after an unfortunate tumble. I understand. I did too. But the early evidence suggests Baby Steps is shaping up to be a uniquely hilarious, frustrating and hopefully rewarding experience. And so we march on. One of the more compelling reveals for me at the Xbox Games Showcase was a sequel to Planet of Lana, which I enjoyed very much. The follow-up to that story-driven puzzle platformer is Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf. Developer Wishfully and Thunderful Publishing are bringing this installment, which looks just as beautiful as the first game, to Steam, Xbox and PlayStation in 2026. It'll be available on Game Pass on day one. Looking forward to it. I've had Gecko Gods from developer Inresin and publisher Super Rare Originals on my radar for a few years now. As a little gecko trying to save their friend, you'll be able to climb on anything while exploring an island. After some delays, this puzzle platformer is set to arrive on Steam, Switch and PlayStation this fall. A demo dropped as part of Steam Next Fest too. During the various showcases over the last week or so, we saw not one, but two farming/life sims that are squarely in the horror genre. I am excited for them both. First up is Fractured Blooms from Serenity Forge (Doki Doki Literature Club Plus). Your character, Angie, is stuck in a time loop and you'll have to manage her food and stamina. You'll tend to her garden and prepare meals before completing evening chores in your home, though you may not be the only entity that resides there. As if I weren't looking forward to this one enough already, Serenity Forge says the seminal TV show Lost was one of its inspirations for Fractured Blooms. There's no release window as yet, but you can wishlist it on Steam if you're interested. The other horror-inflected farming sim that caught my eye this week is Grave Seasons, from Perfect Garbage and publisher Blumhouse Games. Sure, you'll harvest crops, go fishing and get to know your neighbors. You might also break and enter into their homes. While the mountain town of Ashenridge might seem idyllic on the surface, beware: there's a supernatural serial killer on the prowl. Grave Seasons is coming to PC and consoles in 2026. One Steam Next Fest demo I'll certainly be checking out this weekend is for a game called Dispatch, which was announced at The Game Awards in December. This comedic narrative game is about a hero (Aaron Paul) who has run into difficult times after losing his mech suit. He starts working as a superhero dispatcher. You'll "manage a dysfunctional team of misfit heroes and strategize who to send to emergencies around the city, all while balancing office politics, personal relationships and your own quest to become a hero." Dispatch has a stellar cast that also includes Laura Bailey, Matthew Mercer and Academy Award nominee Jeffrey Wright. Given that Dispatch is being made by former Telltale developers at AdHoc Studio, it's maybe not too much of a surprise that dialogue choices are a key part of the gameplay, which has some strategic elements as well. Dispatch is coming to PC and consoles later this year.
