The Alters: 10 Powerful Research Choices to Thrive

Listen up, future space survivors! Suppose you’re diving into The Alters without a solid research strategy. In that case, you’re basically signing up for a one-way ticket to frustration city. Trust me, I’ve been there – watching my base crumble. At the same time, precious planetary samples are wasted on questionable tech choices. But here’s the thing that gets me genuinely excited about this game: the research system is absolutely brilliant once you crack the code!
The moment you unlock that Research Laboratory (shoutout to Jan Scientist – the only alter qualified for this gig), you’re faced with a massive tech tree that can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, though! I’ve discovered the research prioritization algorithm that allows you to thrive on this harsh alien planet, having invested countless hours perfecting builds and experimenting with different tactics.
Important Research Projects You Must Do Right Away

The mission Tab Research: Your Key to Advancement
Let’s discuss the Mission research projects before delving into the optional details. These are essential to moving the main plot along; they are not recommendations. This page contains all of the projects that unlock base modules, crafting recipes, and new tasks that you require.
The way these initiatives tie into the story is what really excites me about this! While Bridge Anchor brings up completely new possibilities, the Internal Analysis Tool research essentially changes the way you engage with anomalies. These are your entryway to enjoying everything that The Alters has to offer, so don’t miss out.
Research on Base Expansion: Greater Room, Greater Achievement
This is where the fascinating part begins! After addressing mission criteria, your priority should be Base Expansion research. I’m talking Base Expansion II, III, and IV – these projects fundamentally change how you can organize your survival operation.
Why am I so passionate about this? Because a cramped base equals a dead base. Each expansion doesn’t just give you room for bigger modules – it also increases your Organics Tank capacity. That means more resources stored safely while you’re out exploring those gorgeous (but deadly) alien landscapes.
The beauty of base expansion research lies in how it opens up possibilities. Want that game-changing Contemplation Room to help your alters deal with depression? You’ll need Base Expansion II first. Planning for Medium Storage modules? The same prerequisite applies.
Resource Management Research – The Foundation of Survival

Recycler – Your Daily Organics Generator
Let me tell you about the Recycler – this module is pure genius! For just 30 Minerals, you get a facility that produces free Organics every single day. The more alters you have, the more resources it cranks out. It’s like having a money printer, but for survival!
This research should be your first economic priority. While other players struggle with Organics shortages, you’ll be sitting pretty with a steady stream of this crucial resource. The satisfaction of watching those numbers tick up daily. Absolutely fantastic.
Storage Solutions – Never Run Out of Space Again
Once you’ve researched Base Expansion II, immediately pivot to Medium Storage and eventually Large Storage projects. Starting with those tiny storage modules is like trying to fit an elephant in a shoebox – it’s just not going to work long-term.
The efficiency curve here is what actually makes me want to play games more. Enhancing storage involves more than simply increasing capacity; it also consists of optimizing the base. Large storage modules keep your resource management efficient while freeing up valuable space for specialty rooms.
Conquer the Alien World with Exploration Research
Upgrades for Suits: Your Own Survival Advantage
In terms of player advancement, the Alters truly excel in the Suit Upgrade research path. Suit Upgrade I gives you 20% more radiation resistance and raises your energy to 8. The worst part is that a planetary sample is needed!
This is where strategic thinking comes into play. Planetary samples are valuable gems, so you must make an informed decision. But believe me when I say that purchasing the Suit Upgrade makes it possible to access amazing follow-up research, including Luminator upgrades and Quick Crafting.
With 50% radiation resistance and 10% energy resistance, Suit Upgrade II is even more remarkable! The sensation of venturing into previously unreachable regions is that your suit can manage the surroundings. That’s the pinnacle of gaming satisfaction.
Climbing Research – Movement is Life
The climbing research chain is crucial for navigating maps. The actual winner is Free Climbing, which uses no energy for medium and high climbs, but Cheaper Climbing lowers energy expenditures by 50%!
What is so amazing about this research is that it radically alters the way you think about exploration. You can use that energy for anomaly destruction or other important tasks rather than carefully allocating it for climbs. This is truly liberating in terms of freedom!
Hub Pylon: Longer Range Functions
Remember to do your study on the Hub Pylon! Because of their much greater range, these enhanced pylons require fewer pylons for resource harvest activities. Hub Pylons become vital for effective base connectivity in Act 3, particularly when you’re navigating difficult terrain.
Advanced Research Strategies
Anomaly Management – Turn Threats into Opportunities
The Anomaly Shield research line provides extra charges against anomaly attacks, while ALX-Organics Conversion lets you transform ALX resources (from destroyed anomalies) into useful Organics. This produces a lovely loop of gameplay in which threats become opportunities for resources.
The risk-reward balance of this technique is what truly intrigues me. You’re actively cultivating anomalies for resources rather than merely surviving them. It’s a brilliant game design that encourages aggressive exploration.
Automatic Outpost – The Ultimate Mining Solution
Once you hit Act 2, Automatic Outpost research becomes available, and it’s a complete game-changer! These outposts function automatically without the need for changing assignments, which is equivalent to seven hours of human labor.
There are significant strategic ramifications. Alters can be assigned to specialized jobs, such as research or base upkeep, while autonomous outposts handle resource extraction. It’s the pinnacle of efficiency optimization!
Timing of Research and Management of Planetary Samples

Qubit Level Advancement
Planning for research requires an understanding of Qubit Level requirements. To create Qubit Chips for computer upgrades, you’ll need Damaged Chips from every act. Look for all of the damaged chips—there is one in Act 1 and two in Act 2!
Planetary Sample Priorities
Here’s where strategic thinking becomes critical. Because there aren’t many planetary samples accessible, you must prioritize:
Suit Upgrade I: Provides a wide range of research avenues
Base protection: requires a radiation repellent.
Automatic Outpost: A Groundbreaking Approach to Resource Management
Free Climbing: Total freedom of movement
Typical Research Errors to Avoid
Many players jump right into efficiency improvements without first establishing the necessary infrastructure. Don’t research Metals Efficiency projects before securing base expansion and storage solutions. The most efficient mining operation means nothing if you can’t store the resources!
Another mistake? Ignoring the Contemplation Room research. Mental health is crucial for long-term stability. When your team starts getting depressed, having dedicated facilities for recovery becomes essential.
The Research Optimization Mindset
What makes The Alters’ research system truly special is how it rewards forward-thinking players. Every research decision creates ripple effects throughout your survival operation. The Magnetic Storm Analysis research, for example, doesn’t just predict storms – it fundamentally changes how you prepare for them.
The satisfaction of watching your perfectly optimized base weather a magnetic storm while poorly planned bases crumble? That’s the kind of strategic depth that makes The Alters absolutely addictive!
Remember, you can’t research everything in a single playthrough, so each decision matters. Focus on building strong foundations with base expansion and storage, then branch into specialized research that matches your playstyle.
Whether you’re prioritizing exploration with suit upgrades and climbing research, or focusing on economic efficiency with outpost automation, the key is committing to a coherent strategy rather than randomly picking attractive-sounding projects.
Now get out there and start researching! Your survival depends on making smart choices, and with this guide, you’re equipped to dominate the alien landscape like a true space pioneer!
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