11 bit studios will be releasing its first story DLC for The Alters with Last Variable, following one of the base game’s endings to focus on Jan Scientist. Choosing to remain behind to research the Oasis, he seemingly starts by awakening to a message from himself, who has already died. It’s trippier than it sounds, so check out the latest trailer below.
As his past self notes, various tools, clues and even the means to create Alters have been left behind. That means a Jan Physicist, a Jan Geologist and so on. Much like the base game, however, you’ll need to manage them in various ways, especially when they indulge in different experiments.
The Biologist, for instance, may ruin the Kitchen for the sake of…some creation. Another may see his work blown up, having barely survived, but emerging with a potential breakthrough. One Jan narrowly survives what appears to be a singularity, while another suddenly re-atomizes in front of the player.
Of course, with the mission unfolding across multiple years thanks to the beauty of cryosleep, your Alters could change entirely. They may even just abandon the mission.
How you’ll manage all that and solve the mystery of the Oasis – which seems to be a source of Rapidium, the resource used to create Alters – is unknown, but it’s exciting all the same. The Alters: Last Variable arrives on July 13th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, and promises a 20-hour standalone experience. Stay tuned for more details until then.
