The Alters is set to release a DLC that rivals a full sequel in scope.

The Alters made a splash last year, quickly earning its spot as one of the standout titles of 2025, and it’s not without its challenges. This strategy game, built around tough decision-making, received a free update in December that introduced an intriguing mystery to unravel along with some quality-of-life enhancements. However, 11 Bit Studios had bigger plans in mind, and during the recent Future Games Show, they unveiled a significant expansion for The Alters that feels almost like a standalone game.

Set after the events of the main game, The Alters: Last Variable follows Jan Scientist, who opts to remain behind while the other Jan Dolskis escape the perilous alien environment. Jan Scientist aims to delve into the hidden Oasis, a lush area brimming with stunning plant life. Staying true to the game’s core mechanics, Jan Scientist won’t be alone in this endeavor; new scientifically-minded alters such as the Geologist, Biologist, Chemist, and Physicist will join the exploration.

Players will engage in terraforming various parts of the planet, which will generate new resources and introduce fresh threats. Given the hostile nature of this world, constructing a new Cryosleep Chamber will be essential for surviving the dangers. However, it seems that only Jan Scientist will be catching some Z’s while the other alters continue their work and age. What could possibly go wrong?

The Alters: Last Variable boasts a 20-hour campaign, making it feel more like a full game rather than just a minor expansion, especially considering the base game runs about 25 hours.

Players won’t need an end-game save file to dive into The Alters: Last Variable; it will be available directly from the start menu. However, it’s advisable to have some experience with the base game first, as Last Variable won’t include tutorials for the established mechanics.

In the original game, players control space miner Jan Dolski, who finds himself stranded on a treacherous planet. He must create clones of himself—voiced by Alex Jordan—and collaborate with them to survive and escape. The Alters even made it onto a notable list of the 50 best games of 2025, with praise highlighting the complexity of choosing which alters to create and managing their challenges while reflecting on Jan’s troubled past and the ethical dilemmas of cloning.

The Alters: Last Variable is set to launch on July 13, with pricing details to be revealed as the release date approaches.

Those pesky Alters are going to make me go gray prematurely!