Completing Higher Research Tiers in the Alters: A Guide to Solving

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The mobile base in The Alters operates on the Quantum Computer (QC), a futuristic machine that can analyze huge amounts of both real and hypothetical data. However, a rough landing on the planet has left it missing some parts, meaning you won’t have access to all its features right away.

To unlock advanced sections of the tech tree and explore more unique lifepaths for Alters, upgrading the Quantum Computer is essential. Therefore, finding those lost components is key to making your escape from this dangerous planet. Here’s what you need to know about enhancing the QC.

How to Boost the Quantum Computer’s Qubit Level

To upgrade the Quantum Computer, you will need to find and repair a Qubit Chip. There’s one available in Act 1 and two more in Act 2, hidden within lost cargo pods spread across the map. As long as you’re not pressed for time before sunrise, make sure to scavenge each map for these chips.

Due to the crash, Qubit Chips are damaged and need fixing in the Workshop. To repair them, you will need 20 Metals, 20 Minerals, along with the chip itself. Once repaired, the chip will be automatically installed the next time you interact with the Quantum Computer.

The first damaged chip you find must be identified by talking to the Technician before it can be repaired.

Each Qubit Chip adds one level to the Quantum Computer’s Qubit Level. Starting at Level 1, the maximum possible Qubit Level is 4, since there are three chips available to find.

What Happens When You Increase the Qubit Level?

Upgrading the Quantum Computer leads to three significant benefits:

Raises the maximum number of Alters you can create.
Enables you to craft lifepaths further from Jan Prime’s storyline, giving you Alters with unique skills.
Unlocks higher research tiers in the Laboratory.

These upgrades are crucial for surviving and successfully completing your mission.

New Alters

The number of Alters you can create is displayed at the bottom of the lifepath screen in the Quantum Computer interface. A filled diamond indicates an Alter has been created, while an empty one shows there’s space for a new Alter.

The greater the variance from Jan Prime’s life in an Alter’s storyline, the higher the Qubit level needed for its creation. For instance, you can create the Refiner at Qubit Level 1, while the Worker requires Level 2 and the Guard needs Level 3.

A higher Qubit Level requirement does not necessarily mean the Alter is superior or more valuable. Instead, it indicates that their expertise may not become relevant until later in the game, aiming to prevent early creation of less useful Alters.

Research Tiers

The Scientist can research technologies up to the QC’s current Qubit Level. If all research topics are exhausted, they won’t be able to conduct any more studies until you repair and install an additional Qubit Chip.

Even after upgrading the Quantum Computer, most higher-tier technologies have prerequisites from lower tiers.

Unlocking new research tiers not only provides new rooms, tools, and suit upgrades but also allows for Base Expansion, giving you more build space and a larger Organics tank. This expansion is vital since you’ll quickly reach the base’s mass limit and grid size, even with optimal layout management.

Many higher-tier technologies may also require Planet Samples for research, which you’ll need to collect using the Luminator to explore Anomalies around the map.