Best Alters to pick when starting the game in The Alters

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

4. Jan Refiner

If you’re planning to go full throttle on construction and resource processing, the Refiner is a solid choice.

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?

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.