11 bit studios has launched the new narrative expansion, Last Variable, for its mystery sci-fi adventure game The Alters on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. This expansion picks up right after the main campaign's conclusion, packing in an impressive 20 hours of additional gameplay.

The expansion transports players to Oasis, a lush paradise blooming amidst a desolate alien world. The protagonist, Jan Dolski, must assemble a specialized team of 'Alters'—alternate versions of themselves like geologists, biologists, and physicists—to complete vital research. You will find yourself navigating the distinct personalities of these Alters, fostering cooperation and dealing with their unique quirks along the way.

The systems have also received a substantial upgrade. While you explore new territories and push forward with terraforming, the planet remains hostile, throwing earthquakes and radiation leaks your way. To survive, you must expand your subterranean base according to soil conditions and research the new Cryosleep Chamber module to squeeze out a bit more survival time.

In this unforgiving environment, the Alters age and evolve in real-time without the safety of cryostasis. This means when you wake an Alter from sleep, you will face the direct consequences of your past scientific decisions. Additionally, building Field Labs allows you to direct research tasks even while others are in stasis, while the cooler lets you explore the shifting surface to unlock fresh technology.