In The Alters, a heartfelt survival game, mining critical minerals is your key to thriving on a harsh alien planet. These golden cubes, though small, are powerful, helping you build life-saving base modules like the Infirmary, Social Room, and advanced tools. They’re not just resources—they’re a lifeline for survival, connection, and hope. Here’s a simple, human-focused guide to finding and mining minerals in 2025, ensuring your team grows strong and stays united.
Minerals are essential for progress in The Alters. As Jan Dolski, a stranded miner, you create Alters—alternate versions of yourself—to work together and build a base. Golden mineral cubes, like Organic, Iron, or Rare Elements, unlock modules that heal, connect, and empower your crew. For example, the Infirmary heals injuries, the Social Room boosts team morale, and tools like the Quantum Drill speed up mining. Player Sarah Lee says, “Mining these cubes feels like building a home for my Alters”.
The Alters Game Guide
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Resource | Minerals – essential for base progression and advanced suites (youtube.com, gamesradar.com) |
| Location | Found in deep deposits far from base, across broken bridge zones |
| Gear Needed | Drill Charges + Climbing Hook |
| Scanning Mechanic | Scanner and wave‑sensor grid to locate dense veins |
| Outpost Setup | Build outpost on deposit, link via Pylons to base |
| Why It Matters | Needed for key modules (Infirmary, Social Room) and mid-late game tech |
| Career Skills | Resource management, risk navigation, scanner tech |
| Platforms | PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows |
Mining Minerals in The Alters is a make-or-break move. With Scanner, drill gear, smart scanning, and timely mining outpost builds, you unlock core modules that keep your crew healthy and powerful. Master this, and you’re rolling—literally—toward upgraded gear and major progress.
What Are Minerals and Why You Need Them
Minerals are gold cube‑like resources found in deep underground veins. You’ll encounter them after Act 1, and they’re crucial for unlocking health, morale, and research modules. Think of them as the fuel for your crew’s well‑being—and your escape plan.
Finding Mineral Deposits
Gear Up
- Drill Charges to blast through rock barriers
- Climbing Hook to scale walls and cliffs (gamesradar.com)
Head Out
Go past the broken bridge away from your base. Watch for your first Anomaly field—slow and circuit around it to avoid radiation.
Spot Deposits
Look for gold-cube icons scattered near cliffs. These mark deposit zones. (sportskeeda.com)
Scan Deep Veins
Drop your Scanner and deploy nearby wave-sensor grid (available via tool wheel). Sensors pulse and map out the mineral concentration. Darker red = richer node. (lootlevelchill.com)
Build Mining Outpost
With the deposit located, open your build menu, set up a Mining Outpost, then link it to your base using Pylons. Ensure green connection lines before leaving.
Fast Travel & Assign Alter
Once connected, you can Fast Travel to it anytime. Assign an Alter to mine and stockpile those essential Minerals.
Using Minerals – What You Can Build
- Infirmary – heals radiation or Anomaly damage
- Social Room – keeps crew morale high
- Advanced tools & upgrades — mid-late game demands spike hard
- Essential for Workshop tech trees and endgame modules.
Tips & Tricks for Efficient Mining
- Scout at high ground—veins often underground but sensors easier above.
- Angle the grid – triangles help triangulate; hexagons cover more ground faster.
- Avoid Anomalies—walk calmly between zones; no need to rush.
- Mine during Magnetic Storms – outposts work faster during storms.
- Don’t clear all shallow nodes—save a few for emergencies or backup resources.
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Best Practices for Crew & Resource Management
Delegate Smartly
Assign your Miner Altar for mining. Use Scientist and Technician Alters to research and support mining speed and efficiency.
Keep Base Organized
Set Storage rooms close to Pylons. Upgrade Elevator access and keep Battery or Rad Filter handy.
Schedule Mining Runs
Plan early in the day. Radiation rises at night (~21:00), so aim to be back by 20:30.
Carry a suit battery for emergencies.
Gear & Career Insight for Gaming Devs
- Game designers: Use Mineral scarcity and risk vs reward design to boost pacing and player choices.
- UI designers: Scanner grid feedback is key—clear visuals = player satisfaction.
- Guide writers/streamers: Use your voice to explain strategies like sensor placement, storm harvesting bonuses, and day-night cycles.
FAQs
Q1: What gear do I need to mine Minerals?
You need Drill Charges to clear obstacles, and the Climbing Hook to reach depths. Also, build a Scanner to locate the veins.
Q2: How do I build an outpost?
Once the vein is scanned, place the Mining Outpost module, then connect it via Pylons to your base. A green line = good to go.
Q3: Can I Fast Travel there?
Yes—once your Outpost is connected, use Fast Travel to hop in and out easily.
Q4: Should I mine shallow nodes first?
Grab just enough for early modules (e.g., Workshop); leave backups as shallow nodes can serve as resource reserves.
Q5: My scout encountered an Anomaly and got radiation. What now?
Walk slowly around anomalies; wear gear and return before radiation overwhelms you—Infirmary helps, but prevention is better.
