The Alters Last Variable comes with a brand-new perk tree! You will need more advanced tools to explore the planet, uncover the mysteries behind the Oasis, and learn how it is protected from the sun's burning heat. However, the entire planet isn't explorable right away. Most pathways are blocked with rocks and roots that require Roots Blockade Drilling. Below, we'll show you how to get these upgrades and use them to unlock previously inaccessible areas of the map!

How to Destroy Blocked Pathways in The Alters DLC

Roots Blockade Drilling Perk - The Alters Last Variable Image: GameRant via 11 Bit Studios
  • To eliminate the Blocked Pathways, you need the Roots Blockade Drilling perk.

To begin, you will first need to terraform the Rocky Valley. This requires progression through the main objectives of the expansion until after you use the Cryosleep Chamber and enter the Second Cycle.

During this cycle, you will be able to research a Terraformer and craft one. Then, a location on your map will be marked as Rocky Valley. You will find a tall holographic tree-like object on top of a cliff in Rocky Valley. That's where you need to plant the terraformer device.

After planting the terraformer, you need to wait for another cycle. So, the next time you use the Cryosleep Chamber, you will wake up to a terraformed Rocky Valley.

Now, your task is to collect three Polymer Gas samples from the terraformed region. As soon as you collect all three samples, the Exploration tab of your research tree will be updated with a new perk: Roots Blockade Drilling.

Research that specific node, and your drilling device will receive an enhancement that allows you to destroy the Blocked Pathways. Just make sure to craft enough Drill Charges while an alter is researching the new drilling perk, as the device will consume Drill Charges quickly.

Before you head on to destroy the Blocked Pathways, keep in mind that you can only destroy them from a terraformed side. This means you need to terraform a region to be able to destroy its Blocked Pathways. So, at this point, you will only be able to destroy the pile of rocks and roots in the Rocky Valley as well as the original Oasis region.

Along with unlocking access to the new drilling research node, you will get to analyze the Polymer Gas samples in the SAM to unlock a new passive buff. Every terraformed region comes with a new set of samples that you can analyze in the SAM. So, to get all the buffs, you will need to terraform regions quickly.

The Alters Tag Page Cover Art
The Alters
10/10
Released
June 13, 2025

WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL

Developer(s)
11 Bit Studios
PC Release Date
June 13, 2025
Xbox Series X|S Release Date
June 13, 2025
PS5 Release Date
June 13, 2025
Genre(s)
Survival, Strategy, Management
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty