The Alters: How to Use Scanner
Written by Alec Blackwood
In The Alters, you’ll first use the scanner during the "Organics Matter" mission in the prologue. The scanner helps you find the exact spot for an Organics Deposit Area.
You’ll need to place probes, scan for depth, and mark the best extraction point.
How to Craft the Scanner
Use the Workshop inside your base.
The scanner costs 20 metal to build. You’ll need it before heading out.
How to Find an Organics Deposit
Look for areas with blue smoke and a droplet icon on your HUD.
If your path is blocked by a climbing wall, you can usually take a longer way around without needing special tools.
How to Use the Scanner
Hold Q (or your inventory wheel button) and equip the scanner.
You can place up to 6 probes. Space them out and connect them to form a closed shape. This triggers the scan.
Once scanned, look for a red zone in the underground map. That’s your deepest point.
Pick up the probes again and scan a different area if needed. The deepest spot is where you’ll later build your outpost.
What If the Deepest Point Doesn’t Show Up?
Check higher areas or nearby ledges. Some deposits are only visible after scanning from the right angle. You may need a climbing hook later on.
How to Build and Connect the Mining Outpost
Once you’ve scanned the right area, craft a Mining Outpost at the Workshop using 30 metal.
Place it directly on the deep red zone. If the outline turns blue, you're in the right spot.
Now build Pylons (also from the Workshop). You’ll need about three to connect the Outpost back to base.
Place them with as much distance between as possible. Watch for rocks or terrain that could block the signal.
A green line means the connection is active.
How to Start Mining Organics
Head back to the Mining Outpost and use the terminal to activate it.
Mining does not run automatically until you start it.
Later in the game, you can assign alters to do the mining for you.
Final Blurb
Scan the ground with probes, find the deepest red zone, then build your outpost. Once you’ve linked it to base, you’re ready to mine.
It’s a bit of setup, but it pays off fast.
FAQ
Q: How do I unlock the scanner in The Alters?
You craft it in the Workshop using 20 metal.
Q: How do I know where to place probes?
Form a closed loop with up to 6 probes. The scanner highlights the red areas showing depth.
Q: Why can’t I see the deepest point?
Try higher ground or other sides of the deposit. Some spots don’t show up until you scan from the right angle.
Q: Do I need to connect the Mining Outpost to base?
Yes. Use pylons to link them or mining won’t work.
Q: Does mining start automatically?
No. You need to activate it at the terminal. Later, you can assign alters to handle it.
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