The Alters DLC Last Variable adds 20+ hours, out July 13

11 Bit Studios announced that Last Variable, the first expansion for The Alters, will release on PlayStation 5 on July 13, 2026. The studio says the DLC adds more than 20 hours of new content, new gameplay mechanics, an underground base-building mode and terraforming that creates oasis-like biomes.

The expansion follows an elderly Jan Scientist who remained behind to pursue a “life-defining research opportunity.” The campaign centers on reshaping parts of the planet into self-sustaining, lush areas and introduces systems to support that playstyle.

Last Variable refines the game’s core loop around terraforming sections of the world and adds an underground base feature aimed at changing how players approach exploration and resource management. The developer has framed the expansion as offering a substantial amount of content and redesigned late-game interactions.

No standalone price for Last Variable has been confirmed. The expansion is included in The Alters Deluxe Edition. On the PlayStation Store the Deluxe Edition is listed about £11 / $15 higher than the base game, which suggests the expansion may fall in that price range. Owners of the base game can upgrade to the Deluxe Edition now; the upgrade is currently on sale with PS Plus for £6.59 / $8.24.

The base game’s main story is estimated at roughly 20 hours, and the studio positions Last Variable as offering a similar amount of additional playtime. The Alters launched last year and received an 8/10 in its original review. Last Variable is the studio’s first major post-launch expansion.