The Alters: How to avoid anomalies and neutralize them?

The Strange Phenomena quest is tied to anomalies discovered on the alien planet in The Alters. On this page of the guide we've covered all you need to know about anomalies - how to identify anomalies and how to destroy them, what are the main types of anomalies, how to use the luminator, what can you use ALX for, where to find the Interal Vein Core and how to get the anomaly shield.

• What are the main types of anomalies?
• Can anomalies kill?
• How to create the luminator and where is the Interal Vein Core?
• How to expose and destroy anomalies?
• How to unlock the anomaly shield?

What are the main types of anomalies?

1. You will start encountering anomalies in Act 1. Getting in contact with one for the first time will unlock the task Strange Phenomena - you can discuss it with Jan the Scientist.
2. Static anomalies are immobile which can make avoiding them easier. You should walk around them instead of sprinting for more precise movement.

1. Following Anomalies, as the name suggests, can move towards Jan after you get close enough to them. If you don't want to fight, sprint, but be careful not to run into another anomaly.
2. Pulsating anomalies regularly change their size and can grow to very large dimensions. Start working after the anomaly has shrunk to its maximum - this will allow you to prepare to destroy it or to run past it.

1. You will start encountering Time Anomalies from act 2. Entering the anomaly area will accelerate the passage of time and you may lose valuable hours you could have spend on performing other activities. The best solution is to go around the anomaly area so you won't trigger it.

1. The last category is Prism Anomalies and they will only start appearing in the final third chapter. Approaching the anomaly will cause image distortions to appear and this may hinder your movement and exploration. This variant has weak points in the form of differently looking cores (example in the picture) - you can find them only after entering the anomaly.

Can anomalies kill?

1. Every contact with an anomaly means receiving a strong dose of radiation and filling up the contamination bar. You should retreat after reaching a critical state, otherwise Jan loses consciousness and will have to be saved by the alters. We described this in more detail on the page How to avoid radiation?.

How to create the luminator and where is the Interal Vein Core?

1. The Strange Phenomena quest will task you with reaching the Interal Vein Core - we've attached a picture showing its location. Inspect it before returning to the base and talking to Jan the Scientist.

The next two steps are:

1. Completing the Interal Analysis Tool research project - you should prioritize it.
2. Crafting the Luminator at the workshop - this gadget will help you detect and get rid of anomalies. You can craft it using 20 metals and 20 rapidium.

1. After doing so, return to the Interal Vein Core and select it from the drop-down menu. You have to activate it now (fire button) which will consume some of the suit's energy.
2. After that, a trail will appear. Follow it. Keep the luminator in your hand so you don't lose it. You will reach the Interal Vein Core pictured above. Use the luminator again. After destroying the core, you will be able to take planetary samples. It allows you to unlock new research (one-time use only).

How to expose and destroy anomalies?

1. You can also use the luminator on "ordinary" anomalies. While holding it locate the core inside the anomaly and shoot it with the energy beam.

1. Destroying the anomaly gives you AUX. It will be important after you finish the ALX-Organics Conversion research project. It will allow you to use ALX in the refinery at the base, in exchange for receiving more common resources.

1. Anomalies from the later part of the campaign can also be destroyed, but they are more difficult. They can have several cores, or they may be problematic to locate (especially in the case of Time Anomalies and Prism Anomalies).
2. It's always worth considering whether getting rid of a certain anomaly is profitable. In some cases, you may be forced to do this, for example, if the anomaly is adjacent to the extraction site or it makes it difficult to install pylons.

How to unlock the anomaly shield?

1. Obtaining planetary samples gives you access to a new research project: Anomaly Shield. It is worth developing it as soon as possible, because it can provide one-time protection for Jan at the moment of contact with the anomaly (the charge will be renewed the next day).
2. As you progress in the game, additional shield-related technologies will appear. Each subsequent research project will increase the number of anomaly shield activations by 1.

See also:

1. Game guide
2. How to use a drill?
3. How to use the gravity sensor?

The Alters

June 13, 2025

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