The last few moments of The Alters only leave the player with questions, not answers. Following a bloody, emotionally draining trek through a rotting alien world, the tale of Jan ends with an army of potential outcomes, triumphant and disastrous. But before the dust settles, the game gives one final enigmatic puzzle: an encoded message flickers briefly on Jan’s secondary computer screen as he departs.
This is an easy one to overlook, coming and going within a couple of seconds before the credits start. Nevertheless, for those who catch it—or return to see—the final twist remains to be untangled.
Who Sends the Encrypted Message?
The message is shown on the right-hand screen of Jan, looking at his email inbox. Comparison of the timestamp of the new message on the left screen with the visibility of the code on the right enables the player to determine that the author of the message is: an unknown person who refers to himself as “J.”.
With the game’s contexts and timing, it is strongly implied that “J” is a surviving Alter or several of them. This is consistent with all endings—Jan rescues them or betrays them to Maxwell or Ally Corporation. Even if the Alters are assumed dead or locked away, the fact that this message appears implies that one of them may have survived… and is still trying to reach Jan.
Context: A Farewell or a Warning
Irrespective of what choices you took, Jan never comes back to the Alters after putting them into cryosleep. This message is the sole—and possibly only—telltale sign that they’re still alive out there. It’s meant to be an ember of incomplete business, the final whisper of the past.
The content of the messages is based on your final decision at the end of the game, leading to two possibilities.
Encrypted Message #1 – If Jan Saves the Alters
If you infiltrate the rescue attempt, hijack the vessel, and make escape to safety possible for the Alters, the decrypted message is positive—almost lyrical:
“They all had reasons.
Not all were good.
Not all were real.
In the end, you saw through the veil.
What you lost… may yet be found.
But only if you keep going.”
This version of the message reflects the melancholy of the experience and the conflicting wishes of both Alter. Altered much as they left behind, Jan came to the hard choice of freeing them—and now they implore him to keep going. As.
It’s also noteworthy to observe the “J2J”-signed postcards that appear on Jan’s desk in this conclusion. Those with the message suggest that the Alters are trying to communicate step by step, perhaps hoping to be reunited in the future. There is a sense of redemption here—an appreciation of Jan’s courage and an unbreakable friendship.
Encrypted Message #2 – If Jan Betrays the Alters
If Jan just stands by and allows Maxwell or Agatha to proceed with the scheme, the tone of the message is serious and cautionary:
“You’ve made your choice.
The others remember what you forgot.
We tried to help.
Now we will remain behind.
This is your path alone.”
Here, the remaining Alters (or at least one of them) address Jan in disappointment—there is no anger. They forgive his betrayal and also say that the time for unity is over. He took the safer, more selfish route, and now he’s going to have to suffer through it alone.
There is an emotional finality there, even though the tone is soft. It is not a threat. It is a goodbye.
What Does It All Mean?
The last message, brief as it is, summarises the essence of The Alters: it’s an identity novel about consequence and how deep, unpredictable human connections exist between human beings, no matter how different versions of the same guy they happen to be.
No matter how Jan finishes the game as a fugitive, corporate pawn, or ghost under an alternate name, the secret message leaves no doubt that each choice was crucial. It also reminds us of a bitter truth: in The Alter’s world, nothing gets done without being monitored.
