The Alters: How to use a drill and destroy rock blockades?

Exploring the planet in The Alters is made more difficult because of the rock blockades, which you cannot destroy with any normal attack. We've explained how to solve the problem in our walkthrough to the quest Find a Way Out. We show how to unlock the drill that lets you destroy rock blockades, how to replenish its energy supply, how to prepare the drill for use, and how to get rid of rocks placed on high ledges that may be stopping you from climbing.

• How to deal with rock blockades?
• How to craft and charge a drill?
• How to use the drill on a blockade?
• How to destroy rocks from higher ledges?

How to deal with rock blockades?

1. You will start to encounter rock blockades while exploring the planet in Act 1. Every blockade found will be marked on your map and a blue scanner grid will appear.
2. You can by rock blockades by finding an alternate path. However, you'll have to destroy most of the rock blockades to permanently unlock new areas.

How to craft and charge a drill?

1. You'll encounter your first rock blockade during the main task Find a Way Out. You need to return to the base and head to the workshop. You need to craft a Vertara Drill - it requires 50 metals and 20 organics.

1. You can use this drill only once at first. You need drill cartridges for each future use. Each cartridge costs 20 metals.
2. It's good to always have at least 1-2 cartridges in your back pocket. This will allow you to destroy rock blockades found while exploring, without the need to return to the workshop.

How to use the drill on a blockade?

1. After crafting the drill, approach the rock blockade and select the drill from the dropdown menu (Q key).
2. You need to position the drill bit in the right place, i.e. the drill bit position preview must change color to blue - example in the picture. It should be located on the ground a few meters in front of the barricade.

1. The last step is to interact with the drill. The game will speed up time, and the drill's beam will destroy the barricade.

How to destroy rocks from higher ledges?

1. In some places, the rock blockade may be on a higher ledge next to a climbing wall. The example of such a location is shown in the picture. You cannot then use a climbing hook, because Jan has not enough space to climb onto the new shelf.
2. The solution is always the same - you have to reach the blockade from the other side. Destroy it with a drill to create a new shortcut, which will make it easier for you to travel around the area.

See also:

1. Game guide
2. Interactive map
3. How to save your progress?

The Alters

June 13, 2025

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