The major ramifications happen as soon as you make your choice between Maxwell or Lena in The Alters. Initially, the alter clones who don’t like your decision will remain angry for the rest of the chapter. This is denoted by a yellow lock box icon, which means they won’t work as efficiently as before. They’ll then leave your group at the end of the act.

Maxwell’s proposal

Maxwell’s proposal, while unethical, also promotes independence for your clones:

• This outcome also triggers if you did not speak with Lena or if you weren’t able to craft enough Neural Implants within three days.
• The Tabula Rasa will automatically die since you need to harvest tissue samples from him.
• Alter clones will be permanently cured of their potentially fatal affliction.
• The following alters will leave at the end of Act 2: Technician, Refiner, Doctor, and Botanist.

Lena’s proposal

Lena’s treatment, meanwhile, prevents you from killing one of your own variants, but the implants allow the corporation to track everyone:

• The Tabula Rasa will survive and become an NPC in your base. It’s basically a secret unlockable clone.
• Any new character you create will also need a Neural Implant. The required materials are added on top of the default rapidium cost when you alterate via the Quantum Computer.
• The following alters will leave at the end of Act 2: Technician, Miner, and Shrink.

The Scientist and the Technician

It’s worth mentioning that Jan Scientist will stay in your group regardless of your decision, since he’ll continue to play a crucial role in the story. As for Jan Technician, he’ll leave the team for a while, but he might return if you play your cards right with Lena’s plans come Act 3.

Speaking of Act 3, your choice at this stage also impacts the person you’d deal with as you approach the game’s conclusion. You could gain further help from Maxwell, Lena, Lucas, or someone totally unexpected.

That does it for our guide on whether you should side with Maxwell or Lena in The Alters. Since we’ve already discussed who leaves and who stays, you might want to know which among these characters are the best clones for your playthrough.