In The Alters, Jan Dolski meets alternate versions of himself, each with different personalities and life stories. One of them, Jan Miner, asks for your help in Act 3. His request is part of a personal journey and is called The Wood and the Sculptor. He wants to try carving again, something he used to love. But to do that, he needs a chisel and a special kind of rock. This guide shows where to find the rock, how to unlock the quest, and why it matters in the game.
How to Unlock Jan Miner’s Task in Act 3
First, this task isn’t automatic—you can miss it if things go differently in your playthrough.
To unlock it, Jan Miner must still be at your base by Act 3. If he left with Jan Technician or died earlier, you won’t get this quest.
To help him reach this point, you’ll need to:
- Let him go through with the amputation of his arm (it helps with his identity struggle).
- Use the Serum (from Jan Technician) to regrow his arm instead of giving him a prosthetic.
- Send him to the Contemplation Room multiple times, then talk to him after. Over time, he starts feeling better and stops overworking.
If you do all this, Jan Miner will come to you at the start of Act 3 and ask for help finding a rock and a chisel so he can start carving again—something that brought him peace in childhood.
How to Craft the Chisel
The chisel is easy to make. Just go to the Workshop. You’ll need:
- 5 units of metal
- 6 hours of crafting time
Make the chisel before heading out to look for the rock.
What the Rock Looks Like
The rock Miner wants isn’t random or generated—it’s a unique item meant to stand out. When you’re out exploring, keep an eye out for:
- Something that looks like pink crystals growing from a tree stump
- A color and texture that makes it look like wood, even though it’s a rock
You only need one rock for the quest. Once you pick it up, you don’t need to collect more.
Tip: Look for subtle glows or shimmers—it often helps the rock stand out from the rest of the environment.
Where to Find the Rock
You’ll naturally find the rock during Act 3 exploration, but some spots are more reliable than others. Players often find it in these places:
- Right in front of your base entrance – easy and close by.
- Near the entrance to the rebel shelter – it’s on a main path and hard to miss.
- Just past the small bridge near the Rapidium mining site – a bit farther, but safe and reachable.
Look carefully as you explore. The rock’s shape helps it stand out, but danger could be nearby.
How to Stay Safe Near Anomalies
Most of these crystal rocks are near Anomalies—floating, semi-clear blobs that cause radiation damage if touched. Be careful:
- They’re hard to see from a distance.
- Move slowly and watch their pattern before going near.
- They’re usually inactive when you’re on higher ground.
Don’t rush. Take your time, study their movement, and look for gaps to sneak through safely. Once you’re on solid terrain or higher up, you’ll have an easier time.
Turn In the Rock and Complete the Quest
Once you’ve got the rock and chisel, return to the base and talk to Jan Miner. He’ll be grateful—and you’ll see a big change in his mood. After a while, you’ll get a notification that he’s started carving the rock. You can visit him and see what he’s made.
The task doesn’t give you gear or upgrades, but it brings real emotional closure. Miner goes from being broken and overworked to someone who rediscovers a piece of himself through a creative outlet.
Why This Quest Matters
Helping Jan Miner with his carving project may seem like a small thing, but it’s part of what makes The Alters special. The game isn’t just about survival—it’s also about emotional healing and personal growth.
By helping him carve again, you’re doing more than completing a quest. You’re helping a version of Jan find peace, not through work, but through something that brings joy.
This moment reminds players that even in a survival game, there’s still space for beauty, memory, and being human.
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