Palworld is getting some competition as Pokémon-like Temtem unveils survival spin-off Temtem: Pioneers
Temtem, a creature-collecting game released in 2022 by developer Crema, continues to expand with the announcement of Temtem: Pioneers, a new spin-off unveiled at the Triple-i Initiative Showcase. The spin-off represents a significant genre shift from the original game’s Pokémon-inspired RPG format, moving instead into open-world survival crafting territory.
Temtem: Pioneers takes place in the Downbelow, described as a vast and untamed region where Temtem roam wild. Players will explore this mysterious landscape on expeditions, collect creatures, engage in battles, and construct structures—a departure from the traditional turn-based RPG mechanics of the original Temtem. The game is clearly positioning itself as competition for Palworld, the recent phenomenon that blended monster-catching with survival and crafting elements.
This expansion demonstrates Temtem’s continued evolution as one of Steam’s most successful Pokémon-like titles. By introducing a survival crafting component and open-world exploration, Crema is responding to player interest in innovative takes on the creature-collecting genre. The move underscores how the creature-collector genre has become increasingly diverse, with developers experimenting with different gameplay styles and settings while maintaining the core appeal of collecting and battling creatures.