Best tips for playing Temtem: Swarm

Temtem: Swarm is a charming take on the original game, but this time you'll play as Temtem in a survival and rogue-like experience. With each Temtem comes a unique set of skills and survival potential, and constant decision-making is an important part of the game loop.

There are several upgrades to encounter, Temtem to capture and skills to invest in. Easy to get into but hard to master—Temtem: Swarm takes roguelike elements and asks you to hone a unique playstyle. Whichever Temtem you decide to get good at, these tips and tricks will help polish that process.

This is an Early Access game, and as such is subject to change as it updates!

Switch between automatic and manual aiming

If this is your first time playing the game, you will notice that you manually aim where you want to attack (while moving the Temtem) helps you clean out specific areas filled with enemies. Or it can help you move in the direction you want while removing any obstacles.

Sometimes though it's best to let the game do the work for you while your attention is on other things. At the same time, it is not beneficial to completely rely on this. Try to find a balance, especially if your Temtem makes a ranged attack.

When clearing intense swarms, try to focus on the direction you're moving and let auto attack take care of enemies.

Upgrade magnetic abilities

Of all the upgrades you can get early in the game, Investing in Magnetic Module is a must! This helps you draw resources towards you as you move around the map, destroying everything and everyone in your path. It also makes the process of leveling up faster towards the end game.

Once you are at level four of this ability, your “pull” will be strong enough to get objects far out of your reach. This is especially useful when fighting a boss or a large enemy that prevents you from standing still.

Instead of relying on your ultimate attack as a weapon, see it as a tool. First, focus on the direction you are moving in and carefully approach targets (like events) while avoiding enemies. Then use your ultimate to clear out enemies chasing you, or a boss you're trying to take down.

Much of Temtem: Swarm's gameplay is a mix of survival and combat skills. That means you have to use the game's movement mechanics to your advantageand that's when your ultimate ability comes in handy.

Look for collectibles around you

As you traverse the map, you'll come across objects that might not draw your attention. Some objects (like boxes) can breakwhich gives you resources that can help your journey. Some of these resources are also awarded to you after defeating a boss or an equally terrifying enemy.

Even if they don't have clear indicators on the map, they usually will be highlighted by a slight shade of purple/violet. It is best to manually attack this item instead of relying on auto attacks as it is easy to miss these items when running away from a horde of enemies.

Replace items and abilities when needed

Every now and then you have to make a decision that can change the gaming experience a bit. You will be prompted to select a technique/ability or gear item when your Temtem levels up. Doing this will improve stats and survivability. Replace the previous ability you relied on if the new one promises better synergy effects.

When something new appears that you haven't taken before, it's okay to choose that item/ability. For example, instead of choosing the blockade technique to upgrade your defense, it might be more useful to equip the Fortify Band.

Continue to check your current abilities by pausing the game.

Upgrade survivability first

Once you've played a game or a few, you'll unlock the ability to permanently upgrade a Temtem's attributes. These include attack damage, speed, defense and so on. Of all these, it is best to make sure your Temtem is fast and strong enoughrather than deadly and hard-hitting in battle.

Doing this will encourage your Temtem to do so survive the map's tough enemies early in the game. As you collect resources, you will still acquire abilities as you play the game. Although there are no restrictions on how you can traverse the map, enemies can be of different types, so it's best to be prepared!

Choosing a theme

When you first play the game, there are only two Temtem to choose from. Even if you are a player who prefers ranged combat, We strongly recommend that you try Smazee first. This Temtem's melee attacks become increasingly powerful as the match progresses. Once evolved into an even more powerful Temtem, this powerful fighter aggressively pushes through swarms of enemies without much concern for damage.

Whichever Temtem you choose, make sure you develop them the moment the opportunity arises. Although it is optional, it is a great choice for both solo players and groups to feel stronger in the game as the difficulty grows. In rare cases, it makes sense to choose an ability over an evolution, so decide this based on how powerful (or overwhelmed) your Temtem feels at the moment.

When playing as Smazee, try to implement techniques like Haito Uchi and Martial Strike to deal short to medium range damage.

Mix up your Arsenal

Techniques are important to upgrade as you work your way through swarms and objectives. Mixing in a range of techniques ensures that your Temtem is all-rounderalmost like a jack of all trades. This will reflect a lot when you fight the final boss, so… think ahead, especially if you're playing solo and don't have a group backing you up.

If your Temtem does a lot of melee damage, it's a good idea to also buff some attacks that keep proximity safe. Attacks like Boomerang and Data Burst are good for long range combat. The best way to keep your arsenal versatile is to have both melee and ranged attacks, without replacing a single ability.

Participate in events

One tricky thing about Temtem: Swarm is how complicated it can become to manage your movements as the game progresses. As you level up, “events” will appear, asking you to participate in them to achieve certain goals. Try to prioritize these because it's not worth skipping.

These events will appear randomly at different points on the map, and you have to go to them. Some of them will allow you to unlock a new Temtem, while others will reward you with resources.

If an event requires you to stop in one place, try to circle within that area. Avoid standing still!

Stay aware of healing items

In addition to upgrading your skills and acquiring abilities, there are a few items on the map that will help you heal up. This isn't easy to notice at first since you'll likely be focusing on fighting through hordes of enemies, but take a look at the corners of the screen.

Every minute or so, there will be an object (like a fruit) lying around. The moment you go through it, some of your Temtem's health is restored. While this isn't a long-term solution to having a strong overall health bar, it is useful when dealing with tough enemies. Also, try to get upgrades that promise maxed health and healing options mid-battle.