Crema Studios has finally lifted the curtain on their mysterious “Project Downbelow,” revealing it to be Temtem: Pioneers, an ambitious departure from the series’ traditional turn-based roots.
During the Triple-i Showcase world premiere, the developer announced that their beloved creature-collecting franchise is venturing into uncharted territory with an open-world survival crafting adventure. This marks a dramatic shift for the Temtem universe, trading familiar turn-based combat for real-time action and exploration.
A Wilder Side of Temtem
Temtem: Pioneers transports players away from the cozy Archipelago setting to “the Downbelow,” a vast, untamed wilderness filled with new Temtem species to discover. The game features survival mechanics in which players must scavenge resources, build bases, and adapt to an unpredictable environment alongside their Temtem companions.
The traditional creature-collecting DNA remains intact, but with a fresh twist. Your Temtem become essential survival partners, helping with everything from traversing dangerous terrain to defending your settlements against wild-creature raids. The bond between tamer and Temtem takes on new significance when survival depends on cooperation.
Combat Gets a Real-Time Makeover
Perhaps the most significant change comes in the form of a completely redesigned combat system. Players can now directly control up to three Temtem simultaneously, switching between them instantly while chaining abilities and dodging attacks in dynamic real-time encounters. Each Temtem offers distinct playstyles, promising depth for players willing to master the new mechanics.
Community-Driven Development
Crema has launched a Kickstarter campaign to involve the community in shaping this new direction. The campaign offers exclusive rewards while allowing fans to directly support the project’s development. With over 200 Temtem species planned—including both familiar faces and Downbelow natives—the scope appears ambitious.
The game will support both solo play and cooperative multiplayer, allowing friends to build settlements and explore together. Multiple playstyles are promised, from master explorers to strategic team builders and creative base designers.
Platform Availability
Temtem: Pioneers is confirmed for PC release via Steam and Epic Games Store, with console versions under discussion but not yet confirmed. The development team promises regular updates throughout the Kickstarter campaign and development process.
This bold reinvention of the Temtem formula represents one of the more interesting pivots in recent gaming, taking a successful turn-based franchise into survival crafting territory. Whether longtime fans embrace this dramatic shift remains to be seen, but Crema’s willingness to experiment with their established formula is certainly noteworthy.
The Kickstarter campaign is now live for those interested in supporting this ambitious new chapter in the Temtem universe.