Best tips for playing Temtem: Swarm

We fear: Swarm is a charming take on the original game, but this time, you'll play as Temtem in a survival and roguelike experience. With each Temtem comes a unique set of abilities and survival potential, and constant decision making is a major part of the gameplay loop.

There are more 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 perfect a unique playstyle. Whichever Temtem you decide to get good at, these tips and tricks will help you polish the process.

This is an early access game and as such may change as it is updated!

Switching between automatic and manual aiming

If this is your first time playing the game, you'll notice that you manually aim where you want to attack (while moving the Temtem) it will help you clear certain areas full of enemies. Or, it can help you move in the desired direction while removing any obstacles.

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

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

Improve magnetic skills

Of all the upgrades you can get at the start of the game, investment 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 leveling process faster towards the end of the game.

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

Instead of relying on your ultimate attack as a weapon, Think of it as a tool. First, focus on the direction you're moving and carefully pass objectives (like events) while avoiding enemies. Then use your ultimate to take 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. This means you will have to use the game's movement mechanics to your advantageand then your ultimate ability will come in handy.

Look for collectibles around you

As you traverse the map, you'll come across objects that might not catch your eye. Certain items (such as boxes) can be brokenproviding you with resources that can help you on your journey. Some of these resources are also awarded to you when you defeat a boss or an equally daunting enemy.

Although they don't have clear markers on the map, they usually will highlighted by a slight shade of violet/purple. It is best to manually attack this item rather than relying on auto attack as it is easy to miss these items when running from a horde of enemies.

Replace items and abilities when needed

Every now and then, you'll have to make a decision that can change the gameplay a bit. You will be prompted to select a technique/ability or equipment when the Temtem powers up. This will improve stats and survivability. Replaces the previous skill you are relying on if the new one promises better synergy.

When something new comes along that you haven't taken before, it's okay to choose that item/ability. For example, instead of choosing the Blockade technique to improve your defense, equipping the Fortify Band might be more useful.

Keep checking your current skills by pausing the game.

First, improve your survival skills

Once you play a game or a few, you'll unlock the ability to permanently upgrade a Temtem's traits. These include attack damage, speed, defense and so on. Of all these, the best is to make sure Temtem is fast and powerful enoughrather than deadly and striking in battle.

Doing so will encourage your Temtem to do so survive a map's harsh enemies at the beginning of the game. As you collect resources, you will anyway gain skills while playing the game. Although there are no limitations on how you can traverse the map, the enemies can be of different types, so it's best to be prepared!

Choosing a Theme

When you first play, there are only two Temtems to choose from. Even if you're a player who prefers ranged combat, we strongly suggest you try Smazee first. This Temtem's melee attacks become increasingly powerful as the match progresses. Once evolved into an even stronger Temtem, this powerful fighter aggressively pushes through swarms of enemies without worrying too much about taking damage.

Whichever Temtem you choose, make sure that evolve them as the opportunity arises. Even though it's optional, it's a great choice for both solo players and groups to feel more powerful in the game as the difficulty increases. In rare cases, it makes sense to choose an ability over an evolution, so decide this based on how strong (or outdated) the Temtem feels at the moment.

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

Shuffle your Arsenal

Techniques are important to update as you work your way through swarms and objectives. Mixing a range of techniques ensures that Temtem is completealmost like a jack of all trades. This will be reflected heavily when fighting the final boss, so… think ahead, especially if you're playing solo and don't have a group to back you up.

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

Participate in events

One tricky thing about Temtem: Swarm is how complicated the movement management can become as the game progresses. As you level, “events” will appear, requiring you to participate in them to complete certain objectives. Try to prioritize them because it's not worth skipping.

These events will appear randomly at different points on the map and you will have to cross 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 stay in one place, try circling that area. Avoid standing still!

Stay on top of healing items

Aside from improving skills and gaining abilities, there are a few items on the map that help you heal. This isn't easy to notice at first, as you'll probably be focusing on fighting off hordes of enemies, but take a look at the corners of the screen.

Every minute or so, there will be an item (like a fruit) lying around. As you pass 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. Additionally, try to get upgrades that promise maximum health and healing options during a battle.