The Temple of Elemental Evil
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About The Temple of Elemental Evil
The Temple of Elemental Evil is a party-based RPG developed by Troika Games and published by SNEG. Set in the Forgotten Realms, it follows a group of adventurers combating a resurrected demon cult in the town of Hommlet. Released on PC in December 2025, the game leans into classic D&D mechanics with turn-based combat, skill checks, and a focus on narrative choice. It’s a throwback to 8-bit era CRPGs, emphasizing strategy and exploration over action. The story hinges on figuring out ancient conspiracies while managing a fragile party of customizable heroes. Fans of old-school tactical RPGs will recognize the influence of Baldur’s Gate and Planescape: Torment.
Gameplay
You control a party of four characters, each with distinct roles and skill trees. Combat is turn-based and grid-based, requiring careful positioning to exploit weaknesses. Spells, traps, and environmental hazards factor heavily into battles. Outside of combat, the game prioritizes dialogue and skill checks for quests, often letting you solve problems without fighting. The party dynamic is key, members can grow fond of each other or turn hostile based on choices, affecting combat effectiveness. Exploration is slow and methodical, with permadeath risks if a character dies. Managing inventory and spells is a constant juggle, especially as enemies scale in difficulty. The game rewards patience but penalizes hasty decisions.
What Players Think
PlayPile users average 22 hours to complete the main story, with 65% finishing all side quests. The game holds a 7.8/10 rating, with 42% of players labeling it “challenging” and 31% calling it “rewarding.” Community moods skew nostalgic (27%) and frustrated (19%), especially around difficulty spikes. Critics praise its depth but note outdated UI and combat pacing. Achievement completion stands at 89%, with 12% of players hitting 100%. Positive reviews highlight “a love letter to classic RPGs,” while detractors say “the learning curve is brutal.”
PlayPile's Take
It’s a must-play for D&D purists and CRPG veterans. The game’s 85 achievement points and $39.99 price tag justify the investment if you appreciate tactical depth. Newcomers should be warned: the lack of hand-holding and punishing difficulty may test patience. Stick with it, though, and the payoff is a rich, replayable experience with branching narratives. Not a casual pick, but a rewarding one for those who want to immerse in a bygone RPG style.
Game Modes
Single player
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