Which Temtem starter should you choose?

Become a top tamer with these Temtem guides

(Image credit: Crema Games)

Temtem evolution: how to evolve your creatures
Temtem type chart: every type's strengths and weaknesses
Temtem Luma: how to find them
Temtem list: all the species we know so far
Temtem Ganki: how to catch the best Temtem in the game.

It's difficult to choose between the three adorable Temtem starters, but you can only pick one. The floating islands in Airborne Archipelago are home to a variety of creatures, equipped with individual abilities that can prove to be very powerful in battles. Selecting the perfect pal is a big decision that is essential for establishing the foundations of your squad. 

I'm here to introduce you to each of the friendly followers. Let's get into the Temtem starters' strengths, weaknesses and untamed locations. 

The three Temtem starters are:

• Crystle
• Smazee
• Houchic

Crystle

• Type: Crystal
• Effective vs: Electric and Mental
• Ineffective vs: Fire and Earth
• Resistances: Mental, Toxic and Electric
• Weak vs: Fire, Earth and Melee
• Where to catch: Mines of Quetzal on Tucma Island

Crystle is a well-rounded Temtem starter as it has balanced base stats and a strong set of techniques (abilities). Initially equipped with two Physical techniques, Crystle can deal considerable damage to opponents despite its primary stats being in Defence and HP.

Crystal Temtem are difficult to come by in the early portions of the game so adding one to your squad early will give you a competitive edge. Later it’s worth learning Crystal Spikes—a High Priority technique that deals 120 damage and Crystal Dust, a special attack that includes Wind type properties. 

Note: every technique has a Priority rating which determines when the action will be performed within a turn. Priority is also dependent on individual Temtem’s Speed stats; the higher the Priority, the earlier the action will occur. 

Smazee

• Type: Melee
• Effective vs: Earth and Crystal
• Ineffective vs: Mental and Melee
• Resistances: Melee
• Weak vs: Mental and Digital
• Where to catch: Arbury Island (currently inaccessible in Alpha)

Smazee’s strengths are its high Speed and Attack Power, although these stats don’t compensate for its low Defence stats. If you’re set on picking this Melee type, Skunch and Saipat's stronger stats make them better options. Both can be found on Deniz Island. 

Smazee’s strongest move is Uppercut, which deals 80 damage to opponents. Most of its techniques are of a High Priority due to its notable base Speed stats. Smazee is the weakest starter choice as it offers few advantages early on. Unlike Crystal types, Melee Temtem are far from rare, so it's worth catching your own after you've made your first pick. 

Houchic

• Type: Mental
• Effective vs: Neutral and Melee
• Ineffective vs: Crystal 
• Resistances: Neutral and Melee
• Weak vs: Electrical, Digital and Crystal 
• Where to catch: Arbury Island (currently inaccessible in Alpha)

Mental Temtem are quite rare, cementing Houchic as a viable starter, although their playstyle is slightly trickier to master. Both of its starter Techniques (Psy Wave and Hypnosis) have one Hold, meaning you’ll have to wait a turn before you can use them. 

Early battles with Houchic may feel less rewarding than the other starters as you’ll use be forced to use the same strategy in most battles. Having fewer options to adapt mid-battle can result in situations feeling a little stale until you’re sufficiently levelled. Thankfully there is a decent payoff once you unlock Beta Burst, a special move that inflicts 100 damage. This new Technique is worth the wait and can be used with Hold techniques to diversify your battle plan.