Games Like Temporarium

Experience what it’s like in the freshwater vernal ponds, right in your own cozy setup!

Explore the world of building aquariums for incredibly tenacious yet temporary creatures. Choose and unlock a variety of substrates, backgrounds, plants, and other decor to customize the tank. Take care to keep track of water conditions, mixing regular aquarium tank conditions and conditions specified for each critter to create a thriving ecosystem suitable for younglings and adults alike.

What kind of animals live in the Temporarium? Vernal ponds in the wild can host many creatures, but with the freedom of this tank, you can combine many cohabiting freshwater critters! Raise Triops, fairy shrimp, clam shrimp, water fleas, and even mystery snails along with unique variants of species. Each one has its own life cycle stages, behaviors, eggs, and quirks.

Progress your tank and earn Vivyx and Research points by completing Contracts and Research Milestones. Feed your creatures a variety of foods that may affect their natural cycles! Collect molts and eggs to continue evolving your tank over time. 

As with all things, your little friends are temporary: It’s the cycle of life! With these special little guys, you can continue the cycle over and over to watch them swim around again in a new generation.

Main Features

-Raise unusual aquatic animals including Triops, fairy shrimp, clam shrimp, water fleas, ostracods, and mystery snails inspired by real vernal ponds and freshwater habitats

About Development

This game was created over two years during my recovery from a severe brain injury following a car accident while I was riding my bike. Building these tiny living worlds became part of my recovery and gave me something to look forward to every day.

I've been raising Triops on and off for more than 20 years, and creating this game has been a deeply personal journey. In many ways, it reflects a lifelong fascination of mine that has been cultivated over these two decades.

All art, assets, characters, worldbuilding, and game design are my own. I used Codex for coding support during development; however, every creature, sprite sheet, art piece, song track, and creative decision in this world comes directly from me. 

“Being temporary doesn't make something matter any less, because the point isn't for how long; the point is that it happened.” - Robyn Schneider, Extraordinary Means