For decades, Troika Games’ The Temple of Elemental Evil (2003) has been a paradox in the world of computer RPGs. Hailed for its incredibly faithful and deep implementation of the Dungeons & Dragons 3.5 Edition ruleset and set in the iconic Greyhawk campaign world, it was tragically marred by a notoriously buggy launch. Now, thanks to publisher SNEG and years of fan dedication, this turn-based behemoth has been re-released on Steam and GOG, promising the definitive, fixed experience fans have always craved.
Released on December 10, 2025, this updated edition is less of a remaster and more of a comprehensive restoration, ensuring a new generation of adventurers can finally experience the classic module without the original technical frustrations.
The most significant draw of this re-release is its direct incorporation of the monumental efforts of the fan community, specifically the Circle of Eight (Co8) and Temple+ modding teams. These dedicated fans have kept the game alive for over two decades, and the new official version builds directly on their work.
The result is a game featuring over a thousand fixes and enhancements, transforming a famously temperamental classic into a stable, polished product for modern systems. Key improvements include:
- Enhanced Stability and Performance: The game is now built to run smoothly on modern operating systems like Windows 10/11, finally banishing the random crashes and frustrating pathfinding issues of the past.
- Refined UI and Quality-of-Life: Players can expect a more intuitive and streamlined user interface, along with countless minor quality-of-life upgrades that improve the overall flow of the game.
- Smarter AI: Combat, which was always the game’s core strength, is made even better with smarter enemy AI, ensuring that the tactical, grid-based encounters are as challenging and rewarding as the D&D 3.5 ruleset intended.
This updated edition is a true labor of love, shaped by years of fan dedication and the incredible efforts of the Circle of Eight and Temple+ modding communities. It brings the classic D&D adventure to life for modern players with over a thousand fixes and improvements…
While the core bug fixes and enhancements are integrated, fans who wish to experience the additional, non-official content created by the Co8 and Temple+ teams (such as restored quests and extra classes) are still able to install those mods on top of the new base game.
For those unfamiliar with The Temple of Elemental Evil, this re-release offers a unique opportunity to dive into a distinct corner of Dungeons & Dragons history:
- Greyhawk Setting: The game is the only digital D&D title to be set in the original Greyhawk campaign world, offering a refreshingly different atmosphere from the more common Forgotten Realms.
- Faithful 3.5 Ruleset: It remains one of the most faithful digital adaptations of the Dungeons & Dragons 3.5 Edition rules, providing a deep, tactical, turn-based combat experience that rewards mastery of character building, feats, and spells.
- Non-Linear, Alignment-Driven Play: The adventure, starting in the seemingly peaceful village of Hommlet, offers remarkable freedom and reactivity. Players can form a party of up to five custom characters, with the option to play any alignment, and watch as their moral choices genuinely affect the surrounding world.
Whether you’re a long-time fan who has the original discs gathering dust, or a newcomer drawn in by the recent resurgence of CRPGs, this re-release is essentially the “repaired” version that The Temple of Elemental Evil was always meant to be.
The infamous temple gates are open once again. It’s time to finally put that perfectly-built 3.5 party to the test.
