This year's ninth TennoCon was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing the unstoppable momentum of the Warframe community. The weekend was packed with jaw-dropping announcements, none more exciting than the upcoming Warframe: 1999 update, which promises to be one of the series' most thrilling additions yet.
To set the stage for the main event, a prologue quest titled "The Lotus Eaters" will launch in August 2024. This quest reunites players with one of Warframe’s most iconic characters, following the narrative from "Whispers in the Walls" and introducing the world of 1999. Alongside the story, players will get to experience Sevatgoth Prime and their exclusive weapons. To dive into 1999, you'll need to complete all the story up to and including "The Lotus Eaters," so make sure you're ready before the Winter 2024 release.
Set in the year 1999, this update transports players to an alternate earth where the Y2K virus threatens to wreak havoc. The action unfolds in Höllvania, a city steeped in 90s nostalgia but corrupted by Techrot. Players will navigate this environment using the new Atomicycles, which allow for bullet jumps, drifts, and even serve as makeshift explosives. Leading the charge are the six members of the Hex, each donning a Protoframe that showcases the human within. Arthur, the leader, wields Excalibur, while allies like Aoi with Mag and Quincy in the newly introduced CYTE-09 join the fray. This frame will also be available in the Origin system, complete with a stylish beret.
The Hex team is brought to life by a talented cast including Alpha Takahashi, Ben Starr, Melissa Medina, and the rising star Amelia Tyler from Baldur's Gate 3. To deepen your connection with these characters, you can interact with them through instant messaging, a nod to the era's communication style. Play your cards right, and you might just find someone to kiss as the new year rolls in.
Embracing the 1999 vibe, players will encounter the notorious 90s boy band On-lyne, led by Zeke, voiced by Nick Apostolides, known for his role as Leon Kennedy. This band, corrupted by the Technocyte Coda, becomes an infected adversary. Despite their villainous turn, their catchy tunes, including the hit single "Party of Your Lifetime," are now available on streaming platforms.
One of the most exciting aspects of the update is the enhancement to the fashion system, the true endgame for many players. You'll be able to switch between two fashion frame loadouts during battle, and the introduction of Gemini Skins allows you to bring Protoframes like Arthur and Aoi into the Origin system. While this feature is limited to frames with these skins, such as Excalibur, each comes with extensive voiced lines for combat and casual interactions, making the most of the stellar voice cast and adding a personal touch to the characters.
Beyond the main attractions, Digital Extremes is collaborating with animation studio THE LINE to produce an anime short related to 1999, set to launch this year. Additionally, starting today, players can acquire the stunning high-fidelity Heirloom skin for Ember, with a Rhino skin following in early 2025.
With Warframe: 1999 slated for Winter 2024, there's plenty to catch up on and more to come. Make sure to download Warframe now from the App Store to stay ahead of the curve.