This year's ninth TennoCon was a whirlwind of excitement, and it's clear that time has only amplified the event's momentum. The weekend was packed with jaw-dropping announcements, and the upcoming Warframe: 1999 update is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling additions to the series yet.
To prepare for the main event, a prologue quest titled "The Lotus Eaters" will launch in August 2024. This quest will reconnect players with one of Warframe's most beloved characters, following the narrative arc of Whispers in the Walls and introducing the world of 1999. Alongside this, Sevatgoth Prime and their exclusive weapons will debut. To experience Warframe: 1999, you'll need to complete all the story quests up to and including The Lotus Eaters, so make sure you're caught up by the Winter 2024 release.
Set in the year 1999, the update transports players to an alternate earth where the Y2K virus poses a deadly threat. The action unfolds in Höllvania, a city steeped in 90s nostalgia but corrupted by Techrot. Navigate this perilous environment with the new Atomicycles, which can perform bullet jumps, drifts, and even serve as explosives. Leading the charge are the Hex, a team of six heroes each clad in a Protoframe that showcases their human side. Arthur, the leader, dons Excalibur, while allies like Aoi with Mag and Quincy in the newly introduced CYTE-09 join the fray. This frame will also become available in the Origin system, sporting a stylish beret.
Voiced by an impressive cast including Alpha Takahashi, Ben Starr, Melissa Medina, and the rising star Amelia Tyler from Baldur's Gate 3, the Hex team comes to life. Get to know them better through a nostalgic 1999-style instant messaging system, and who knows, you might find someone to kiss as the new year rolls in.
Embracing the 1999 vibe, players will confront a 90s boy band turned adversary, On-lyne, led by Zeke, voiced by Nick Apostolides of Leon Kennedy fame. Infected by the Technocyte Coda, they're now your foes, though their hit single "Party of Your Lifetime" is available on streaming platforms and undeniably catchy.
One of the most exciting aspects of this update is the enhancement of the fashion system, Warframe's true endgame. Players can now 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. These skins are available for select frames like Excalibur and come with extensive, fully-voiced dialogue, adding depth to your gameplay and enhancing the experience with your operator.
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, you can acquire the stunning high-fidelity Heirloom skin for Ember, with a Rhino skin following in early 2025.
With Warframe: 1999 set to launch in Winter 2024, there's a lot to look forward to. Make sure to catch up on the story and download Warframe from the App Store now to be ready for the exciting updates on the horizon.
