As a long-time Warframe player (Legendary 2 Rank) with over 2,300 hours logged on Steam since 2015 (and even more prior to that, considering the game’s 2013 launch), I’ve seen the game evolve through numerous updates, expansions, and changes. However, recent developments have led me to step away from this beloved space ninja simulator. Here’s why.
Warframe Continues Drifting Away from Core Gameplay
The heart of Warframe has always been its dynamic, fast-paced combat across the Star Chart, with players embodying powerful Warframes and carving their way through hordes of enemies. This core gameplay loop, combined with the grind for new frames and weapons, kept me engaged for years.
However, since the release of the Duviri Paradox, I’ve noticed a concerning trend: Digital Extremes seems increasingly focused on creating isolated content islands that deviate significantly from what makes Warframe unique.
The Duviri Paradox Dilemma
The Duviri Paradox introduced a rogue-like game mode with combat mechanics reminiscent of Elden Ring or Dark Souls—but without the polish. While I appreciate the developers’ attempts at innovation, this divergence felt jarring. The alternate start option (later removed) created confusion for new players, as rewards from this content island did little to aid progression in the main game or even Railjack missions.
TennoCon 2024 and Warframe 1999
Looking ahead to TennoCon 2024, I find myself unexcited about the upcoming Warframe 1999 update. It appears to be an attempt to integrate elements from Digital Extremes’ old game, Dark Sector, into Warframe. Once again, this seems poised to pull players away from the Star Chart—the game’s backbone.
Moreover, the prospect of controlling characters that aren’t even Warframes goes against why I play this game in the first place. I’m here for space ninjas with extraordinary abilities, not generic cyberpunk protagonists.
Warframe Needs to Refocus
I’m not opposed to new content or experimentation. However, I believe Warframe would benefit immensely from redirecting efforts toward enhancing and expanding its core systems: the Star Chart and Railjack.
Imagine new mission types integrated into existing nodes, expanded Railjack gameplay that feels more connected to our ground missions, or even additional open worlds to explore—all while piloting our beloved Warframes. That’s the kind of content that would reignite my passion for the game.
Departing Warframe
My departure from Warframe isn’t due to burnout from its traditional gameplay—far from it. Instead, it’s because recent updates have strayed too far from what I consider Warframe’s essence. If Digital Extremes refocuses on the game’s roots—the Star Chart, our Warframes, and seamlessly integrated systems like Railjack—they’ll find this Tenno ready to return.
Until then, my arsenal of meticulously forged weapons and lovingly customized Warframes will remain in cryosleep, awaiting the day when Warframe remembers what made it great in the first place.