This year's ninth TennoCon has proven that the event is only gaining momentum. The weekend was filled with astonishing announcements, with the highlight being the eagerly anticipated Warframe: 1999. This upcoming update is set to be one of the most thrilling additions to the series yet.
Leading up to the main event, players will dive into a prologue quest titled "The Lotus Eaters" in August 2024. This quest will reunite us with a beloved character from the Warframe universe and follows the "Whispers in the Walls" storyline, setting the stage for the world of 1999. The update will also introduce Sevatgoth Prime along with their exclusive weapons. To fully experience 1999, completing all the story missions up to and including "The Lotus Eaters" is essential, so be sure to prepare before the winter 2024 release.
Set in the alternate reality of 1999, Warframe: 1999 takes place in Höllvania, a city plagued by the deadly Y2K virus known as Techrot. Players will navigate this 90s-inspired landscape using the new Atomicycles, which allow for bullet jumps, drifts, and even serve as explosive devices. Leading the charge are the Hex, a team of six heroes each donning a Protoframe, showcasing the human beneath the armor. The team is led by Arthur in the Excalibur Protoframe, supported by members like Aoi in Mag and Quincy in the newly introduced CYTE-09, which will also be available in the Origin system with a stylish beret.
The Hex team is brought to life by renowned actors including Alpha Takahashi, Ben Starr, Melissa Medina, and the rising star Amelia Tyler from Baldur's Gate 3. Players can deepen their connection with these characters through an in-game instant messaging feature, adding a touch of 1999 nostalgia. Forge the right bonds, and you might just find someone to kiss as the new year approaches.
Embracing the era's vibe, players will encounter a 90s boy band called On-lyne, led by Zeke, voiced by Nick Apostolides, who also lends his voice to Leon Kennedy. This band, corrupted by the Technocyte Coda, becomes an infected adversary. Despite their sinister transformation, their hit single "Party of Your Lifetime" is now available on various streaming platforms.
One of the most exciting features of this update is the enhancement of the fashion system, the true endgame of Warframe. Players can now switch between two fashion frame loadouts during battle, and the introduction of Gemini Skins allows Protoframes like Arthur and Aoi to be used in the Origin system. These skins are available for select frames like Excalibur and come with extensive voice lines for in-battle chatter and casual conversations with your operator, making the most of the talented voice cast.
Beyond the main announcement, Digital Extremes is collaborating with THE LINE to produce an anime short related to 1999, set to launch later this year. Additionally, starting today, players can acquire a stunning high-fidelity Heirloom skin for Ember, with a Rhino skin following in early 2025.
With Warframe: 1999 scheduled for release in winter 2024, there's plenty to look forward to and prepare for. Make sure to download Warframe now from the App Store to stay ahead of the curve.