Digital Extreme’s free-to-play behemoth Warframe is heading outside of its initial star system and into the Tau system. While brand-new adventures await, the studio is keen to note that they are not abandoning the system players have called home for more than ten years.
Since its 2012 PC alpha, Warframe has stayed mostly within the Origin star system. Outside of missions set in The Void, the PvE MMO has remained within one system, but with the upcoming Tau expansion later this year, players will be able to jump into a brand-new system.
Right now, players can already experience the prologue to this new expansion. Prologue to Tau, a new permanent quest, released earlier this month and is still ongoing, allowing fans to narratively prepare for the new expansion. But what comes after?
In an interview with Japanese outlet Denfaminicogamer, creative director Rebecca Ford explained that the future of Warframe is not entirely set in Tau. Instead, new content will come to both systems with no intention of leaving the old star system in the dust.
“Some might wonder if heading toward the Tau system means the Origin system will be left behind or forgotten,” Ford told the outlet. “But rest assured—whether you are a new player or someone returning to the game, there is no need to worry.”
Ford explained that the arrival of the Tau system only adds to Warframe’s universe with “new possibilities for the stories we can tell and the ideas we can explore”. While Warframe never felt restricted by its adherence to a single star system, the team believes exploring outwards invites new opportunities.
The creative director explained that the arrival of Tau will also mean more content in Origin. “It does not mean we are “finished” with the Origin system,” she said. “The Origin system remains a vital part of Warframe and will continue to be a significant focus in our future development.”
After a decade-plus of support, Ford is keen to note that Warframe is not slowing anytime soon. With the death of Destiny 2, Warframe has continued to grow, and Digital Extremes is keen to continue supporting the beloved online looter-shooter for years as it works on Soulframe, which will release eventually.
