Warframe: 1999 Launches Today, Ushering a New Era for the Franchise
Warframe: 1999 is officially live, bringing an exciting new chapter to Digital Extremes' long-standing sci-fi franchise. The announcement, delivered during The Game Awards 2024 alongside a stunning launch trailer, caught many fans by surprise. For a game over a decade old, this update is a monumental step forward, introducing groundbreaking content that expands the Warframe universe in both narrative depth and gameplay features.
Set in a "what if" Y2K-inspired 1999 scenario, Warframe: 1999 offers a full single-player quest loaded with nostalgia, emotion, and action. Players will form bonds—platonic or romantic—with new characters while uncovering the secrets of this dystopian timeline. Creative Director Rebecca Ford described the project as a labor of love:
“Our venture into the 'what if' Y2K scenario of 1999 has been a passion project for so many of us. We've packed this update with romance, music, action, and core Warframe gameplay. I am so proud of what our team has accomplished, and I can't wait for '90s kids to uncover all the references we've included.”
The update brings an array of new features that enhance the Warframe experience:
Cyte-09, the 59th Warframe: A new addition to the roster, designed with sleek aesthetics and devastating abilities.
Hollvania City Environment: Four mission types—Relay Races, Legacyte Harvests, Hell-Scrub, and the H-09 Efervon Tank Assassination—are set in this eerie, Y2K-themed cityscape.
Protoframe Bonding: Form connections—platonic or romantic—with six unique Protoframes, featuring voiced dialogue by industry veterans like Amelia Tyler (Baldur's Gate 3), Ben Starr (Final Fantasy XVI), Nick Apostolides (Resident Evil 4 Remake), and Neil Newbon (Baldur's Gate 3).
Atomicycle Vehicle Mount: Zip through missions with the latest mount designed for dynamic mobility.
Fully Voiced Transforming Skins: A Warframe first, allowing for greater customization and immersion.
Original Soundtrack: A fresh, '90s-inspired soundtrack is now available for streaming, with physical LPs for collectors.
A Love Letter to Fans
The update's romance and relationship systems are a first for Warframe, providing an optional layer of emotional depth to the gameplay. Whether forging unbreakable friendships or exploring romance, players have full agency over how they interact with the new Protoframe cast.
Rebecca Ford emphasized her gratitude to the community for their unwavering trust over the past 12 years, enabling Digital Extremes to take bold creative risks like Warframe: 1999.
Warframe: 1999 is now available across all platforms. With nostalgic callbacks, innovative gameplay features, and a gripping narrative, this update is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious expansions in Warframe’s history.
Are you ready to explore the Y2K-inspired chaos? Share your thoughts below—what are you most excited to experience in Warframe: 1999?
