TennoCon 2026 has concluded, bringing significant content announcements for both Digital Extremes' online action RPGs, Warframe and Soulframe. The event highlighted long-awaited updates that will introduce new environments, antagonists, and gameplay mechanics to both live-service titles.
Warframe: Journey to Tau and Beyond
The most substantial reveal for Warframe is the 'Tau' expansion, described by developers as the game's biggest evolutionary step yet. This update will allow players to explore a new galaxy, the Tau system, home to mysterious Sentinels and Orokin-terraformed colonies. A key location within Tau will be Forax, a cyberpunk-style city that blends open exploration with procedurally generated zones, offering a mix of Warframe's expansive areas and its more focused action zones.
Warframe Creative Director Rebecca Ford stated that the addition of a second solar system is intended to ensure the game's longevity. "When it came to building up Tau, what we basically asked ourselves was, 'How do we keep Warframe going forever?' And the answer to that was to add a second solar system to the game," Ford explained. Players will progress through this new system planet by planet.
A new Warframe, Brysko, was also showcased. Voiced by Matt Mercer, Brysko is a sentient Chimera Warframe created within the Tau system, featuring a gunslinger combat style reminiscent of fast-paced character action games. The Tau update emphasizes character-driven narratives, with Brysko's story playing a significant role in the game's future.
Leading up to the Tau expansion, Warframe will receive several updates. The 'Iceblade of Narin' story quest will introduce a new location and playable Warframe. Additionally, players can expect deluxe versions for Qorvex and Banshee, a gameplay rework, and new Nightwave missions with the 'Amir's Shockwave' update. Warframe will also introduce its first card mini-game, 'Portau,' a poker-like experience with unique mechanics.
Soulframe: Dark Powers and New Fables Emerge
For Soulframe, which is currently in alpha, Digital Extremes detailed new content focusing on deeper narrative and character progression. The 'Warsongs' fable questline, set for release this fall, will delve into the player character's origins and introduce new details about the antagonist Tempest Bayor. Actors Ben Starr and Jennifer English have joined the cast as Tempest Bayor and Empress of Eldveil, respectively.
"We probably announced the game much sooner than we should have, but really, what has come out of it is that we're building this game alongside the community," said a senior community manager. The developers highlighted the importance of community feedback in shaping the game's direction.
'Warsongs' will also feature a new gameplay mechanic, the 'Vadagar pact,' which allows players to embrace dark side powers. A demonstration showed a brief playable segment featuring Envoy's mother battling Tempest Bayor, culminating in the Envoy experiencing the Vadagar pact and acquiring a new weapon called the Coiled Dawn. This questline is described as Soulframe's darkest to date.
Quality-of-life updates are also planned for Soulframe, including new combat encounters and the addition of player mounts, seen on large wolves in the TennoCon demo. A fishing mini-game, referred to as 'Vegan Fishing,' will also be implemented, allowing players to catch fish for lore and relaxation. Players seeking early access to Soulframe Preludes can sign up on the official site before July 12 to receive an invite.