The Tenno's next big adventure has a concrete date! Digital Extremes took the stage at The Game Awards 2024 and dropped the mic with the official release date for Warframe: 1999. Game director Rebecca Ford revealed that the highly anticipated expansion is set to launch on Friday, December 13. Talk about a Friday the 13th worth celebrating! The announcement was paired with a fresh, action-packed gameplay trailer that gave fans a nearly two-minute glimpse into the chaotic, retro-futuristic world awaiting them. It's a major moment for a free-to-play ARPG that's still killing it over a decade later, regularly peaking at over 50,000 concurrent players on Steam and expanding to new platforms like iOS. This is not just another update; the studio is calling it their most ambitious addition yet. Let's dive in, Tenno. 🚀

🎮 What's New in Warframe: 1999?

Digital Extremes is going all-in with this expansion. Warframe: 1999 is packed with content designed to shake up the Origin System. Here’s the breakdown of the major additions:

  • A New Single-Player Quest: Get ready for another narrative-driven experience that delves deep into the game's lore.

  • The 59th Warframe - Cyte-09: A brand-new Warframe joins the roster. Its abilities and playstyle remain shrouded in mystery, but the name alone sparks curiosity.

  • Two New Enemy Factions: The Tenno will face fresh threats from the Techrot infestation and the Scaldra army. New enemies mean new tactics and challenges.

  • Four New Mission Types: Say goodbye to monotony with additional ways to engage in combat and exploration.

  • A Groundbreaking Cosmetic Feature: For the first time ever, Warframe is introducing fully voiced, transforming cosmetic skins. This is a game-changer for fashion-frame enthusiasts!

🌍 Welcome to Höllvania, 1999

True to its title, this expansion is a love letter to the late 90s, but with a distinctly Warframe twist. The storyline will transport players to an alternate version of 1999, a world under siege. Your mission? To defend the city of Höllvania from the dual threats of the Techrot and Scaldra. To succeed, you'll need to ally with six members of The Hex's Protoframe—ancient precursors to modern Warframes. Your ultimate target is the enigmatic Dr. Entrati, the mastermind behind this apocalyptic scenario. It's a race against time in a world where 90s nostalgia meets cosmic horror. The vibes are immaculate. 👾

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🤝 An Epic Crossover: Warframe Meets Balatro

In a move that's totally out of left field but absolutely awesome, Digital Extremes is celebrating the launch with a collaboration with the hit deck-building roguelike, Balatro. This crossover lets Balatro players pimp their decks with iconic Warframe flair. You can now customize your King, Queen, and Jack cards with the legendary suits of Volt, Mag, and Excalibur. This free content was part of Balatro's Friends of Jimbo 3 update, which went live just hours before The Game Awards. It's a perfect example of the creative, community-focused spirit that keeps Warframe relevant. A true win-win for fans of both games!

✨ The Big Picture: Warframe's Enduring Legacy

Let's be real—releasing a massive, paid expansion for an 11-year-old free-to-play game is a bold move. But Warframe isn't just any game. Its consistent evolution through expansions like The New War and Whispers in the Walls has built immense player trust. The announcement of 1999 back in August 2023 created major hype, and now, with a firm date and a juicy trailer, the community is more hyped than ever. The promise of a fully voiced cosmetic system alone shows Digital Extremes is still innovating, not just iterating. For veteran players, it's a reward for loyalty. For newcomers drawn in by the mobile port or word-of-mouth, it's a spectacular entry point into the game's deep universe. The grind never stops, and honestly, we wouldn't have it any other way. This expansion is poised to be a landmark moment, blending nostalgic aesthetics with cutting-edge live-service gameplay. Mark your calendars for December 13—it's time to party like it's 1999. 🎉