Digital Extremes revealed significant expansions for its flagship titles Warframe and Soulframe at TennoCon 2026. The updates introduce a second solar system to Warframe via the Tau expansion and expand the high-fantasy narrative of Soulframe with new "fable" questlines, dark-side mechanics, and player-requested mounts, signaling a long-term commitment to both live-service ecosystems.
Warframe Expands to the Tau System
The Tau expansion marks the most significant architectural change in Warframe’s 13-year history. According to creative director Rebecca Ford, the update adds a second, fully explorable solar system to the game. This shift aims to sustain the title’s longevity by allowing the development team to build new content on a fresh foundation, planet by planet.
A central feature of this expansion is the city of Fornax. Described as an alien, cyberpunk-inspired megacity, Fornax serves as a new hub zone that blends open exploration with procedurally generated areas. Players will interact with the environment through new mechanics, including flying through the cityscape and participating in underground gambling mini-games to acquire gear.
The expansion also introduces Brysko, a "Chimera Warframe" voiced by Matt Mercer. Unlike standard Warframes, Brysko possesses individual consciousness and functions as a narrator for the Tau experience. Combat with this new frame emphasizes fast-paced, character-action gameplay, featuring unique abilities like throwing lethal playing cards.
Pre-Tau Updates and Quality-of-Life Improvements
Before the Tau expansion launches later in 2026, Digital Extremes is rolling out several bridge updates to keep the player base engaged. The immediate schedule includes:
- Iceblade of Narin: A new story quest that introduces an Ice-elemental Warframe and a new location.
- Orokin Vessel: Players can now acquire and customize this ship, which serves as the primary transport to the Tau system.
- System Refreshes: New Deluxe and Prime variants for existing Warframes, including Qorvex and Banshee, are scheduled alongside a gameplay rework and fresh Nightwave missions under the "Amir’s Shockwave" update.
In addition to the Tau reveal, it was announced that the Excalibur frame is now a new skin in Fortnite.
Soulframe Narrative Growth and Mechanics
Soulframe remains in its alpha "Preludes" phase, with Digital Extremes using community feedback to shape the high-fantasy action RPG. A major narrative update, Warsongs, is scheduled for release this fall. This questline details the origin of the player character and features new recurring cast members, including actors Ben Starr and Jennifer English.
The update introduces the "Vadagar pact," a mechanic that allows players to embrace dark-side powers. During the TennoCon demo, developers showcased this through the "Coiled Dawn," a snake-themed sword capable of wide-reaching strikes. This marks the first formal implementation of a "dark path" within the game’s moral framework.
New Features and Accessibility in Soulframe
Digital Extremes is addressing top-requested community features as the game matures. Beyond the narrative expansions, the studio confirmed:
- Player Mounts: Players can now traverse the world atop large wolves.
- Fishing: A new "Vegan Fishing" mini-game allows players to capture wildlife for intel.
- Combat Encounters: A new battle against the Mendicant Reinbreaker, a shadowy antagonist who may become an ally upon defeat.
Access to the Soulframe Preludes is being expanded. Players who register on the official Soulframe website before July 12 at 11:59 p.m. ET will be granted access to the early-build version of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Warframe Tau expansion launch?
The Tau expansion is scheduled to launch later in 2026.
How can I play Soulframe before its full release?
You can sign up for the Soulframe Preludes on the official website. The current window for guaranteed access ends on July 12, 2026.
What is the "Vadagar pact" in Soulframe?
It is a new gameplay mechanic introduced in the Warsongs questline that allows players to adopt dark-side powers and corruption-based abilities.
Who are the new voice actors joining Soulframe?
Ben Starr and Jennifer English have joined the cast as the antagonist Tempest Bayor and the ally Empress of Eldveil, respectively.
Are you planning to dive into the Tau system or test your skills in the Soulframe Preludes? Let us know your thoughts on these upcoming features in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on Digital Extremes’ roadmap.
Related reading
