Digital Extremes hosted its annual global festival, 'TennoCon 2026,' in London, Ontario, Canada, from July 10 to 11, featuring announcements and events for Warframe and Soulframe fans worldwide. On the second day, July 11, the developer held a live Devstream for its upcoming fantasy action RPG, 'Soulframe,' unveiling information on a massive update.

The Devstream introduced 'Warsong,' a dark-narrative new quest arriving this fall, alongside 'Vadagar' and 'Vespers,' a growth system utilizing corruption. Other reveals included an overhaul of the 'Temper' system for weapon customization, new weapons, a boss battle against the Ode army's 'Mendicant Reinbreaker,' and the long-awaited mount system, all expanding the game's narrative and action.

A Dark Path of Growth: New 'Warsong' Quest and 'Vadagar' Pacts

The new Fable quest 'Warsong,' launching this fall, offers a significantly darker progression path than previous content. Players can harness the power of corruption to forge a new path of redemption through this dark growth trajectory. The Devstream particularly highlighted the 'Vadagar' pact and 'Vespers' system as key components of this corruption-based growth.

'Vespers' is a core system where players decide how to wield the power of corruption, enhancing abilities through three attributes: 'Wrath,' 'Death,' and 'Doom.' Players can strategically customize their combat style to restore health, accelerate magical abilities, or maximize the lethality of stealth attacks and critical hits. Through 'Vadagar' pacts, players can directly wield the power of corrupted Ichor. This enables more destructive combat actions, such as throwing explosive boomerangs, summoning vines to ensnare enemies, or calling forth a swarm of corrosive steeds that leave behind dark pools.

In this regard, Geoff Crookes, Creative Director of 'Soulframe,' stated, "The storytelling in 'Soulframe' has focused on hopeful character narratives centered on salvation rather than the destruction of body and soul. However, there are many paths to salvation in life, and through the 'War's Song' quest, we aim to explore those contrasts to show the necessary balance and coexistence."

He explained, "True growth does not occur without a certain level of despair and fear; these are essential storytelling devices that allow players to deeply empathize with the human life and journey." He added, "While these themes are not always easy to accept, they are an essential part of our lives as beings living briefly in Alca. I hope the community, including players encountering 'Soulframe' for the first time today, finds empathy and connection in these messages."

Evolution of Weapon Customization: 'Temper' System Overhaul

The Devstream also detailed the upcoming overhaul of the 'Temper' system, which will be central to weapon loadouts. Players will soon be able to preserve (extract) the Temper imbued in a weapon when dismantling it, rather than losing it. This collected Temper collection can then be used to 're-tune' Legend grade weapons via the blacksmith NPC 'Tuvalkane.' Players will be able to freely swap weapon options using various collected Tempers—such as 'Fortified,' which reduces stagger damage when blocking—to craft weapons optimized for their personal combat style.

Along with this, new weapons that will sweep across the battlefield have been unveiled, expanding the range of action. First, a savage, long-reach 'Sword Whip' inspired by Ivy from the 'SoulCalibur' series has been added. Additionally, a multi-hit based 'Boomerang' weapon that requires precise input timing is expected to offer players a new kind of action-oriented fun. Players will be able to build their own strategic and unique equipment by combining these newly added weapons with 'Tempers' that reflect their personal combat styles.

'Mendicant Reinbreaker' Boss Battle and Mount System Debut

In the current 'Soulframe Prelude,' players can battle the latest boss of the Ode army, the 'Mendicant Reinbreaker.' Players must dismantle the onslaught of the mount the boss rides and defeat him, with the climax of the fight requiring precise maneuvers to neutralize the mount.

Winning the battle allows players to successfully liberate the restrained steed, potentially opening opportunities to bond with and tame it in the future. Furthermore, the highly anticipated 'Mounts' system will be introduced to the Prelude this year, with tests planned for the second half of the year that will allow players to traverse Alca alongside a full-grown wolf companion.

Additionally, lakeside fishing with 'Grandfather Doyen' has been added as a new gathering activity. More than just a mini-game, it is set to become a lifestyle content feature that deepens the world-building of Alca through the narrative device of a forgotten childhood hobby.

New Characters: Tempest Bayor & The Empress of Eldveil

Compelling new characters and their voice actors were also revealed. The player's primary rival, 'Tempest Bayor,' is a rare Red-Armed Envoy who aligns with the invading Ode army, supported by a loyal raven companion. The character is brought to life by actor Ben Starr, known for his work in 'Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.'

While Tempest Bayor's exact motives remain unknown, the 'Empress of Eldveil,' making her first appearance in the game, left players intrigued with hints that she knows much more than she lets on. The role of the Empress of Eldveil is performed by actor Jennifer English, who also participated in 'Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.'

Until 1:00 PM on July 13... Permanent 'Prelude' Access for All Sign-ups

To celebrate the TennoCon community festival, Digital Extremes is granting permanent access to the 'Soulframe Prelude' to all players worldwide who create an account on the official website by 1:00 PM (specifically 12:59 PM) KST on Monday, July 13. This allows players to access the game and experience the latest build of Soulframe without time limits until the official launch.

Registrants can secure their own Envoy name and explore dozens of weapons, fables, characters, and pacts without time restrictions until the official release. After this open registration period ends, players will have to wait for weekly lotteries to receive additional access.