Digital Extremes successfully hosted its annual global festival, 'TennoCon 2026,' in London, Ontario, Canada, from July 10 to 11. During the event, which was broadcast live to millions of fans worldwide, Digital Extremes announced a massive leap forward for 'Warframe,' the long-running global title now in its 13rd year, by unveiling a new region and a major roadmap for the second half of the year.

Notably, the event brought exciting news for Korean fans: Seoul has been selected as the first stop for the 'Tenno VIP World Tour' in the second half of this year. On September 4, a live devstream introducing the autumn update, 'Iceblade of Narin,' will be held in Seoul, with key developers including Geoff Crookes visiting Korea in person to engage deeply with the community.

A New Chapter Beyond the Origin: 'Warframe: Tau'

The Warframe universe is expanding significantly beyond the Origin System. The demo debuted the new star chart, 'Tau,' and the Sentient Ring City, 'Fornax.' The development team clarified that the existing 'Origin System' storyline will not be abandoned, and both worlds will continue to evolve simultaneously.

A host of unique characters will take center stage in this new narrative. Leading the way is 'Brysko,' an intelligent Chimera Warframe voiced by renowned voice actor Matthew Mercer, known for his work on Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and as a legend of Vox Machina. Resurrected by Albrecht Entrati, Brysko is silent to the world but alive with internal monologue, tasked with the singular mission of infiltrating the inner circle of 'The Hunra.' Brysko showcases flashy combat with new melee brass knuckles, 'Rain & Shine,' explosive cards, and the exalted revolver magnum, 'Corecracker.'

'The Hunra,' a villain ruling the criminal underworld, adds tension to the narrative. Played by Jonathan Bullock, The Hunra is a ruthless crime boss who controls Fornax through the production of the addictive substance 'Bloom' and a network of smugglers. Meanwhile, to ensure new players do not get lost in the complex narrative, a 'Tenno Tracker' guide system will be introduced to carefully lead them on their journey to the Tau region.

Introduction of 'Portau,' Warframe's First Card Mini-Game

Warframe's first card mini-game, 'Portau,' is being added. Based on poker mechanics, the game is a hit in The Hunra's gambling dens, allowing players to engage in strategic battles using unique sets of Bloom, Core, Moon, and Sun cards.

The update also reveals a new mission environment: the living Sentient metropolis, 'Fornax.' This unique location features a mix of high-end casinos, gritty shipping docks, and desolate slums. Players must defend the city against the 'Fornax Drowners,' a deadly Sentient faction that has evolved quite differently from those in the home Origin System.

The sound design also offers deep immersion. The original noir trip-hop track "View From the Top," featuring Canadian vocalist Jill Harris, maximizes the dreamy and melancholic atmosphere of the Tau system. This nostalgic, ethereal song debuted in the 'Warframe: Tau' gameplay demo, providing an experience akin to entering a trance-like state in another dimension. The track will soon be officially released on major music streaming platforms.

Second-Half Major Update Roadmap

This autumn, a major update titled 'Iceblade of Narin' awaits mid-to-late-game players. The update introduces a new ice-themed female Warframe (the 66th overall) and the guardian of crystals, 'Citrine Prime.' Citrine Prime will be added alongside new Prime weapons and accessories to enhance the collection experience.

Furthermore, in response to persistent fan requests, a 'Banshee' rework has been confirmed. New releases include a Banshee Deluxe skin, created in collaboration with tattoo artist Mishka, and a gargoyle-themed Qorvex Deluxe skin. More detailed information regarding this update will be revealed during the live devstream in Seoul this September.

The second-half roadmap is packed even before the autumn update. The 'Mesa Heirloom Collection,' featuring detachable ponchos, was released today, and in August, the Nightwave Remix 'Shockwave,' hosted by Protoframe Amir (Volt), will begin. This 1999-themed side story features magic dice, powerful enemies, and various exclusive rewards, including the new song 'RUNNING LATE' by the in-game boy band 'On-lyne.'

'Tenno VIP World Tour' in Seoul this September

Digital Extremes has selected Seoul, South Korea, as the first stop for the 2026 'Tenno VIP World Tour.' On September 4, a live devstream introducing the 'Iceblade of Narin' autumn update will be held in Seoul, with key developers like Geoff Crookes visiting to interact with fans. The world tour will then continue to China (September 12), London (October 2), and Glasgow (October 4).

Digital Extremes also announced that the next event, 'TennoCon 2027,' will be held on July 16–17, 2027. Additionally, the company donated a total of $200k to two local charities during TennoCon 2026, adding to the spirit of the community festival. Further information on the new chapter and upcoming events will be updated on the official Warframe website, forums, and social channels.

Finally, Warframe Creative Director Rebecca Ford shared her thoughts: "When we first launched Warframe nearly 14 years ago, I never imagined it would grow into what it is today. Together with our community, our small project has grown into something far more meaningful than business metrics or player counts. As we look toward a new chapter beyond the stars, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the community that has trusted and respected us, and to everyone who helped turn this small yet massive game into something beyond our wildest imagination. Warframe is a game for you, and Tau is a journey for you, too. I am so happy to be on this journey with you all."