Digital Extremes hosted its annual global fan 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 a massive update.

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

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

The new Fable quest 'Warsong,' launching this fall, offers a darker progression path than previously seen. 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 that determines how players wield the power of corruption, enhancing abilities through three attributes: 'Wrath,' 'Death,' and 'Doom.' Players can use these to strategically customize their combat style, such as by restoring health, accelerating magical abilities, or maximizing the lethality of stealth attacks and critical hits. Through 'Vadagar' pacts, players can directly wield the power of corrupted Ichor. This allows for 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 Revamp

The Devstream also detailed the upcoming revamp 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.' By utilizing various collected Tempers, such as 'Fortified' which reduces stagger damage when blocking, players will be able to freely swap weapon options and optimize their gear for their specific 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 Fight and Mount System Introduction

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

Winning the battle allows players to successfully liberate the shackled steed, potentially offering future opportunities to bond with and tame it. 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 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 cast were also revealed. The player's primary rival, 'Tempest Bayor,' is an Unique red-armed Envoy who aligns with the invading Ode army, supported by a faithful raven companion. The character is brought to life by actor Ben Starr, who participated 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 by hinting that she knows much more than she lets on. The role of the Empress of Eldveil is performed by actress Jennifer English, also known for her work 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 'Soulframe Prelude' to all players worldwide who create an account on the official website by 1:00 PM (specifically 12:59 PM) on Monday, July 13, Korean Standard Time. This means players can access the game without time limits and experience the latest build of Soulframe before its official launch.

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