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 new regions 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 in person to engage deeply with the community.

A New Chapter Beyond Origin: 'Warframe: Tau'

The Warframe universe is expanding significantly beyond the Origin System. The demo showcased the new star chart, 'Tau,' and the Sentient ring city, 'Fornax,' for the first time. 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 7 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 a single mission: to infiltrate the inner circle of 'The Hunra.' Brysko showcases flashy combat with new melee brass knuckles, 'Rain & Shine,' explosive cards, and an 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 highly popular in The Hunra's gambling dens, allowing players to compete strategically 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, grimy shipping docks, and desolate slums. Players must defend the city against the 'Fornax Drowners,' a deadly Sentient faction that has evolved in a way entirely different from the Origin System back home.

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 unique to the Tau system. This nostalgic, ethereal song was first revealed 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 will introduce a new ice-themed female Warframe (the 66th in the game) alongside the crystalline fortress 'Citrine Prime.' Citrine Prime will be added with new Prime weapons and accessories, adding to the joy of collection.

Furthermore, in response to persistent fan requests, a rework for 'Banshee' has been confirmed. New releases include a Banshee Deluxe skin in collaboration with tattoo artist Mishka, and a gargoyle-themed Deluxe skin for Qorvex. 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,' which allows for the free attachment and detachment of ponchos, was released today. In August, the Nightwave Remix 'Shockwave,' hosted by Protoframe Amir (Volt), will begin. This 1999-themed side story will feature magic dice and powerful enemies, offering 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 second half of the 2026 'Tenno VIP World Tour.' 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 in person to interact with fans. The world tour will then continue to China (September 12), London (October 2), and Glasgow (October 4).

Additionally, Digital Extremes announced that the next event, 'TennoCon 2027,' will be held over two days on July 16 and 17, 2027. During TennoCon 2026, the company also donated a total of $200k to two local charities, adding to the spirit of the community festival. Detailed information on the new chapter of Warframe and upcoming events will be continuously 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, we 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. Now, 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 has helped make this small yet massive game into something beyond our wildest imagination. Warframe is a game for you, and Tau is a journey for you as well. I am thrilled to be on this journey with you all."