Digital Extremes Archives – Destructoid https://www.destructoid.com Probably About Video Games Fri, 26 Jan 2024 21:09:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.4 211000526 Warframe Dante Unbound update set for March, adds 56th Warframe https://www.destructoid.com/warframe-dante-unbound-update-set-for-march-adds-56th-warframe/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=warframe-dante-unbound-update-set-for-march-adds-56th-warframe https://www.destructoid.com/warframe-dante-unbound-update-set-for-march-adds-56th-warframe/#respond Fri, 26 Jan 2024 21:09:13 +0000 https://www.destructoid.com/?p=455190

During the Warframe Devstream 176, developer Digital Extremes revealed plans for the next big update, Dante Unbound. Scheduled to release in March 2024, the update will bring the 56th Warframe to the popular action RPG MMO.

Warframe Dante
Image via Digital Extremes

56th Warframe: Dante, Master of Reality's Pages

The highlight of the new update is of course the new Warframe, Dante. Described as a classic-MMO caster, Dante is accompanied by his own Exalted Weapon, Noctua. A Dante-bound Grimoire, Noctua obliterates enemies by pelting them with spectral pages and cursed paper cuts. I have to admit, being cut up by cursed pages of a magical spellbook sounds pretty brutal.

The living sandstorm Warframe Inaros is also getting a long overdue rework with the update, with full details on the rework to come soon.

Quality-of-life updates and return of TennoGen

TennoGen, a unique system in Warframe comprised of unique customizations created by fellow Warframe players, is finally making a return in the March update. TennoGen is essentially a collaborative program between community artists and Digital Extremes developers to add purchasable cosmetics to the game while sharing revenue with the artists who created them.

The TennoGen system has been updated, and will now accept submissions under the new Entrati style that was added in the recent Whispers in the Walls update that was released in December. Fans will now be able to create Warframe skins, Weapon skins, Operator accessories, Landing Craft skins, and more as part of Tennogen.

Dante looks like a pretty cool caster Warframe, so I'm excited to hear more. The Dante Unbound update for Warframe will release in March 2024.

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Warframe announces 2024’s first Void Corruption Alert missions https://www.destructoid.com/warframe-announces-2024s-first-void-corruption-alert-missions/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=warframe-announces-2024s-first-void-corruption-alert-missions https://www.destructoid.com/warframe-announces-2024s-first-void-corruption-alert-missions/#respond Mon, 08 Jan 2024 14:27:48 +0000 https://www.destructoid.com/?p=447190

As one of the most player-friendly free-to-play live-service games on the market right now, Warframe has earned its long-lasting tenure for sure. To celebrate 2024, the developer Digital Extremes has announced Warframe's latest set of Void Corruption Alerts, giving players a chance to earn unique mods and bundles of credits.

Void Corruption Alerts aren't a new thing in Warframe, of course. While veteran players may find the content added as part of the recent Whispers in the Walls update more interesting, 2024's first batch of Void Corruption Alerts is still very important both for newcomers and for those who haven't yet filled out their Mod libraries. With Fleeting Expertise, Blind Rage, Transient Fortitude, and a slew of others on offer, now's the time to jump in and earn those mods.

A new round of Warframe Void Corruption Alert missions

Warframe's latest batch of Void Corruption Alerts is going to run over the course of the next couple of weekends. The really important bit is that each Alert will run for a few days at a time, which means that players should have ample opportunities to score the rare mods. Here's the full schedule, as featured in Digital Extremes' official blog post:

  • Weekend #1: January 5 (11 AM ET) - January 8 (11 AM ET), Taranis - Defense (level 10-15), Fleeting Expertise + 30,000 Credits
  • Weekend #2: January 12 (11 AM ET) - January 15 (11 AM ET), Tiwaz - Mobile Defense (level 20-25), Blind Rage + 30,000 Credits
  • Weekend #3: January 19 (11 AM ET) - January 22 (11 AM ET), Ani - Survival (level 20-25), Narrow Minded + 30,000 Credits
  • Weekend #4: January 26 (11 AM ET) - January 29 (11 AM ET), Ukko - Capture (level 30-35), Overextended + 30,000 Credits
  • Weekend #5: February 2 (11 AM ET) - February 5 (11 AM ET), Oxomoco - Exterminate (level 30-35), Transient Fortitude + Stratos Emblem

It's a fine selection of goodies, then, and the Stratos Emblem in particular is a curious addition. Players who are just now getting through Warframe's earliest progression steps may wish to take note, as Corrupted mods could massively improve their load-outs quickly and easily. Of course, to participate in this latest batch of Void Corruption missions, you will need to have them unlocked in the first place, so it's worth planning around these Alerts while you have the time.

Why are Void Corruption Alert missions important?

Void Corruption Alerts are notable specifically because they award the mods outlined above: Fleeting Expertise, Blind Rage, Narrow Minded, Overextended, and Transient Fortitude. Unlike most other mods, these Corrupted mods offer massive bonuses at the cost of specific stat reductions. While this might not sound ideal at a glance, hyper-focusing on particular stats is a very viable strategy in Warframe, and having such mods at hand in case you need them is extremely useful.

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Newest Warframe update Whispers in the Walls releases next week https://www.destructoid.com/newest-warframe-update-whispers-in-the-walls-releases-next-week/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=newest-warframe-update-whispers-in-the-walls-releases-next-week https://www.destructoid.com/newest-warframe-update-whispers-in-the-walls-releases-next-week/#respond Fri, 08 Dec 2023 02:29:48 +0000 https://www.destructoid.com/?p=437631 Warframe Whispers in the Walls update

Digital Extremes revealed during The Game Awards that the next big update for Warframe, titled Whispers in the Walls will be released next week on December 13. The update focuses on a cinematic quest and narrative arc featuring popular voice actors Neil Newbon (Baldur's Gate 3) and Ben Starr(Final Fantasy XVI). Starr will also be returning for the upcoming Warframe 1999.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bg_WUK4iaik

I've always been so intrigued with the story of Warframe and it looks like this brings it to the next level. Sounds like it's time for me to get back caught up so I can check it out.

The Warframe update Whispers in the Walls releases on December 13 on all platforms and will include cross-platform saving as well as the 55th Warframe Qorvex.

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Digital Extremes cuts jobs, closes external projects division https://www.destructoid.com/digital-extremes-cuts-jobs-closes-external-projects-division/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=digital-extremes-cuts-jobs-closes-external-projects-division https://www.destructoid.com/digital-extremes-cuts-jobs-closes-external-projects-division/#respond Thu, 09 Nov 2023 22:07:39 +0000 https://www.destructoid.com/?p=426443 Digital Extremes layoffs

An unknown number of employees have been laid off at Warframe developer and Wayfinder publisher Digital Extremes today. According to Polgyon, at least 20 employees in total were let go. It appears Digital Extremes is closing their external projects division which publishes games like the recently Early Access release title Wayfinder. Instead, the company will shift its focus towards internal projects like Warframe and Soulframe.

We reached out to Digital Extremes who confirmed the information and provided the following statement

“We can confirm we have made the difficult decision to cease operations of our external projects division. We have had to say goodbye to a number of hardworking and highly valuable team members as a result.”

The representative also confirmed that Digital Extremes is looking to transfer Wayfinder in its entirety into the hands of the developer, Airship Syndicate.

"“We're working with Airship to transition full control of Wayfinder to them in coming months."

Just a few weeks ago there was a leadership change at Digital Extremes as well, with Chief Creative Officer Steven Sinclair replacing Founder James Schmalz as CEO of the company.

Rough times in the video games industry

These kinds of articles are never easy to write, especially when the video game industry seems to be suffering layoffs several times a week. Just yesterday Embracer Group laid off staff at developer Free Radical, after doing the same just last month at Cryptic Studios and Zen Studios. Ubisoft Montreal also suffered layoffs earlier this week.

This list has grown so big it almost feels easier to name the companies that have not conducted layoffs compared to those that have. According to the website VideoGameLayoffs.com, over 6,500 employees from over 100 companies in the games industry have been laid off this year alone.

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    Wayfinder “The Reaver King” update adds new story, bosses, weapons https://www.destructoid.com/wayfinder-the-reaver-king-update-adds-new-story-bosses-weapons/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wayfinder-the-reaver-king-update-adds-new-story-bosses-weapons https://www.destructoid.com/wayfinder-the-reaver-king-update-adds-new-story-bosses-weapons/#respond Tue, 31 Oct 2023 17:14:34 +0000 https://www.destructoid.com/?p=422373 Wayfinder The Reaver King update

    Airship Syndicate and Digital Extremes have released the final mid-season update before Season 2 of Wayfinder, titled The Reaver King. The update for the Action RPG MMO brings a trove of new content ahead of Season 2 which is expected to release later this year. Players with any Wayfinder founder's pack can jump into The Reaver King starting today.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c8DqTBqPV0

    The Hollow Heart Opens

    The main story of Wayfinder will proceed forward with The Reaver King, with four new main quests and three side quests. This is the biggest Wayfinder update yet, and will culminate in players taking on The Reaver King.

    An existing Lost Zone, Hollow Heart, features all new content and secrets for players to explore as they attempt to make their way towards the two new bosses: Wormwood and The Reaver King. Each boss comes in the form of new hunts.

    Players will also have access to a third Imbuement Slot for the Shadow element which to continue altering the existing Lost Zone threats and rewards. Rewards include three new weapons each with their own abilities that players can acquire. The three new weapons are:

    • Rose & Thorn — Blood-stained flower petal-esq daggers. Ability: Thorn Blossom - Slam into the ground, shooting thorns up from the ground in an area below the Wayfinder. Enemies hit will be inflicted with Rose Blossom for 10 seconds, taking additional damage each time they are hit.
    • Eclipse — Two-handed axe that consumes all light around it. Ability: Steel Vortex - Throws the axe to spin in a vortex in front of the Wayfinder, dealing damage multiple times before returning. Deals additional damage for each level of Momentum consumed.
    • Nightshade — A sword and shield that predates humanity. Ability: Wyvern’s Fury - Reloads the gun with an empowered clip. During this clip, the weapon is fully automatic and every bullet is infused to apply a stack of Poison on hit. Poison is a small DoT that stacks up to 20 times and deals damage over 6 seconds.

    Those interested in the full patch notes for Wayfinder The Reaver King can find them here.

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    CEO of Warframe Developer Digital Extremes stepping down https://www.destructoid.com/ceo-of-warframe-developer-digital-extremes-stepping-down/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ceo-of-warframe-developer-digital-extremes-stepping-down https://www.destructoid.com/ceo-of-warframe-developer-digital-extremes-stepping-down/#respond Tue, 24 Oct 2023 16:44:14 +0000 https://www.destructoid.com/?p=419369 Warframe CEO stepping down

    Founder of Digital Extremes James Schmalz announced today he intends to step down as CEO of the company. The current Chief Creative Officer Steve Sinclair will assume the CEO duties effective immediately. Sinclair is a 24-year veteran at Digital Extremes. Schmalz will remain on the board of directors to offer insight and guidance to the company moving forward.

    https://twitter.com/DigitalExtremes/status/1716851278209257793

    “It’s been a long journey from Epic Pinball to Soulframe. I feel immensely privileged to have been able to play my part in shaping our industry; building our stellar team has been a fulfilling life work. I feel in Steve we have the ideal leader to take us and our growing community of players into a new era and can’t wait to see what can be accomplished under his leadership.”

    - James Schmalz, Founder of Digital Extremes

    If you've watched any big Warframe event stream or attended Tennocon, you will be familiar with Steve Sinclair. As Chief Creative Officer, he's been front and center through the development of Warframe and is currently leading development on Soulframe.

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    Warframe Abyss of Dagath update aims to haunt players before Halloween https://www.destructoid.com/warframe-abyss-of-dagath-update-aims-to-haunt-players-before-halloween/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=warframe-abyss-of-dagath-update-aims-to-haunt-players-before-halloween https://www.destructoid.com/warframe-abyss-of-dagath-update-aims-to-haunt-players-before-halloween/#respond Thu, 28 Sep 2023 20:29:22 +0000 https://www.destructoid.com/?p=410654 Warframe Abyss of Dagath update

    In their newest Devstream, Warframe developer Digital Extremes revealed details for the MMO's upcoming Abyss of Dagath update. The update, which will be released on October 18, will add the 54th Warframe to its ranks. The legendary headless horsewoman Dagath can conjure spectral sickles and projectile cursed energy from her faceless head. The appropriately-themed update will be released just in time for Halloween and comes with more content including a Prime form of the Warframe Grendel as well as reworks to companions and the Warframe Hydroid.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hj8lf9cGU0&pp=ygUId2FyZnJhbWU%3D

    The 54th Warframe is Dagath, the headless horsewoman

    The headless horsewoman Dagath wields a Dorrclave, part sword and part whip. She can also conjure rotating spectral sickles and projectile cursed energy from her faceless head. Dagath has the ability to guard specifically against spectral realm-based damage, and even summon Rakhali's Cavalry, five phantasmal steeds that collide with enemies for massive damage.

    I have to admit, this is one of the coolest-looking Warframes in a while. It definitely fits with the spooky nature of the update heading into Halloween.

    Warframe Grendel Prime
    Image via Digital Extremes

    Grendel Prime and a couple of reworks

    The all-devouring Grendel Prime will arrive with the latest Prime Access on October 18. Grendel Prime Access will also feature Prime versions of his signature weapons Masseter Prime as well as Zylok Prime.

    Alongside the new Prime, Hydroid, and companions are getting a bit of a rework. Companions are receiving improved vitality and can no longer be permanently defeated during missions. They will instead become incapacitated.

    Hydroid is getting improvements to his existing abilities as well as a brand new ability called Plunder. Plunder allows Hydroid to steal armor from enemies within view and convert it to bonus Corrosive weapon damage.

    Warframe Hydroid rework
    Image via Digital Extremes

    Two events are already underway

    Even though the Abyss of Dagath update doesn't drop until October 18, a couple of community events have already begun. First is the Quest to Conquer Cancer where players can unlock various rewards while raising funds for The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.

    The other current event is the Nights of Naberus, which reigns in the spooky season with Halloween-themed cosmetics including masks, armor, skins, and more. A new Naberus Lotus skin is also available during the event.

    “Naberus is always a great time of year for Warframe. We have our holiday-themed
    54th Warframe, more lore, tons of activities, and quality of life improvements - not to mention
    the launch of Grendel’s Prime - no tricks, only treats!”

    - Rebecca Ford, Creative DIrector

    Warframe's Abyss of Dagath update comes out on October 18 on all platforms. Players can view patch notes of all the planned changes via the Warframe website.

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      Wayfinder updates are on the way including new Season, character, and live event https://www.destructoid.com/wayfinder-call-of-the-void-update-brings-a-new-character/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wayfinder-call-of-the-void-update-brings-a-new-character https://www.destructoid.com/wayfinder-call-of-the-void-update-brings-a-new-character/#respond Wed, 27 Sep 2023 20:37:36 +0000 https://www.destructoid.com/?p=410311 Wayfinder 2 Call of the Void update Season 2

      Big updates are on the way for MMO Wayfinder. Developer Airship Syndicate revealed the updates during their Wayfinder Wednesday blog post. In the near future, a mid-season update is on the horizon bringing a new live event called Call of the Void as well as some new content. Later, Season 2 will kick off and see the release of a new Wayfinder character named Grendel. An in-depth look at the new content from the mid-season update will be coming in early October.

      https://youtu.be/a_54ZR92n0o

      The Fierce Beast Grendel

      A new Wayfinder named Grendel will be joining the roster of characters with Season 2. The ferocious beast will be available immediately for players who have an Awakened or Exalted Founder's pack. Other players will have the ability to farm the components required to craft Grendel, who will then be permanently unlocked.

      Other than the teaser trailer, Airship Syndicate hasn't released much about Grendel just yet. According to his description, Grendel is an enraged berserker who explodes into battle in a whirlwind of speed and fury. His full reveal details will be coming soon.

      Screenshot via Digital Extremes

      Mid-season Live Event and New Content

      The first-ever live event, Call of the Void, will have stranger rifts appearing all across the Highlands. Players will be able to seek out and explore the rifts which are full of mysteries and surprises. Two new quests will lead players into the flames as they confront the Highlands Fire Lord. Another quest titled The Final Score will unlock the Drill Machine, a new secret weapon constructed deep in the Mines.

      A new Lost Zone, Gloom Dungeon, and a new weapon called Juggernaut are also coming in the update. Wayfinders who complete the event will gain access to an exclusive Gloom Dagger skin called Dawning Hope.

      Finally, a slew of quality-of-life and balance updates will be coming to Wayfinder in phases. You can find the full patch notes full of fixes on the Wayfinder Wednesday blog post.

      UPDATE: An earlier version of this post incorrectly stated that Season 2 was titled Call of the Void. Call of the Void is actually a live event that is part of an upcoming mid-season update with new content, whereas Grendel will come to Wayfinder with Season 2. We apologize for the incorrect information!

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      Warframe: 1999 may reimagine a classic Digital Extremes game https://www.destructoid.com/warframe-1999-may-reimagine-a-classic-digital-extremes-game/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=warframe-1999-may-reimagine-a-classic-digital-extremes-game https://www.destructoid.com/warframe-1999-may-reimagine-a-classic-digital-extremes-game/#respond Sun, 27 Aug 2023 15:36:50 +0000 https://www.destructoid.com/?p=399361

      Digital Extremes' Warframe is one of the longest-lasting live-service games on the market, having started its free-to-play romp back in 2013. Some of the game's oldest fans may well remember that DE's sci-fi adventure ambitions started earlier still, with the original concept behind Dark Sector: a game that embodied many of Warframe's core design principles at first, only to eventually be retrofitted into a bog standard (albeit charming) cover-based third-person shooter. Well, Dark Sector has always had more than a few parallels with Warframe proper, and those parallels may be explored in a new context with Warframe: 1999.

      Notably, Digital Extremes recently revealed one of Warframe's two upcoming expansions, those being Whispers in the Walls and Warframe: 19991999 is due to launch sometime in 2024, and what's really notable about it is that it appears to take players far, far away from the central conflict of the Sol system. Instead, it is seemingly set in an alternative version of the year 1999.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6NyR1Gfvr8

      Is Warframe: 1999 a Dark Sector revival?

      Digital Extremes has, historically, never been too concerned about whether the team will stray too far away from Warframe's core lore and gameplay principles. This has resulted in a remarkably layered but also fragmented experience, where not all of the game's features necessarily interact with one another. It's always been a bit strange, then, that the studio chose not to do anything with Dark Sector, short of releasing some of its cosmetics as microtransactions in Warframe.

      It's worth pointing out that DE itself hasn't come out and said that 1999 is a re-envisioning of Dark Sector. The similarities, however, are certainly striking. The protagonist of Warframe: 1999 is a mystery man known as Arthur, who is - for whatever reason - fielding the Excalibur bodysuit with an old-school combat harness and other various tidbits of regular, modern-day kit. His enemies? The techno-organic plague, which may or may not have something to do with the mad scientist type (Entrati) who appears at the end of the trailer. The similarities with Dark Sector's Hayden Tenno are impossible to ignore.

      Now, it's anyone's guess whether Digital Extremes is actually gunning to reenvision Dark Sector in the context of Warframe's own lore, but that certainly looks like what's going on. Warframe veterans may wish to keep an eye out for 1999, then, as it has the potential of being remarkably interesting to those who enjoy the game's wacky lore.

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      Online ARPG Wayfinder hits Early Access in August https://www.destructoid.com/online-arpg-wayfinder-hits-early-access-in-august/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=online-arpg-wayfinder-hits-early-access-in-august https://www.destructoid.com/online-arpg-wayfinder-hits-early-access-in-august/#respond Fri, 21 Jul 2023 19:00:17 +0000 https://www.destructoid.com/?p=392944 Wayfinder Early Access announced

      Out of Beta, into Early Access

      The online Action RPG Wayfinder is almost ready for Early Access. After a handful of beta events, Digital Extremes announced Wayfinder will be hitting Early Access on August 15. Founder's Packs will be available in several tiers with each offering access to Wayfinder as well as two seasons of unique rewards. Of course, each founder's pack has its own separate cosmetic rewards as well. The ARPG will launch on both PC (Steam) and PlayStation with full cross-play and cross-save support.

      Publisher Digital Extremes and developer Airship Syndicate also unveiled an all-new playable sharpshooter class called the Venomess: here's the trailer showing off the new class and announcing the upcoming Early Access.

      https://youtu.be/0TdDWdfhAMU

      An interactive Battle Pass that never expires

      Each founder's pack will also grant you access to the Season 1 and 2 Reward Towers. This unique battle pass will allow you to choose your own path toward earning unique seasonal rewards. Unlocks from the Rewards Tower include exclusive characters, Sprays, Charms, pets, and other cosmetics. Interestingly, each season's Battle Pass in Wayfinder never expires allowing players to grind it out how they want and when they want.

      I had the chance to play in the Wayfinders beta and it definitely shows some promise. The fast-paced combat felt quite satisfying. Also, the varying playstyles of each class provide the potential for true class identity and agency. Overall it was way too mission-based for my liking, but that's exactly what Waframe fans are accustomed to. The ability to team up with friends and blast through high-intensity action in an online setting is great, even if it's not quite MMO-like. Even Warframe opened up into the more traditional MMO experience over time, so perhaps Wayfinder will do its own twist with Airship Syndicate at the helm.

      Wayfinder hits early access on PC (Steam) and PlayStation on August 15.

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      10 best free games to play on PS5 right now https://www.destructoid.com/10-best-free-games-to-play-on-ps5-right-now/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=10-best-free-games-to-play-on-ps5-right-now https://www.destructoid.com/10-best-free-games-to-play-on-ps5-right-now/#respond Mon, 19 Jun 2023 19:00:33 +0000 https://www.destructoid.com/?p=387335

      Don't Pay to Play

      Gaming can quite quickly become an expensive hobby. The non-stop conga line of fantastic games this year has made it harder than ever to play without hurting your wallet. Not every worthwhile experience has a price tag on it, however. With the following PS5 titles, you'll have a blast without spending a cent.

      [caption id="attachment_387340" align="alignnone" width="640"]Apex Legends map. Image by Respawn Entertainment.[/caption]

      10. Apex Legends

      When it comes to free-to-play games, fans of first-person shooters have more than enough to pick from. Apex Legends is a battle-royale style game featuring a cast of characters serving as either Recon, Support, Skirmisher, Assault, or Controller. With a good variety of guns and maps, it is a title that easily hooks players for hours at a time.

      [caption id="attachment_387345" align="alignnone" width="640"]Shooting in Destiny 2: Ghost of the Deep. Image by Bungie.[/caption]

      9. Destiny 2

      Yet another first-person shooter appears on the list in the form of Destiny 2. It has managed to remain relevant thanks to constant expansions, including Lightfall in 2023. With Sony's acquisition of Bungie, it appears the franchise will be supported for a long time to come.

      [caption id="attachment_387344" align="alignnone" width="640"]Combat in Warframe. Image by Digital Extremes.[/caption]

      8. Warframe

      The third-person shooter Warframe was first released in 2013, and it has maintained popularity since. It uses a mix of both procedurally generated and fixed levels that have players using guns and stealth. With new expansions regularly released, it's always a good time to start playing Warframe.

      [caption id="attachment_387342" align="alignnone" width="640"]Character in Sky: Children of the Light. Screenshot by Destructoid.[/caption]

      7. Sky: Children of Light

      Sky is a game that is best experienced instead of described. Players who enjoyed titles like Journey and Flower will instantly fall in love with Sky. Much like the aforementioned titles, Sky features a minimalistic style of storytelling along with multiplayer elements implemented in unexpected ways. Play Sky, it may be the best thing you do all week.

      [caption id="attachment_387339" align="alignnone" width="640"]Sims painting in The Sims 4. Image by Maxis Studios.[/caption]

      6. The Sims 4

      The popular life simulation game The Sims 4 went free-to-play in 2022, breathing new life into a somewhat dated game. Although the controls on consoles are occasionally awkward, The Sims 4 is definitely worth playing. It has earned its longevity through its expansive gameplay, detailed character creator system, and quirky humor that has characterized the franchise for years.

      [caption id="attachment_387343" align="alignnone" width="640"]Characters on the street in Fortnite. Image by Epic Games.[/caption]

      5. Fortnite

      It's hard to make any free-to-play list without including Fortnite. Over five years after its initial release, it has since grown into a phenomenon encompassing celebrities, music concerts, and various other gaming franchises. Nevertheless, it remains ol' reliable when it comes to exciting battle royale gameplay.

      [caption id="attachment_387359" align="alignnone" width="640"]Lifeweaver in Overwatch 2. Image by Blizzard.[/caption]

      4. Overwatch 2

      The first-person shooter Overwatch 2 is one of the most popular games of its type around. Gameplay is fast-paced and fun, with a learning curve that's not too steep. The player base is very active, ensuring you can jump into the action at any time.

      [caption id="attachment_387341" align="alignnone" width="640"]Car hitting ball in Rocket League. Screenshot by Destructoid.[/caption]

      3. Rocket League

      When it comes to addictive gameplay, it's hard to do better than Rocket League. Released in 2015, it has players playing soccer with rocket-powered vehicles. It has since developed a competitive scene, though casual players can still easily join at any time. In 2020, it went free-to-play, opening the game to an even wider audience.

      [caption id="attachment_387338" align="alignnone" width="640"]Bean falling during loading screen in Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout. Screenshot by Destructoid.[/caption]

      2. Fall Guys

      Fall Guys launched in August 2020, and it was an immediate record-breaking hit. Though it may not make as many headlines in 2023, Fall Guys is still a silly battle royale game with an active user base. Much like the show Takeshi's Castle, players are tasked with completing an assortment of games and obstacle courses. Little beans are the competitors, which makes things all the more sillier.

      [caption id="attachment_387336" align="alignnone" width="640"]Astro in Astro's Playroom. Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

      1. Astro's Playroom

      Astro's Playroom is bundled with the PS5, and it familiarizes players with the features of the DualSense, as well as the blinding speed of the console's SSD. It is, without a doubt, a must-play for every PS5 owner, and years later it remains one of the best showcases of the PS5's abilities.

      The game features gorgeous visuals that reference many classic PlayStation franchises, and the platforming gameplay is both fun and varied. The only wish now is that the PSVR 2 receives a similar title.

      There is a good variety of free-to-play games available on PS5, and they'll satisfy fans of sports games, shooters, and platformers. Upcoming free-to-play games to look out for include the soccer game UFC, as well as the MMORPG Throne and Liberty.

      The post 10 best free games to play on PS5 right now appeared first on Destructoid.

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      Warframe’s The Duviri Paradox expansion arrives in April https://www.destructoid.com/warframe-the-duviri-paradox-expansion-april-release-teaser/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=warframe-the-duviri-paradox-expansion-april-release-teaser https://www.destructoid.com/warframe-the-duviri-paradox-expansion-april-release-teaser/#respond Fri, 03 Mar 2023 23:00:50 +0000 https://www.destructoid.com/?p=367003 Warframe The Duviri Paradox

      Things seem to be getting strange(r) in Warframe

      The popular online multiplayer game Warframe is getting its next big piece of content next month. The Duviri Paradox expansion for Warframe arrives in April, bringing its own style of experience to the sci-fi game.

      As premiered during today's March Devstream, a teaser showed off some more of the theme and vibe for The Duviri Paradox. The story follows the Drifter, stuck in a shifting and changing world, going up against the Child King ruler Dominus Thrax.

      Publisher and developer Digital Extremes is billing this as a roguelike-inspired Open World experience, which will be accessible to both new and old players. You can get a glimpse of what that looks like here:

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl_4SobiEHs

      During today's stream, the team also shared more about the different improvements to the Warframe experience and what's in store for this update. Crucially, there are three different game modes you'll be greeted with when kicking off your journey. "The Circuit" will be a new, Warframe Only endless game mode, while "The Duviri Experience" will be a full open world adventure. For those who want some solo story, "The Lone Story" will provide that. You can learn more from the Twitch VOD here.

      No date was locked in, just the April window; but more information about The Duviri Paradox and its date will be coming "soon."

      A true paradox

      I'm admittedly not a huge Warframe person, though that's mostly from never having played more than a few hours of it. Today's announcement caught my eye, though, with its statement that players new and old could both hop in.

      Those who have taken the plunge with Warframe have frequently sung its praises, so an onboard ramp is certainly appealing to me. Plus, a roguelike option in a constantly updating game is curious to me, in and of itself. We'll see just what the paradox holds when The Duviri Paradox hits Warframe sometime next month.

      For those who want to celebrate the new content in-person, there's an additional bit of good news: Digital Extremes will be hosting TennoCon in-person later this year on August 26 in London, Ontario.

      The post Warframe’s The Duviri Paradox expansion arrives in April appeared first on Destructoid.

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      Airship Syndicate and Digital Extremes team up for co-op action RPG Wayfinder https://www.destructoid.com/wayfinder-airship-syndicate-digital-extreme-reveal-tga-trailer/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wayfinder-airship-syndicate-digital-extreme-reveal-tga-trailer https://www.destructoid.com/wayfinder-airship-syndicate-digital-extreme-reveal-tga-trailer/#respond Fri, 09 Dec 2022 02:36:37 +0000 https://www.destructoid.com/?p=353358 Wayfinder

      Don't lose your way (finder)

      Airship Syndicate is teaming up with the studio behind Warframe for a new multiplayer title. Wayfinder is a co-op action RPG that mixes fantasy and tech for some co-op action RPG adventures.

      Revealed at tonight's Game Awards 2022, Wayfinder is a new action RPG for PC and consoles, aiming for 2023. Creative director Joe "Mad" Madureira, of Battle Chasers fame, is at the helm with Airship Syndicate. Digital Extremes, the company behind Warframe, is publishing.

      Wayfinder is set in the world of Evenor, which is gradually being consumed by Gloom. Wayfinders (the players) take up the mantle and fight the Gloom, working to fight back against its spread together.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYFU7jrMAIM

      Each Wayfinder has their own unique story to explore and play style to utilize. You can collect and craft gear to improve your loadout, while also boosting up your character themselves. Runs can be customized with unique modifiers and challenges to offer special hunting and gathering chances.

      The draw is multiplayer, and it looks like you can set out with a pretty decently sized party. Alongside fighting the Gloom, there's also an at-home customization element with the player's Apartment.

      Finding a way forward

      While Airship Syndicate and Digital Extremes are aiming for 2023 on PC and console, you'll potentially be able to play Wayfinder before the year's out. A closed playtest is being held for Wayfinder starting on Tuesday, December 13. If you want to try it out, you can head over to the Wayfinder PC playtest sign-ups here. Meanwhile, PlayStation playtests will be held in January.

      Then, in spring 2023, the duo of Airship and Extremes aims to launch Wayfinder into Early Access on PC and PlayStation. A free-to-play full launch is expected to follow in fall 2023, and embrace Digital Extremes' "free-and-fair" monetization policy, according to a press release.

      The post Airship Syndicate and Digital Extremes team up for co-op action RPG Wayfinder appeared first on Destructoid.

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      Warframe’s 50th Warframe will be free to claim for a limited time on launch https://www.destructoid.com/warframe-50th-free-for-limited-time-veilbreaker-update-september/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=warframe-50th-free-for-limited-time-veilbreaker-update-september https://www.destructoid.com/warframe-50th-free-for-limited-time-veilbreaker-update-september/#respond Fri, 26 Aug 2022 23:00:10 +0000 https://www.destructoid.com/?p=341934 Warframe 50th Styanax

      Get a new frame for free

      Digital Extremes' live-service shooter Warframe is celebrating the reveal its 50th Warframe. And in honor of this milestone, that Warframe will be free for a limited time.

      Players can add Styanax, the 50th Warframe, to their arsenal for free for a limited time. The new frame will go live in September on all platforms as part of the Veilbreaker update. The new warrior will be available for up to two weeks, after the update launches.

      If you're unfamiliar with Warframe, it's a free-to-play live-service shooter where the player can operate different mechanized suits called Warframes. Each one has its own special abilities and design, letting players swap around how they play.

      Styanax is inspired by Greek mythology, specifically the warrior Astyanax, the son of Hector. He's a powerful warrior, and a new animated short shows off some of his moves alongside some backstory of the Warframe universe.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gi_9Ypouuc

      Back in action

      The Veilbreaker update will also bring back Grineer Kahl-175 as a playable character, in a new quest following the events of The New War. Here's the description:

      "After a curious signal is picked up by Daughter of the Entrati family, the Tenno are contacted to investigate a Murex ship near Deimos and find its source. As Kahl, players will utilize new powerful abilities and tech gained along the way to fight their way through a Sentient onslaught and returning Archon boss enemies aboard the Murex while circumventing their intriguing technology to locate and safely release his brothers from imprisonment."

      Veilbreaker will add new customizations and accessories, alongside reworks to various systems. New cosmetics will also be made available, including some Kahl-175 exclusive ones.

      Warframe has really stood the test of time, garnering a significant following over the years it's been out. With its 50th Warframe coming next month alongside more content, it's a nice little boon for longtime fans, or a decent way to pick up a new kit if you're starting the game out.

      The Veilbreaker update for Warframe will be out on all platforms in September 2022.

      The post Warframe’s 50th Warframe will be free to claim for a limited time on launch appeared first on Destructoid.

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      Warframe creator Digital Extremes announces Soulframe, a new free-to-play action MMO https://www.destructoid.com/soulframe-reveal-warframe-digital-extremes-tennocon-2022/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=soulframe-reveal-warframe-digital-extremes-tennocon-2022 https://www.destructoid.com/soulframe-reveal-warframe-digital-extremes-tennocon-2022/#respond Sun, 17 Jul 2022 13:00:59 +0000 https://www.destructoid.com/?p=335290 Soulframe Announcement

      Did I get enough buzz words in that headline?

      One big issue with writing for Destructoid while also working a full-time job is that it's very difficult to keep up with those games-as-a-service titles I love while also doing all the reviews, previews, and general articles that are of interest to me. It's too easy for these games to fall to the wayside, which is exactly what happened to Warframe about a year ago. Despite the many hours I put into it on Switch, I just couldn't catch up and keep up with everything Digital Extremes was putting out. Hopefully, I'll be better at managing my time when Soulframe launches.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CT_jYWIG1A

      Easily the biggest announcement at Saturday's TennoCon, Digital Extremes whipped an impressively beautiful and cryptic trailer for its Soulframe reveal. Announced as a free-to-play action hybrid-MMORPG that takes place in a fantasy setting, this will be the next original game from Digital Extremes and arguably its biggest undertaking since beginning work on Warframe. In addition to the trailer linked above (which is sadly age-restricted), Digital Extremes also launched the game's website with a few pieces of concept art.

      “With Soulframe’s worldbuilding and thematic elements, we are really looking to go back to our childhood favorites and pull inspiration from the elaborate fantasy worlds that we fell in love with growing up,” Soulframe Creative Director Geoff Crookes said in a press release. “Our team is really interested in this idea of nature and humanity colliding and we’ll be exploring a lot of those themes through our own lens while playing with ideas of restoration and exploration.”

      While some big names within Digital Extremes are moving over to the Soulframe team, the developer was quick to confirm that it will keep supporting, expanding, and updating its flagship title Warframe.

      Much more for Warframe

      Speaking of Warframe, Digital Extremes shared some new details on the highly anticipated Duviri Paradox expansion. Set the release on all platforms this winter, The Duviri Paradox begins a new chapter of the Warframe storyline with an expansive world and a looping day cycle.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxbNAraWhiU

      Beyond The Duviri Paradox, Digital Extremes also took time at TennoCon 2022 to reveal Styanax as the 50th Warframe, announce the Veilbreaker update will be coming soon to all platforms, and confirm that Rebecca Ford, the Live Operations & Community Director at Digital Extremes, has taken over as Creative Director for Warframe as Steve Sinclair moves over to Soulframe.

      Beyond the Soulframe reveal, my favorite announcement yesterday was the confirmation that community testing will start soon for cross-play. Back when it first launched, I tested the waters of the PlayStation 5 version of Warframe and was completely blown away by how gorgeous the game looked. After putting a few hours into that, it was tough to go back to the just-okay-looking Switch version. The only problem is I put so much time into the game on Switch, I can't bring myself to start from scratch on PS5. That's a big reason why I dropped off it in favor of its competitors. So, the sooner cross-play and cross-progression get here for Warframe, the better.

      The post Warframe creator Digital Extremes announces Soulframe, a new free-to-play action MMO appeared first on Destructoid.

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      Warframe will have an ‘interactive preview’ of The New War expansion for TennoCon 2021 https://www.destructoid.com/warframe-tennocon-2021-tease-the-new-war/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=warframe-tennocon-2021-tease-the-new-war https://www.destructoid.com/warframe-tennocon-2021-tease-the-new-war/#respond Mon, 12 Jul 2021 19:30:28 +0000 https://www.destructoid.com/?p=274766 warframe tennocon 2021 the new war

      A New War, different from the old war

      TennoCon 2021 is coming up this weekend, with a look at what's ahead for the free-to-play multiplayer game Warframe. Today, Digital Extremes is revealing just what's set to be revealed: an interactive preview of the upcoming expansion, The New War.

      The gameplay reveal of The New War expansion will take place during TennoLive, on July 17 at 5 p.m. ET. on the Warframe Twitch channel. There will also be a one-time "interactive preview" event, providing a sneak peek at the new content coming to Warframe. You can check out a teaser of the upcoming expansion below:

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6IjR8B5678

      Old enemies will be returning as part of The New War, but there will also be some reasons to tune in besides seeing familiar faces. Digital Extremes will be dropping some in-game Warframe goodies, including a Vastilok Gunblade for watching 30 consecutive minutes between 12:30 p.m. ET and 5 p.m. ET, and a Loki Prime Warframe for watching the same length of time during the TennoLive segment. You can find the full schedule and drop info on the TennoCon site.

      This year's TennoCon is, much like 2020's event, being held online due to health and safety concerns. But while the pandemic may keep folks apart, there will still be activities for attendees, including an in-game relay event with its own rewards.

      TennoCon 2021 will also have its own charity partner, with donations being made to the Unity Project for Relief of Homelessness with funds raised from sales of the TennoCon packs.

      I've not played too much Warframe myself, because I can only balance so many live-service games. But as someone who does play other constantly-updating games, the festivities around TennoCon certainly impress from a distance. In-game events are certainly a cool way to bolster the reveal and foster some community in lieu of real-world meet-ups, and the ever-evolving Warframe always seems to have some wild new additions up its sleeves. I mean, they got mechs last year. That rules.

      TennoCon 2021 will air live on Twitch this Saturday, July 17.

      The post Warframe will have an ‘interactive preview’ of The New War expansion for TennoCon 2021 appeared first on Destructoid.

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