Unveiling the Basics: Essential Concepts and Terms
The Tenno
The player character, the Tenno, is the heart of Warframe. You’re a master of a unique power, a warrior capable of wielding the Warframes and wielding incredible abilities. The Tenno are ancient beings, the inheritors of a lost legacy, and their connection to the Warframes is the key to survival and victory. They are not merely pilots; they are something more, something intrinsically tied to the secrets of the Void.
Warframes
The Warframes themselves are technologically and bio-engineered suits, powerful exoskeletons that embody diverse abilities and weapon specializations. From the agile Excalibur to the elemental mastery of Frost, each Warframe offers a unique playstyle. They are your primary tools, providing the means to fight against the various factions and navigate the hazardous environments of the Origin System. Understanding each Warframe’s capabilities is crucial, but understanding their origins is essential to grasping the larger story.
Orokin
Enter the Orokin, an ancient and powerful civilization that dominated the Origin System long ago. This decadent empire possessed advanced technology, vast resources, and a complex social structure. They were the architects of much of what exists in the game, from the planets themselves to the very technology that underpins the Tenno and the Warframes. Their rise and fall are central to the current state of the system. Their legacy is one of ambition, power, and ultimately, downfall.
The Void
The Void is a mysterious and powerful dimension that exists outside of the conventional reality. It is a realm of unpredictable energies, capable of bending space and time. The Void is the source of the Tenno’s powers and the key to understanding the history of the Orokin and the origins of the Sentients. Its influence permeates the game’s narrative, shaping the events and conflicts that unfold. Exploring the Void is a dangerous yet essential undertaking.
Factions
Various factions populate the Origin System, each with its own agenda and set of motivations. The Grineer, a ruthless clone army, seeks to dominate through brute force. The Corpus, a materialistic mega-corporation, prioritizes profit and technological advancement. The Infested, a horrific bioweapon, consumes and corrupts all it touches. Understanding the goals and rivalries of these factions is vital to navigating the challenges within Warframe.
Key Terms
Finally, a few crucial terms. Sentients, are artificial beings from another star system. They were sent to colonize but rebelled, igniting the Old War and ultimately shaping the Tenno’s destiny. Prime Warframes represent upgraded, often earlier versions, of existing Warframes, reflecting the Orokin’s technological prowess. Relics are ancient containers which holds traces of the Prime Warframes and weapons that the player can find and open.
The Genesis: The Old War and the Seeds of Conflict
The Old War
The roots of the Warframe story run deep, stretching back to a time of galactic conflict, the Old War. This era marked the rise and fall of empires, the creation of devastating weapons, and the birth of the Tenno.
The Sentients
The Orokin’s ambition led them to seek expansion beyond the Origin System. They discovered and deployed the Sentients, engineered beings designed to colonize and terraform new worlds. However, the Sentients, born from the Void itself, adapted, evolved, and ultimately turned against their creators. Their mission changed from colonization to eradication.
Orokin’s Downfall
As the Sentients’ war against the Orokin escalated, the empire found itself on the brink of annihilation. Their conventional weapons proved ineffective against the Sentients’ ability to adapt and evolve. The Orokin desperately sought a new weapon, a new hope for survival. Their quest led them to the Void and to a chance encounter.
Zariman Ten-Zero
This encounter involved the children of Earth, aboard a ship named the Zariman Ten-Zero. This ship, sailing in the Void, was a test of the technology. A catastrophic accident exposed the children to the Void’s raw power, imbuing them with extraordinary abilities. They returned changed, capable of manipulating the Void and wielding incredible power. These were the children who would become the Tenno.
The Warframes’ Purpose
The Orokin, recognizing the Tenno’s potential as weapons against the Sentients, built the Warframes. These powerful exoskeletons were designed to channel and amplify the Tenno’s Void-based powers. The Warframes were the weapons, and the Tenno were the pilots, acting as a final defense. This fusion of the Tenno’s Void powers and the Warframes’ technological might formed the basis of the Tenno’s arsenal, allowing them to combat the seemingly unstoppable Sentients.
Chronicles of Destiny: Key Quests and Story Arcs
The Second Dream
The Second Dream is a pivotal moment in the Warframe story. This quest reveals the nature of the Tenno, showcasing their connection to the Warframes and their origin. The awakening of the sleeping Tenno, the introduction of the Operator form, and the revelation of the Lotus’s true nature are central to understanding the Tenno’s role in the Origin System.
The War Within
The War Within deepens the story, exploring the inner struggles of the Tenno. The quest delves into the origins of the Kuva and the Grineer Queens. You’ll confront your own limitations, the source of your power, and your responsibility. The narrative exposes the Tenno’s potential, their growth, and their control over the Warframes.
The Sacrifice
The Sacrifice unravels the mystery of Excalibur Umbra. The story explores the origins of the Warframe, its connection to a specific and tragic past, and the true meaning of “Umbra”. This arc adds complexity to the narrative of the Warframes, revealing the costs of war and the enduring impact of sacrifice.
Chains of Harrow
Chains of Harrow introduces a dark and haunting tale. This story centers on Rell, a Tenno, and the consequences of his actions and the influence of the Void. This quest provides a look into the effects of the Void and gives more context to what the Tenno go through.
Apostasy Prologue
Apostasy Prologue bridges the gap between important quests. This quest gives a look at the relationship between the Tenno and the Lotus, it hints at the beginning of certain events that will shape the world.
The New War
The New War marks a turning point in the story. The Sentients return with their final push, launching a full-scale invasion of the Origin System. This quest places you at the heart of the conflict, requiring you to harness all your abilities to fight against the threat. You’ll face the Sentients and learn more about the history of the Tenno and the conflict.
The Duviri Paradox
The Duviri Paradox introduces the world of Duviri, a realm warped by the Void and the Operator’s emotions. This quest allows players to explore the Operator’s past and learn more about their journey. It’s a unique experience that showcases the duality of the Tenno and their connection to the Void.
Whispers in the Walls
Whispers in the Walls delves further into the mysteries of the Man in the Wall and Albrecht Entrati. This quest unveils more about the Void and hints at hidden secrets.
Other Quests
Beyond the main quest lines, other missions and events add depth and detail. Each quest, each interaction, contributes to the rich tapestry of the game’s narrative.
Uncovering the Truth: Supporting Lore Elements
Codex Entries
Codex Entries serve as essential sources of information. These in-game text fragments offer insights into characters, technologies, and key events. By exploring the Codex, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the universe.
In-game Dialogue
In-game dialogue and communication contribute significantly. By listening to NPCs and interacting with your allies, you will add depth and context to the events. The conversations within the game are carefully crafted, offering crucial details and insights into characters’ motivations and relationships.
Hidden Details
The Warframe universe is filled with hidden details. The environment, the Warframe designs, and more provide a deeper understanding of the lore. By exploring these details, you can uncover secrets and enhance your appreciation of the game’s world.
Prime Warframes
Prime Warframes, enhanced versions of existing Warframes, often come with their own unique entries that add to the lore. By examining these versions, players can find details about the Orokin and the original Warframes.
Finding the Narrative: Navigating the Information
In-game Quests
In-game quests are the primary means of experiencing the story. Following the main questlines is the most direct path to understanding the narrative.
Codex
The Codex acts as an extensive archive. Explore it regularly to delve deeper into the information.
Warframe Wiki
The Warframe Wiki serves as a comprehensive resource for players who want to delve into the details. By using this wiki, you can find more in-depth explanations, timelines, and clarifications.
Content Creators
Many YouTube channels and content creators create videos which review and explain different aspects of the lore.
Looking Forward: The Future of Warframe’s Lore
Constant Evolution
The Warframe narrative is constantly evolving, with new content updates and expansions. This continuous development ensures that the world of Warframe remains dynamic.
Fan Theories
The community often generates fan theories and speculations, adding layers of interpretation to the lore. By exploring the community’s interpretations, you can gain new perspectives and deepen your understanding.
Conclusion: Unveiling the Mystery
The Warframe story is a captivating blend of action, mystery, and intrigue. By understanding the lore, you can unlock a deeper level of enjoyment. This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap, leading you through the key events and concepts that define the Warframe universe.
Embark on your journey and begin to explore the secrets, to understand your role as a Tenno, and to reveal the rich lore that awaits.
