Warframe Beginner’s Guide: A Comprehensive Rundown

Overview

Warframe is a free-to-play cooperative action game that has amassed a massive player base since its release in 2013. Set in a futuristic solar system, players control Tenno, ancient warriors who wield powerful exosuits known as Warframes to battle against various enemy factions. This beginner’s guide will provide an in-depth overview of the game’s mechanics, gameplay, and progression system to help you kickstart your journey as a Tenno.

Gameplay Mechanics

Combat

The core gameplay of Warframe revolves around intense combat missions where players engage in thrilling firefights and melee battles against hordes of enemies. Each Warframe possesses unique abilities and weapons, allowing for a wide range of playstyles. Players can customize their loadouts with an arsenal of weapons, including primary (rifles, shotguns), secondary (pistols, machine guns), and melee weapons.

Movement and Parkour

Warframe’s movement system is highly dynamic, allowing players to seamlessly traverse environments using parkour-style abilities. Tenno can wall-run, slide, bullet-jump, and perform aerial maneuvers to reach objectives and outmaneuver enemies. This fluidity of movement adds an exhilarating layer to the combat experience.

Warframes and Abilities

Warframes are the exosuits that Tenno control, each possessing different abilities and stats. There are over 50 Warframes available, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Players can unlock and acquire Warframes through various means such as boss fights, quests, or the in-game store.

Progression System

Mastery Rank

Your Mastery Rank (MR) is a measure of your account’s overall progress in Warframe. It represents your experience and unlocks various in-game rewards, including access to new Warframes, weapons, and quests. MR is gained by completing missions, leveling up weapons and Warframes, and participating in special events.

Warframe and Weapon Leveling

Leveling up Warframes and weapons increases their stats and unlocks new abilities. Tenno can level up their gear by participating in missions, using experience boosters, or by sacrificing duplicate items at the Foundry.

Mods and Customization

Mods are items that can be equipped on Warframes and weapons to modify their stats and enhance their capabilities. Mods come in various types, including ability modifiers, stat buffs, and elemental damage bonuses. Players can farm mods from enemies, purchase them from the in-game store, or trade them with other players.

Factions and Enemies

Grineer

The Grineer are a militaristic faction that poses the most common threat to Tenno. They are known for their heavy armor, cloning technology, and brutal tactics.

Corpus

The Corpus are a highly advanced and profit-driven faction. They rely on robotic units, energy weapons, and advanced technology to challenge Tenno.

Infested

The Infested are a grotesque and unpredictable faction that results from the infestation of organic matter by a parasitic virus. They possess a variety of abilities, including toxin attacks, regeneration, and swarm tactics.

Other Factions

In addition to these main factions, Tenno may also encounter other enemies, such as the Sentients, the Orokin, and the Stalker. Each faction brings unique challenges and rewards to the table.

Game Modes

Missions

Warframe offers a diverse range of missions, each with its objectives and rewards. Some common mission types include:

• Exterminate: Eliminate all enemy units.
• Survival: Defend an objective against waves of enemies.
• Capture: Capture an enemy commander and deliver them to extraction.
• Spy: Infiltrate an enemy base and hack terminals without triggering alarms.

Raids

Raids are high-level, cooperative missions that require a squad of experienced Tenno to complete. They often feature unique bosses, challenging puzzles, and exclusive rewards.

Open Worlds

Warframe’s open worlds, such as the Plains of Eidolon and the Orb Vallis, offer vast, explorable environments with their own unique quests, bounties, and resources.

Social Features

Clans

Clans are player-created organizations that provide a social and cooperative aspect to the game. Clans offer exclusive benefits, such as access to research labs, clan-only events, and clan-built war rooms.

Trading

Players can trade items, mods, blueprints, and resources with each other through the in-game trading system. This allows Tenno to acquire rare or desirable items and to help out their fellow players.

Communication

Warframe features robust communication tools that allow players to stay connected while playing. These tools include text chat, voice chat, and proximity chat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Warframe free to play?

A: Yes, Warframe is a free-to-play game with optional in-game purchases.

Q: What platforms is Warframe available on?

A: Warframe is available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.

Q: How do I start playing Warframe?

A: You can download Warframe for free from the official website or through your platform’s online store.

Q: How do I level up in Warframe?

A: Leveling up is achieved by completing missions, leveling up weapons and Warframes, and participating in special events.

Q: How do I get more Warframes?

A: You can unlock Warframes through boss fights, quests, or by purchasing them from the in-game store.

Q: What are some beginner-friendly Warframes?

A: Beginner-friendly Warframes include Excalibur, Volt, and Rhino. These Warframes have versatile abilities and are relatively easy to obtain.

Q: How do I get mods?

A: Mods can be acquired by farming enemies, purchasing them from the in-game store, or by trading them with other players.

Q: How do I join a Clan?

A: You can search for clans through the in-game Clan interface or by asking for recommendations in the Warframe community forums.

References

• Warframe Wiki (Beginner’s Guide)
• The Official Warframe Website

How to Get Started with Warframe

• Choose a Warframe and Weapon: Select your starting Warframe from Excalibur, Mag, Volt, or Excalibur Umbra. Each has unique abilities. Choose a weapon from the Assault Rifle, Shotgun, or Bow categories.
• Complete the First Mission: Embark on the "Awakening" mission to familiarize yourself with the game’s mechanics and controls.
• Join a Clan: Consider joining a clan to connect with other players, access additional resources, and participate in clan events.
• Acquire New Warframes and Weapons: Earn Warframe blueprints and materials from missions to build new Warframes. Obtain weapons from defeating enemies, completing missions, or purchasing them from the Market.
• Unlock and Use Mods: Acquire mods from playing the game and install them on your Warframe and weapons to enhance their stats and abilities.
• Farm Resources: Gather essential resources such as Credits, Endo, Plastids, and Neural Sensors from missions and nodes on the Star Chart.
• Upgrade Your Equipment: Enhance your Warframe and weapons by leveling them up, applying Forma to reset their level, and installing polarized mods.
• Access New Content: As you progress, unlock new planets, game modes, and quests on the Star Chart, expanding your gameplay options.
• Seek Help and Guidance: Utilize the Warframe wiki, community forums, or in-game chat to find information, ask questions, and connect with experienced players.

Warframe’s Best Frames

Warframe offers a diverse roster of frames, each with unique abilities and playstyles. While the "best" frame can vary based on personal preference and mission type, several stand out for their versatility, power, or specialized roles:

• Mesa Prime: A master of crowd control, Mesa Prime’s Peacemaker ability unleashes a devastating barrage of bullets.
• Saryn Prime: A toxic goddess, Saryn Prime’s Miasma ability inflicts massive damage over time and spreads it to nearby enemies.
• Volt Prime: The speedster of the Warframes, Volt Prime’s Discharge ability creates a massive electric discharge that stuns and damages enemies.
• Wisp Prime: A support frame, Wisp Prime’s Reservoirs provide various buffs and heals, while her Wil-o-Wisp ability creates a damaging sphere.
• Harrow Prime: A tanky frame, Harrow Prime’s Penance ability grants invulnerability while building up a damage bonus.
• Nidus Prime: A necromancer, Nidus Prime’s Ravenous ability creates maggots that swarm enemies and heal him.
• Khora Prime: A whipmaster, Khora Prime’s Whipclaw ability stuns and damages enemies while creating a companion that attacks targets.

Warframe Best Weapons

Warframe offers a vast arsenal of weapons with unique abilities and stats. Here are some of the top-rated weapons in different categories:

Primary Weapons:

• Kuva Bramma: A devastating bow with homing arrows that deal massive damage.
• Tigris Prime: A shotgun with high burst damage and an explosive payload.
• Kuva Zarr: A heavy cannon with a wide area of effect and high damage output.
• Corinth Prime: A shotgun with incendiary rounds and a fast fire rate.

Secondary Weapons:

• Epitaph: A rapid-fire pistol with high accuracy and crit chance.
• Akarius: Dual pistols with explosive rounds and a large magazine.
• Tombfinger: A silent pistol with a slow fire rate but high critical damage.
• Deth Machine Rifle: A minigun with massive damage output but low accuracy.

Melee Weapons:

• Kuva Lich Weapons: Customizable weapons with powerful abilities, such as the Kuva Kohm and Kuva Bramma.
• Xoris: A versatile polearm that can switch between three different modes.
• Glaive Prime: A thrown melee weapon with high damage and a unique spinning attack.
• Broken War: A balanced sword with high attack speed and damage output.

Heavy Weapons:

• Kuva Ayanga: A powerful minigun with a large magazine and high damage output.
• Kuva Bramma: A bow with homing arrows that can pierce through enemies and deal massive damage.
• Tigris Prime: A shotgun with explosive rounds and a large area of effect.
• Cedo: A heavy cannon with a unique homing mechanism and high crit chance.

How to Farm Resources in Warframe

Credits:

• Participate in missions.
• Sell unwanted items and blueprints.
• Run Index missions for large sums.

Materials:

• Gather materials from resource nodes on planets.
• Harvest crates in missions.
• Run specific missions for designated resources.
• Trade with other players.

Alloy Plates:

• Extract from Liquid Mold deposits on Jupiter.
• Obtain as a random reward from missions.

Polymer Bundles:

• Collect from Polymer Bundles on Saturn.
• Run Cassini missions, especially Capture and Exterminate.

Circuits:

• Gather from Circuit Board nodes on Earth.
• Run Capture missions on Earth, specifically Strata Relay.

Nano Spores:

• Extract from Nano Spore nodes on Uranus.
• Participate in Excavation missions on Uranus.

Ferrite:

• Harvest from Ferrite nodes on Mars.
• Run Helene mission on Saturn, especially Excavation and Defense.

How to Get Platinum in Warframe

1. Purchase with Real Money:

• Buy Platinum directly from the in-game store using real money. This is the fastest and most straightforward method but can be expensive.

2. Trade with Other Players:

• Offer in-game items or services to other players in exchange for Platinum. You can use the in-game chat or community trading platforms to find potential buyers.

3. Nightwave Creds:

• Participate in the Nightwave challenges to earn Nightwave Creds. These can be exchanged for Platinum at the Nightwave vendor in the Relay.

4. Sortie Rewards:

• Completing daily Sortie missions has a chance to reward you with Platinum as a bundle.

5. Login Rewards:

• Log in to the game daily to claim login rewards, which may occasionally include Platinum.

6. Void Relics:

• Open Void Relics to obtain rare items. Some of these items can be traded to players for Platinum.

7. Dark Sector Conflicts:

• Participate in Dark Sector Conflicts in the Plains of Eidolon or Orb Vallis. Winning a conflict can reward you with Platinum.

8. Prime Access:

• Purchase Prime Access bundles to receive exclusive Prime Warframes and weapons, along with a significant amount of Platinum.

9. Gift Platinum:

• Other players can gift you Platinum as a gift.

10. Maroo’s Bazaar:

• Occasionally, Maroo’s Bazaar in Maroo’s Relay will offer Platinum for sale in exchange for Ducats.

Building Your Arsenal in Warframe

Warframe grants players access to a vast arsenal of weapons and equipment. To effectively build your arsenal, consider the following tips:

• Acquire Blueprints: Blueprint fragments can be obtained from Missions, Syndicates, or the Market. Collect these fragments to complete Blueprints and craft new items.

• Farm Resources: Crafting items requires various resources. Engage in Resource Extractor Missions or explore the Star Chart to gather necessary materials.

• Utilize Foundries: Foundries in your Orbiter allow you to craft weapons, Warframes, and other equipment. Choose the desired item from the Foundry menu and select "Craft" to initiate the process.

• Upgrade and Mod: Once crafted, items can be upgraded to increase their stats. Mods can also be equipped to further enhance their performance and abilities.

• Consider Mastery Rank: Mastery Rank requirements restrict access to certain items. Increase your Mastery Rank by completing Missions and acquiring new items to unlock higher-level content.

How to Defeat Bosses in Warframe

General Tips:

• Identify Boss Weaknesses: Determine the boss’s resistances and vulnerabilities to specific damage types.
• Bring Appropriate Weapons and Warframes: Choose weapons and Warframes that exploit the boss’s weaknesses and provide survivability.
• Manage Mechanics: Pay attention to the boss’s unique mechanics and abilities. Study their attack patterns and learn how to avoid or counter them.

Specific Boss Strategies:

• Vay Hek: Use corrosive weapons and abilities to strip his shields. Focus on attacking his exposed core.
• Raptor: Use puncture or corrosive weapons. Aim for the head or fuel tank to inflict critical damage.
• Phorid: Use crowd-control abilities to neutralize his adds. Focus on attacking his body and weak points.
• The Jackal: Use magnetic or impact weapons. Target the energy cores on his back to deplete his shields and health.
• Lephantis: Use blast or corrosive weapons. Aim for the vents on his back to inflict heavy damage.

Additional Tips:

• Use Companions: Companions can provide support and additional damage. Choose ones that complement your playstyle.
• Coordinate with Teammates: In multiplayer mode, work together to manage boss mechanics and cover each other.
• Be Patient and Persistent: Bosses can be challenging, but with patience and strategy, you can defeat them.

How to Join a Clan in Warframe

Steps:

1. Ensure Eligibility: You must be Mastery Rank 2 or higher to join a clan.
2. Find a Clan: Use the Clan Explorer in the Navigation Panel or join a community group or forum to find a suitable clan.
3. Request an Invite: Contact the Clan Leader or an officer through in-game chat or the Clan page in the Navigation Panel.
4. Receive Invite: The clan will send you an invite, which you must accept to join.
5. Confirm Membership: Once accepted, you will receive a confirmation message and be added to the Clan roster.

How to Get Mods in Warframe

Mods are essential in Warframe to enhance the abilities of Warframes, weapons, Companions, and Archwings. There are several ways to acquire mods:

• Missions: Mods can be obtained as rewards for completing missions. The type of mission and level determine the rarity and quality of mods that can drop.
• Enemies: Some enemies have a chance to drop mods upon defeat. These mods are usually less common than those found in missions.
• Bosses: Bosses tend to drop rare and powerful mods that are not available elsewhere.
• Alerts: Alerts are special time-limited missions that reward players with specific mods.
• Invasions: Invasions are faction-based events that grant unique mods as rewards.
• Syndicate Offerings: Syndicates offer a variety of mods as rewards for completing missions and donating resources.
• Baro Ki’Teer: Baro Ki’Teer is a special vendor who visits relays at irregular intervals. He sells a rotating selection of rare and exclusive mods.
• Mod Packs: Mod packs can be purchased from the Warframe store. These packs contain a random assortment of mods, including some rare and powerful ones.