Warframe's biggest cinematic expansion ever is coming in December

Warframe: The New War was finally revealed in July at TennoCon 2021, but unfortunately the big unveiling came without any sort of release target. Now we have one, and it's actually pretty close: Developer Digital Extremes announced today that the big expansion (which was actually first teased at TennoCon 2018) is set to finally arrive in December.

The New War expansion, the biggest cinematic quest in Warframe's history, will add new playable characters, environments, and threats, as well as the game's 48th unique Warframe. New customization options, weapons, and accessories will also be available, and Digital Extremes also promised that New War will answer "longstanding questions about its bold and intimate story," which based on the teaser looks to be just a wee bit complicated.

Before The New War begins, some old Warframes will return in Prime Resurgence, Warframe's first-ever unvaulting program, which will begin on November 16. Players will have the opportunity to earn a range of Prime Warframes—basically, the game's top-tier power armor—and associated Prime weapons and accessories that have previously been retired from reward drops.

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The resurrected hardware will be available on a rotating weekly basis through the launch of New War in December through a new vendor, Varzia, who will help players recover the dormant Orokin technology using new Aya and Regal Aya resources.

Warframe — (Image credit: Digital Extremes)

Here's what's in store, and when you can get it:

Week 1: November 16 - Mag Prime & Nova Prime
Week 2: November 23 - Limbo Prime & Trinity Prime
Week 3: November 30 - Mesa Prime & Hydroid Prime
Week 4: December 7 - Volt Prime & Loki Prime
Week 5: December 14 - Vauban Prime & Ash Prime
Week 6: December 21 - Oberon Prime & Nekros Prime
Week 7: December 28 - Saryn Prime & Valkyr Prime
Week 8: January 4 - Ember Prime & Frost Prime
January 11 - Last-chance for Weeks 1-4 content, plus Rhino Prime & Nyx Prime
January 18 - Last-chance for Weeks 5-8 content, plus Rhino Prime & Nyx Prime

"Prime Resurgence will bring powerful Prime Warframes to players that participate, and will create an exciting experience for newcomers and Warframe collectors while preparing everyone for the launch of The New War," Digital Extremes chief operating officer Sheldon Carter said.

The teaser above is only a table-setter: The full cinematic trailer for The New War will be revealed during a developer livestream on Twitch set to begin at 7 am PT/10 am ET on November 30, which will also include more reveals, giveaways, and Twitch drops.

Andy has been gaming on PCs from the very beginning, starting as a youngster with text adventures and primitive action games on a cassette-based TRS80. From there he graduated to the glory days of Sierra Online adventures and Microprose sims, ran a local BBS, learned how to build PCs, and developed a longstanding love of RPGs, immersive sims, and shooters. He began writing videogame news in 2007 for The Escapist and somehow managed to avoid getting fired until 2014, when he joined the storied ranks of PC Gamer. He covers all aspects of the industry, from new game announcements and patch notes to legal disputes, Twitch beefs, esports, and Henry Cavill. Lots of Henry Cavill.