Warframe: 1999's Risks and The Old Peace's Soulslike Approach

Okay, so Warframe. Where do I even begin? It's one of those games that's been quietly, or not so quietly, dominating the free-to-play space for years. But here’s the thing: beneath the surface of space ninjas and constant grinding (yes, there's a lot of that), there's something genuinely interesting happening. And I think it’s most evident in Warframe: 1999, and the whispers of the "Soulslike" that I keep seeing associated with "The Old Peace".

Warframe often gets a bad rap for being a “content treadmill,” and let's be honest, sometimes it feels like that. But I think that criticism misses something crucial: the sheer amount of lore and world-building Digital Extremes has poured into this thing. It's not just about shooting aliens (although, there's plenty of that too!). It’s about a complex, interconnected universe with factions, betrayals, and a history that’s slowly revealed through gameplay, events, and, let’s be honest, a wiki dive or two. I've got to admit, digging into the lore fascinates me. Wait, there's something even more interesting here... the way Warframe is evolving feels intentional, like they're building towards something bigger, maybe even a different kind of game entirely. And that's where 1999 and Soulslike whispers come into play.

Warframe: 1999 - A Step in a New Direction?

Warframe: 1999, for those who haven’t been following, is the project Digital Extremes announced at Tennocon 2023, a radical departure from the usual Warframe formula. It's gritty. It's dark. It looks… well, like something out of IGN's wildest dreams, a stealth-action game set in a cyberpunk version of Earth. And it's got a whole different vibe. Think less space ninja, more… grounded, brutal combat. A huge shift from the parkour-infused, power-fantasy gameplay we're used to. What are they trying to achieve with this?

But it’s also clearly still Warframe. The weapons, the enemies… it’s all connected. It feels like they're trying to tell a story about the origins of the Warframes themselves. I initially thought it was just a fun side project, but now, I'm starting to think it’s something more integral to the main game's narrative. Something that will change the way we view the entire universe. And that's the exciting part! It is a huge risk for DE because they are changing their tune, but also doing something that is still familiar.

The Old Peace and Soulslike Rumors

This is where things get really interesting. And the rumors started swirling! The Old Peace is, as far as anyone knows, the next major update planned for Warframe after Whispers in the Walls. Details are scarce, but the few snippets we've seen suggest a more challenging, deliberate combat system. And with the team mentioning that there might be a nod to Soulslike games, things start to heat up. Think slower, more methodical gameplay. Punishing mistakes. Encounters that require more than just button-mashing and ability spamming. And it is very ambitious to take this kind of a risk.

But wait a minute… Warframe as a Soulslike? It sounds crazy, right? Here's the thing: Warframe already has elements that could lend themselves well to that genre. The focus on build customization, the emphasis on learning enemy attack patterns, the sheer satisfaction of finally mastering a difficult boss fight… it's all there, just waiting to be refined and pushed in a new direction. Digital Extremes seems to be hinting at this. It is like they know what they are doing.

I keep coming back to this point because it's crucial: Warframe's core appeal lies in its sense of progression and mastery. And a Soulslike approach could amplify that, making each victory feel even more rewarding. While X has these benefits, it's important to recognize that it could alienate some players who enjoy the current fast-paced gameplay. During my five years of playing this game, I’ve seen metas shift, weapons get nerfed (and buffed!), and new gameplay loops introduced. I know the community will have a lot to say.

Why This Matters

So, why should you care about all this? Because Warframe is at a crossroads. It could continue down the path of endless content updates, or it could evolve into something truly unique and groundbreaking. I'm personally hoping for the latter. The frustrating thing about this topic is that, it is hard to gauge where it will land. Will Warframe be able to be Soulslike, or will Soulslike be incorporated in Warframe? Let me try to explain this more clearly...

Think about it this way: Warframe has built a massive, loyal player base over the years. And that player base is hungry for something new. Something challenging. Something that pushes them to think differently about the game they love. A Soulslike-inspired update could be exactly what Warframe needs to stay fresh and relevant in an increasingly crowded gaming landscape. Don't you think?

And let's not forget about the potential for attracting new players. The Soulslike genre is incredibly popular right now. Tapping into that market could bring a whole new wave of Tenno into the Warframe universe. It would be interesting to see Digital Extremes go full on “Souls”, I doubt it will happen. Wait, I think I'm just rambling. But seriously I cannot wait to see what comes next!

FAQ About Warframe's Future

Will Warframe: 1999 replace the main game?

Absolutely not! Digital Extremes has made it clear that Warframe: 1999 is a separate, standalone experience. Think of it as a spin-off, or a "game within a game." It's not meant to replace the core Warframe experience, but rather to expand upon the universe and explore different gameplay styles. It's a chance for them to try new things without impacting the existing game. It seems like this change will only enrich the Warframe Universe!

How would a "Soulslike" Warframe even work?

That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? It wouldn't be a direct copy of games like Dark Souls or Elden Ring, but rather an adaptation of certain elements. Think slower, more deliberate combat, a greater emphasis on positioning and timing, and enemies that can actually kill you in a few hits. I imagine it would also involve a re-balancing of Warframe abilities and weapons to fit this new style. It would be tough, for sure, but also potentially very rewarding.

Is my favorite Warframe going to get nerfed into oblivion?

Probably not. Okay, maybe. But here's the thing: Digital Extremes has a pretty good track record of listening to their community. They're not going to completely overhaul the game without considering the impact on existing players. While some adjustments are inevitable, they'll likely be gradual and well-thought-out. Plus, there's always the possibility of new Warframes and weapons that are specifically designed for this new gameplay style. Rest easy, Tenno!

Will Warframe become too difficult for new players?

That's a valid concern. The key is to strike a balance between challenging gameplay and accessibility. Perhaps they could introduce a difficulty slider, or offer separate quests and activities for players who want a more challenging experience. It's also important to remember that Warframe has always been a game that rewards experimentation and learning. As long as the learning curve isn't too steep, new players should be able to adapt. But the Warframe: 1999 approach might have a higher barrier to entry.