The Origin System Just Got a Whole Lot Weirder
Just when you think you’ve seen everything the universe has to offer, Digital Extremes drops an update that reminds you why ‘Warframe’ is one of the most creative and enduring games on the market. The latest major update, ‘The Vallis Undermind,’ is now live on all platforms, and it is a gloriously strange and substantial addition to the sprawling sci-fi world. This isn’t just a minor patch; it’s a full-blown expansion that adds a new Warframe, a new environment, major quality-of-life changes, and even a helping hand for new players. So, prepare to descend deep below the surface of Fortuna, because things are about to get weird, wild, and wonderful.
For years, players have been asking for more reasons to return to the Orb Vallis. With ‘The Vallis Undermind,’ the developers have delivered, cracking open the ground to reveal a thriving subterranean ecosystem that needs your help.
Meet Nokko: The Fun-Guy You’ve Been Waiting For
The star of the update is, without a doubt, the 62nd Warframe: Nokko. If you’ve ever wanted to command a legion of fungi, this is your moment. Nokko is a mycological marvel, a Warframe with a whimsical, mushroom-inspired design and an ability kit to match. He can toss poisonous mushrooms at enemies, raise supportive fungi that buff his allies’ defenses, and even transform into a tiny Sprodling to heal himself and become untargetable. His ultimate ability unleashes a bouncing, explosive mushroom that will clear a room in a shower of spores.
You can earn Nokko for free by taking on new bounties in the Deepmines, or unlock him instantly with Platinum. He’s a fantastic and unique addition to the roster, proving that ‘Warframe’s’ creativity is still in full bloom.
Exploring the Deepmines of Fortuna
The update opens up a brand-new environment, the Deepmines, located far beneath the frozen surface of the Orb Vallis. This isn’t just a new tileset; it’s a living, breathing ecosystem under threat. The greedy Corpus leader, Nef Anyo, is trying to turn the fungal caverns into his new palace, and he’s deployed an army to purge the “filthy fungus.”
This is where you come in. You’ll meet a new character, Nightcap, who will give you bounties to protect the fungal colony. These missions will have you liberating captured critters, taking out Corpus managers, and generally weeding out Nef Anyo’s forces. As you complete these tasks, you’ll uncover hidden lore about the Deepmines, Nokko, and the mysterious history of this hidden world.
A Better Start for New Players (and a Free Oberon!)
One of the most significant parts of this update is its focus on improving the new player experience. ‘Warframe’ can be notoriously complex, especially its modding system. To address this, Digital Extremes has added a new quest called ‘The Teacher.’ Developed in collaboration with Sumo Digital, this quest features the stoic Teshin mentoring new players on the ins and outs of mods. It’s a huge step toward making the game more approachable for newcomers.
But the developers haven’t forgotten about their veteran players. As part of the update, the classic nature-themed Warframe, Oberon, has received a complete rework, bolstering his abilities to better fit his role as a protector and punisher. And the best part? To celebrate the rework, you can get a free base Oberon Warframe just by logging in between October 15th and October 21st. It’s the perfect opportunity to try out his powerful new kit.
FAQs
1. What is ‘The Vallis Undermind’?
It’s the latest major update for ‘Warframe,’ available for free on all platforms. It adds a new Warframe, a new environment, new quests, a major Warframe rework, and more.
2. Who is the new Warframe?
The new Warframe is Nokko, the 62nd in the roster. He is a mushroom-themed Warframe with abilities based on controlling fungi.
3. How can I play the new content?
To access the new Deepmines environment and its bounties, you must have completed ‘The New War’ quest. The new modding tutorial quest, ‘The Teacher,’ is available much earlier, after you complete ‘Vor’s Prize’.
4. How do I get the free Oberon?
Simply log in to ‘Warframe’ between October 15 at 11 a.m. ET and October 21 at 11:59 p.m. ET. A free base Oberon Warframe will be added to your account.
5. Is this update good for new players?
Yes! A major focus of this update is a new quest called ‘The Teacher,’ specifically designed to teach new players how the game’s crucial modding system works.
6. What else was added in the update?
‘The Vallis Undermind’ also includes new deluxe cosmetic collections for the Wukong and Lavos Warframes, as well as a host of quality-of-life improvements to things like recoil, screen shake, and damage attenuation.
Conclusion
‘The Vallis Undermind’ is a perfect example of what makes ‘Warframe’ so special. After more than a decade, the development team is still finding new ways to innovate, adding bizarre and wonderful new content while also taking the time to improve the core experience for everyone. It’s an update that offers something for both the newest Tenno just starting their journey and the hardened veterans who have seen it all. It proves that even in the darkest depths of the Origin System, there’s always something new and exciting waiting to sprout.