TennoCon 2026, the annual fan event for Digital Extremes' popular online action RPGs Warframe and Soulframe, concluded with major announcements that expanded the universes of both games. The event, held virtually, showcased long-awaited updates, including a new galaxy for Warframe and a darker narrative arc for Soulframe, alongside features like player mounts and a fishing mini-game.
Developers confirmed that Warframe‘s upcoming Tau expansion represents the largest shift in the game’s 13-year history. The expansion introduces a second solar system, the Tau system, featuring the cyberpunk city of Forax, a hub zone blending open exploration with procedurally generated areas. Creative director Rebecca Ford emphasized the update’s significance, stating, “We’re adding a full second solar system to explore and have new stories coming.” This move aims to sustain the game’s longevity by offering players new planets, moons, and objects to discover.
Warframe’s Tau Expansion: A New Solar System
The Tau expansion, revealed during TennoCon 2026, marks a pivotal evolution for Warframe. The Tau system, home to the mysterious Sentinels and Orokin-terraformed colonies, introduces the gloomy, alien city of Forax. Unlike the open-world zones of Warframe‘s Planes of Eidolon or Fortuna, Forax combines large-scale exploration with bite-sized action zones. Developers described it as a “mix between large-scape areas of Warframe and the bite-sized action zones throughout the game.”
One of the most anticipated additions is the Brysko Warframe, a sentient Chimera Warframe voiced by Matt Mercer of Critical Role fame. Brysko, a gunslinger, plays a central role in the expansion's story, which focuses on character-driven narratives. The update also includes the Iceblade of Narin quest, a customizable Orokin Vessel, and the debut of Portau, a poker-based card mini-game.
According to Warframe's roadmap, the Tau expansion will launch later this year, with several updates leading up to its release. These include the Amir's Shockwave update, which introduces new Nightwave missions, and reworks to existing gameplay elements.
Soulframe’s Darker Path: Fables, Vespers, and Community-Driven Development
While Soulframe remains in its alpha stage, TennoCon 2026 highlighted significant narrative and gameplay advancements. The game’s latest update, Warsongs, delves into the player character’s origin story, revealing conflicts with Tempest Bayor, a recurring antagonist voiced by Ben Starr. The storyline introduces the Vadagar pact, allowing players to explore dark-side powers known as vespers. This marks Soulframe‘s first attempt at offering a “dark side of sorts,” according to developers.
Community engagement has been central to Soulframe's development. Senior community manager Asselin noted, "We're building this game alongside the community," emphasizing early access opportunities and feedback loops. Players can join the Soulframe Preludes early access program by signing up before July 12, 2026, at 11:59 ET.
The Warsongs questline also introduces new gameplay elements, such as player mounts and "Vegan Fishing," a mini-game allowing players to capture fish across the Alca region. A shadowy dark knight, the Mendicant Reinbreaker, will also appear as a new combat encounter, potentially becoming an ally upon defeat.
The expansion of Soulframe's narrative includes the arrival of the Empress of Eldveil, a supporting character portrayed by Jennifer English. However, Soulframe remains in early development, with the team prioritizing community input over rushed releases.
Community and Innovation: The Heart of Both Games
Warframe has maintained a steady release schedule since its 2013 debut, with the Tau expansion reflecting its long-term vision.
Soulframe, by contrast, is still finding its footing. Developers have acknowledged the game's early-stage challenges, with Asselin stating, "We're still very early in development compared to Warframe." This slower pace allows for deeper integration of player feedback, as seen in the inclusion of requested features like mounts and fishing.
Warframe's Brysko and Soulframe's Vadagar pact offer unique playstyles, while mini-games like Portau and "Vegan Fishing" provide variety.
What’s Next for TennoCon and the Games?
For Warframe, the immediate focus is on the Tau expansion, with the Iceblade of Narin quest and other updates set to release in the coming months. Soulframe will continue its alpha development, with the Warsongs mission launching in the fall of 2026. The game's team has pledged to maintain transparency, regularly sharing updates through dev-streams and "Envoy hours."