Warframe's Tau Update Arrives in December With a New Star System and a Noir Detective Warframe
Digital Extremes is calling Tau its most expansive update ever. It adds the Tau Star Chart, the ring city of Fornax, the desert world of Perita and Brysko, a detective Warframe voiced by Matt Mercer.
Warframe is heading somewhere new. On October 30, Digital Extremes announced that Tau, which it calls "our most expansive update ever," will arrive in December. The studio has not shared an exact date yet.
A new star system
Since 2013, most of Warframe has taken place in the Origin System. Tau introduces a new region of space with its own Tau Star Chart, where players can enter missions and explore new worlds. Digital Extremes says there "will remain much to do in the Origin System going forward," so the existing content isn't being left behind.
At launch in December, the Tau Star Chart will include two locations, with more planned for future updates:
- Fornax, a mob-run ring city.
- Perita, a planet whose ecosystem has collapsed into a hostile desert.
According to Digital Extremes, Perita thrived after the events of The Old Peace but is now home to feuding clans of Dazannah, with resources and allies hard to come by. Its story centers on Catulast, the young son of the last unconquered clan's chieftain, who asks the Tenno – once an ancient enemy – for help.
Brysko, the 67th Warframe
Tau also introduces Warframe number 67, Brysko, described as a "world-weary, noir-inspired detective" who works the streets of Fornax. His inner monologue is voiced by Matt Mercer. His kit includes:
- A Hound companion.
- The Rain & Shine fist weapons.
- The Corecracker Exalted Pistol.
Brysko also debuts a new type of premium customization called the Chimera Skin. Similar to a Protoframe, it lets you switch between his Warframe and Chimera aspects on the fly, giving him a more Sentient appearance along with voiced dialogue.
Why it matters
Warframe has added huge amounts of content over the years, but a whole new star system is a structural change, not just another quest line. It gives veterans new territory and creates a natural point for lapsed players to return.
Digital Extremes previewed Tau during Devstream #198 in mid-October. Warframe remains free to play on Steam.
