Warframe After Prologue to Tau: What Comes Next
The next major story beat after the Prologue to Tau is the 1999 expansion, which continues the narrative introduced in The Lotus Eaters and sets up the conflict with the Man in the Wall. You will travel to Höllvania, an alternate 1999 Earth, to confront the origin of the Void entity and stop Albrecht Entrati’s plans. This article explains the known story path, the new game modes, and what to expect in the near future.
Background: The Prologue to Tau and Its Aftermath
The Prologue to Tau quest, released in late 2024, serves as a bridge between the Whispers in the Walls storyline and the 1999 expansion. It follows the Operator and Drifter as they investigate the Void’s influence on the Origin System, leading to a confrontation with the Man in the Wall (Wally). The quest ends with a cryptic message pointing toward the year 1999, setting the stage for the next major update.
After completing the Prologue, the immediate gameplay loop returns to the standard endgame: Steel Path, Arbitrations, Archon Hunts, and Netracells. The narrative thread, however, is clearly leading to the 1999 expansion, which was announced at TennoCon 2024 and is expected to be the next major cinematic quest. Digital Extremes has confirmed that 1999 will introduce a new hub, a new faction, and a new game mode called “Legacyte Hunt.”
The 1999 Expansion: What We Know
The 1999 expansion takes place on an alternate Earth where the Orokin era never ended, and the year is 1999. The setting is inspired by late-20th-century aesthetics, with a city called Höllvania that is under siege by a technocyte plague. The player will control a new proto-warframe named Arthur, who is a version of Excalibur, and will work with a team of proto-frames to fight the Infested.
Key features of the expansion include:
- A new open-world or hub area in Höllvania, with a day/night cycle and dynamic weather.
- A new faction called the Hex, led by Arthur, who are proto-warframe characters with their own personalities and stories.
- A new game mode called “Legacyte Hunt,” where players track and eliminate giant Infested creatures called Legacytes.
- New weapons, mods, and cosmetics themed around the 1999 setting.
The expansion is expected to release in late 2024 or early 2025, though no exact date has been confirmed. It will be free for all players, following the standard Warframe update model.
How to Prepare for the Next Update
To be ready for the 1999 expansion, you should complete the following prerequisites:
- Finish the Prologue to Tau quest (requires completion of Whispers in the Walls and The Lotus Eaters).
- Have a Mastery Rank of at least 5 (though higher is recommended for tougher content).
- Build a strong loadout with a mix of weapons and warframes, as the new content will likely include high-level enemies.
- Stock up on resources like Nano Spores, Plastids, and Polymer Bundles, which are commonly used in crafting new items.
- Consider farming Void Relics to get Prime parts, as new primes may be introduced alongside the expansion.
It is also wise to keep an eye on the official Warframe forums and patch notes, as Digital Extremes often adjusts the release schedule and adds pre-release events.
Common Misconceptions About the Next Story
One common misconception is that the Prologue to Tau itself is the final quest of the current storyline. In reality, it is a prologue, not a conclusion, and the story continues in the 1999 expansion. Another misconception is that the Man in the Wall will be defeated in the next update; based on the lore, Wally is a recurring antagonist, and the 1999 expansion is more about understanding his origin than defeating him outright.
Some players also believe that the 1999 expansion will introduce a new open-world like Plains of Eidolon or Orb Vallis. While Höllvania is a large area, it is more of a traditional mission hub with instanced missions, similar to the Zariman Ten Zero. However, this could change, as Digital Extremes has not fully detailed the map structure.
Comparison: Prologue to Tau vs. 1999
The Prologue to Tau is a short, narrative-focused quest that takes about 30 minutes to complete, with no new game modes or significant rewards. The 1999 expansion, in contrast, is a major content drop that includes a new cinematic quest, a new hub, a new faction, and a new game mode. The Prologue sets the stage, while 1999 delivers the gameplay.
In terms of difficulty, the Prologue is accessible to most players, while 1999 is expected to have a higher difficulty curve, with enemies scaling to level 50-80 on normal missions and higher on Steel Path. The expansion also introduces a new enemy type, the Scaldra, who are human soldiers equipped with advanced technology, adding a new tactical challenge.
Costs and Requirements
Warframe is free-to-play, and the 1999 expansion will be free as well. There is no cost to access the new content, provided you meet the quest prerequisites. However, like all updates, there will be optional cosmetics and bundles available for purchase with Platinum, the premium currency. These are purely cosmetic and do not affect gameplay.
For players who want to speed up progression, there is the option to buy a new warframe slot or resource boosters, but these are not required. The only real cost is time, as the expansion will require grinding for new resources and reputation with the Hex faction.
Safety and Spoiler Warnings
If you have not completed the Prologue to Tau or the preceding quests, be aware that this article contains spoilers for the main storyline. The 1999 expansion will also contain major spoilers for the ongoing narrative, so it is recommended to play through the quests in order to avoid ruining the experience.
There are no real-world safety concerns with playing Warframe, but be mindful of your playtime, as the game is known for its addictive grind. Take breaks and stay hydrated.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the 1999 expansion release?
The exact release date has not been announced, but it is expected to launch in late 2024 or early 2025. Digital Extremes typically announces release dates a few weeks in advance, so keep an eye on the official Warframe website and social media channels.
Do I need to complete the Prologue to Tau to play 1999?
Yes, the Prologue to Tau is a direct lead-in to the 1999 expansion, and it is required to unlock the new quest. You also need to complete Whispers in the Walls and The Lotus Eaters beforehand.
Will the Man in the Wall be defeated in 1999?
It is unlikely. The Man in the Wall is a central antagonist in Warframe’s lore, and the 1999 expansion is more about exploring his origins and the nature of the Void. Expect the story to continue beyond this expansion.
What is the new game mode in 1999?
The new game mode is called “Legacyte Hunt,” where players track and eliminate giant Infested creatures called Legacytes. This mode is designed for cooperative play and will have varying difficulty levels.
Will there be a new warframe in 1999?
Yes, the expansion introduces Arthur, a proto-warframe based on Excalibur. There may be additional proto-frames as well, but only Arthur has been confirmed so far.
Is 1999 a new open-world area?
Höllvania is a large hub area, but it is not an open-world in the same sense as the Plains of Eidolon. It features instanced missions rather than a seamless open map, though this could change as more details are revealed.
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