Warframe

A whole lot of PC games these days are never really finished. Elder PC gamers can grouch about the good old days, where there was no such thing as a day-one patch or a season pass. Back then games just kinda worked, and I already feel like a grandpa for saying that. Then again, sometimes they didn't, and a broken game couldn't be fixed, or a bad game couldn't become a great one over years of updates and improvements.

So there are some positives about this era of endless post-release maintenance. In 2019 there are tons of success stories of games that were either ignored or derided at launch, and have since found an ironclad community thanks to some expertly deployed patches and updates. No game is beyond saving anymore, and I will be completely unsurprised if, in 2020, Fallout 76 is tearing up Twitch.

With that in mind, I've gone in search of the updates from this always-online era that truly transformed their games. Here are the eight best patches in modern PC gaming history.

Hearthstone patch 5.0: Whispers of the Old Gods

Date: April 2016

It took a while for Blizzard to establish a baseline power-level for its ludicrously popular card game, and after two supremely overpowered sets in Goblins vs. Gnomes and the Curse of Naxxramas (and a comparatively weaker set with The Grand Tournament), the company finally arrived at a happy medium with Whispers of the Old Gods. The Hearthstone team smartly integrated a rotation system that banished old uber-strong cards to the ether, letting the players mess around with the tastefully effective, unoppressive sets left over.

Ask any Hearthstone lifer, and they'll point to Old Gods as the best meta the game has ever nurtured. My only complaint is that Hearthstone was never this good again.

Rainbow Six Siege patch 2.1: Velvet Shell

Date: February 2017

I remember Velvet Shell as Rainbow Six Siege's victory lap. After a widely-ignored launch and persistent issues with cheaters and server lag, Siege rose from the ashes as the FPS du jour for millions of players. Seemingly out of nowhere, it was huge. In reality, of course, that growth took many months, but this was the turning point.

Velvet Shell marked the beginning of Ubisoft's second year of content for the game, which seemed liked a pipedream in 2016. The operators, Jackal and Mira, showed that the developers had plenty of good character designs left in the tank, and Coastline is probably still my favorite map on the servers.

Team Fortress 2 patch: Love And War

Date: June 2014

Have you booted up Team Fortress 2 recently? It is incomprehensible. The vast majority of my playtime was back with the Orange Box, when the game was a meat-and-potatoes class-based shooter, with all the extremities dutifully cut back till it was lean and mean. Now there's crafting, and lootboxes, and costumes, and alternative weapons, and... I don't know. It's bizarre. 

The June 2014 patch is perhaps the best example of that giddy excess. Not only did it add new weapons (the Heavy can punch with a mutated sandwich now!), it also gave us some of the most memorable taunts in the game with the conga, the square dance, and the rock, paper, scissors. 

This year marks the 12th year of Team Fortress 2. Will it ever slow down?

The Division patch 1.4

Date: October 2016

I have a soft spot for the first Division. It launched in such a beguiling unfinished state. (Remember what the endgame was like after launch?) 1.4 didn't add a bunch of new content like the other entries on this list, but it did make the game way more palatable to anyone interested in playing it casually. Loot rates were juiced, and the World Tier system flattened enemy levels in a vaguely Skyrim-esque way.

As has become customary in loot shooters, Ubisoft figured out exactly how their game should work a few months after launch. It's a lesson well-earned. I don't think I've heard a single "this game is broken" complaint about The Division 2 since it dropped. 

No Man's Sky patch 1.5: No Man's Sky Next

Date: July 2018

What will the legacy of No Man's Sky be 10 years from now? There was a fanatical scrutiny of the game's promises (some of which was self-inflicted by the developers, some not) and a wild backlash at launch that it failed to deliver the infinitely playable ur-game. Still, Hello Games kept plugging away, even after the outcry, and No Man's Sky Next got the team pretty close to what that infamous Game Awards trailer promised. Simplified resources, multiplayer, expanded base-building, and a general blanket of new stuff to support that latent space-faring wanderlust deep within you. It sure is nice that we've arrived at a place where we can feel good about No Man's Sky.

World of Warcraft patch 1.9: The Gates of Ahn'Qiraj

Date: January 2006

This might be a controversial choice, given how many memorable patches World of Warcraft has received, but I've always had a soft spot for Vanilla 1.9. Not only did it introduce two new raids, a whole batch of Old Gods lore, and a revamped zone, we also got the realm-wide supplies grind. Basically, a server couldn't gain access to the raids until the denizens contributed enough bandages, potions, and foodstuffs to the war effort.

It wasn't exactly the smartest design—I mean, what was there really to gain for the non-raiders of Azeroth?—but it was an daring idea that was representative of the strong, localized identities of World of Warcraft before the multiverse collapsed.

Warframe update 24: Fortuna

Date: November 2018

When Fortuna hit servers last November, Warframe broke 100,000 concurrent players. Somehow, the little MMO shooter that had flown under the radar since 2013 had grown into one of the most popular games in the world. Fortuna gave players hoverboards, a delightfully ersatz Venus map, and a genuinely provocative story set around a bunch of thugs running a debt-slavery ring, in a beautiful Blade Runner colony.

Warframe's been a great free-to-play experience for a good long while, but Fortuna really feels like Digital Extremes at the top of its game. Out of every entry on this list, I don't think there's an argument that Warframe has been improved by patches the most.

Fortnite patch 1.6: Battle Royale 

Date: September 2017

No patch has ever turned around the fortunes of a game faster, and with more earth-shaking ferocity than this Fortnite patch. The story goes that in the middle of the summer of 2017, as PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds was tearing up Twitch, a small team at Epic threw together a simple battle royale module in two months. That mode was launched onto the live servers with patch 1.6, and the rest is history.

No content update has had a more spectacular impact on the culture, and honestly, it's kind of strange to think of something as massive as Fortnite Battle Royale in the context of the usual bug-squashing and quality-of-life improvements that define most video game patches. It's living proof that it doesn't matter how moribund a game looks. One brilliant pivot is all you need to survive. Sorry, Fortnite: Save The World fans.

Warframe - [DE]Taylor
It’s time to put some spring into your step, Tenno!

Visit the in-game Market to get the new Spring Step Ephemera to leave a trail of colorful Easter eggs that are sure to delight! Pick up this seasonal cosmetic for only 5,000 Credits. While you’re there, grab the fan-favorite Lepus Headgear for 5,000 Credits and the Easter Color Picker for just a single Credit!

All Event Items:
  • Spring Step Ephemera* - 5,000 Credits
  • Lepus Headgear* - 5,000 Credits
  • Easter Color Picker - 1 Credit
These items are only available until April 24 at 2 p.m. ET. Don’t let them hop away!

Easter Gift of the Lotus Alerts
As an added bonus this year, we’re running three extra Gift of the Lotus Alerts!



Zebra Paracyst Skin & 10K Credits (Lares, Mercury -- Infested Defense)



Rahk Fluctus Skin & 10K Credits (Oro, Earth -- Grineer Mobile Defense)



Scorn Lacera Skin & 10K Credits (V Prime, Venus -- Corpus Survival)


Log in and complete these Alerts by April 24, 2 p.m. ET. Good fortunes, Tenno!

*Note: These are limited-time cosmetics that will disappear from the Origin System the first week of May. Enjoy them while they last, Tenno!
Warframe - Wintermaker


Embody the power of mythical golems with the new Atlas Karst Collection!

ATLAS KARST SKIN
To move a mountain, become the mountain. Embody the tectonic power of Atlas with this landmark skin.

TECTON SPARRING SKIN
With seismic force shatter and sunder, blow upon blow. Enemies quake at the sound of these signature sparring weapons.

STRATUM SYANDANA
Austere crystalline beauty, formed over time, deceptively delicate, lethally sharp. The Stratum Syandana perfectly compliments Karst, Atlas' deluxe skin.

ATLAS KARST COLLECTION
Shake the earth with this collection of deluxe items for Atlas that includes the Atlas Karst Skin, Tecton Sparring Skin and Stratum Syandana.

Make your strength crystal clear, Tenno.



NEW AUGMENT MODS
This update also includes four new Augment Mods for you to experiment with!

Garuda - Dread Ward (Dread Mirror Augment)
Become unkillable for 5 seconds when Dread Mirror kills a target by ripping its life force.

Revenant - Blinding Reave (Reave Augment)
Enemies hit are blinded by fog for 10 seconds.

Nidus - Teeming Virulence (Virulence Augment)
Hitting 4 enemies with Virulence grants 120% Primary Weapon Critical Chance for 15 seconds.

Khora - Pilfering Strangledome (Strangledome)
Enemies held in Strangledome have a 65% chance at additional loot drops.
Warframe - [DE]Taylor
Hi Tenno,

The deadline for TennoGen Round 16 is here: April 15th at 12pm EDT!

We’ll be considering all items updated or submitted since the last round deadline, January 7th. With this round announcement, we’re giving you a little sneak peek of something else we’ve had in the works -- a refresh of our existing TennoGen guides, which can be found here.

While we were updating the guides to round out the information found within them to meet current program needs, we also whipped up some pre-submission checklists for each creation type. What better time than now to share them:















(Click on the thumbnail to enlarge them)

Best of luck, everyone!
Warframe

UPDATE 17/4/19: If you've been waiting impatiently, fingers twitching, for the arrival of Warframe's Plains of Eidolon "remaster" on consoles, then you may finally exhale. Warframe's latest update is now available to download on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Switch.

In case you missed its PC debut several weeks back, developer Digital Extremes' recent update overhauls the Plains of Eidolon - Warframe's first foray into open-world design, which originally released in 2017 - with extensive visual improvements (including better lighting and foliage), new enemies, and economic balance changes. You'll find additional details below.

ORIGINAL STORY 5/4/19: Digital Extremes has just released a major overhaul of Warframe's gorgeous, but imperfect, Plains of Eidolon area on PC, further beautifying its already stunning vistas, adding new enemies and activities, plus a whole lot more.

Read more

Warframe - contact@rockpapershotgun.com (Dominic Tarason)

Spring is in the air in Warframe, and so are a bunch of bouncing Grineer tanks. A major overhaul update has revitalised the Plains Of Eidolon, the free-to-play shooter’s original open-world zone. Digital Extremes have returned to Earth to polish up the environment, bringing it more in line with the scenic Venusian landscapes of Fortuna. That means more greenery, some new boss fights, more animals to rescue, and some new grinding opportunities for those who have brought their hoverboard back home. The devs even reckon it’ll run smoother, too. Below, an update trailer.

(more…)

Apr 5, 2019
Warframe - [DE]Taylor


Who: Rebecca is joined by the usual crew!

What: It is time to learn more about Wisp and her powers! What will our 40th Warframe bring to the Origin System? Tune in to find out and more!

Prizes? Why yes, we will be giving away 3 x 1000 Platinum Prizes during the Livestream as well as an Equinox Prime Access Pack!

Where: Find us at: twitch.tv/Warframe

Twitch Drop: No Twitch Drop this week as we work on some maintenance!

When: Join us this today, April 5th at 2 p.m. EDT!

See you there, Tenno!
Warframe

Warframe's Plains of Eidolon, the game's first open-world space, has been updated today. It originally launched in 2017, flinging all sorts of activities and threats at wandering players. Since then, Warframe has only grown, both in size and ambitions, so Digital Extremes has returned to Eidolon to give it a visual overhaul, new enemies and even more diversions. See what you're in for above. 

Terrain textures, dynamic lighting, the day and night cycle and more have all been improved, and it should run smoother, to boot. It looks good! It's been a wee while since I visited, and I didn't find it especially dated (it's only a couple of years old), but I won't turn my nose up at a makeover and performance improvements. 

As for new things to do, you can now track and trap animals in the Plains, either finding them as you walk around or using Echo-Lures to call them. Start collecting them and you'll net yourself a badge and some adorable Floofs. 

If you're looking for something a bit more dangerous, there's a new type of Grineer machine causing problems. Tusk Thumpers are big defence platforms on legs and come in three varieties: regular vanilla, Bull and Doma. Apparently they don't have an obviously vulnerability, so taking them down will involve finding their weak spots, and you'll need to do it quickly. You'll also be able to get Thumper Floofs! So many toys. 

Thumpers giving you trouble? Maybe you just need to stick some weird devices on your hands and feet. You'll look ridiculous, but the Korrudo Grineer sparring weapon will amplify all of your attacks. It might just be worth the mockery. 

The Plains of Eidolon update is available now. 

Warframe - Wintermaker

The Plains of Eidolon has received a visual overhaul!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfqrUJfCEf0&feature=youtu.be

We’ve added a suite of improvements, including updated terrain textures, dynamic lighting, richly detailed trees and foliage, as well as a more nuanced day/night cycle. Plus, with all the technical improvements, the Plains runs smoother than ever!

SAVE THE CREATURES OF THE PLAINS

You can now track and trap animals in the Plains! Master Teasonai will be your source for Echo-Lures as you work to get these animals to safety. Echo-Lures are not required as these animals continually roam the Plains, but calling them will bring them running (or flying!). A Conservation Badge and new Floofs from Master Teasonai await your efforts.



MERGOO
An avian of ridiculous appearance found along coastal regions and by large bodies of water. Mergoo circle and squawk at the sight of marine predators. Many an Ostron fisher owes their life to these odd little birds. Killing one is considered very bad luck.

New Kuaka and Condroc variants can also be found throughout the vast Plains of Eidolon!



NEW ENEMIES: TUSK THUMPERS INBOUND

Reports of a new Grineer machine have spread to Cetus. Vay Hek has deployed Tusk Thumpers -- mobile defense platforms that are just as efficient as they are deadly. Be prepared to encounter three menacing Thumpers of increasing size and difficulty: the Tusk Thumper, the Tusk Thumper Bull, and the Tusk Thumper Doma.

Without a vulnerability to use to your advantage, you’ll need to identify and expose their weak spots to take them down as quickly as possible. Take too long, and they’ll release reinforcement drones.



When you're done with this roaming threat, make sure to pay a visit to Nakak! Trade in Resources to get a new Tusk Thumper Floof - there's one for each type of Thumper for you to collect!



NEW TENNO REINFORCEMENT

Expand your personal armory with the newest Grineer Sparring Weapon.

KORRUDO
Powerful pneumatic grips and toecaps amplify every blow. Four ways to deal twice the pain.

Warframe - Wintermaker
Embrace the balance of duality with Equinox Prime. This harmonious warrior comes with the Stradavar Prime rifle, the Tipedo Prime staff and more!



Equinox Prime Access Features
  • Equinox Prime: Night and Day in final balance.
  • Equinox Prime Glyphs: Display your Equinox Prime loyalty.
  • Stradavar Prime: Never fail to call down a devastating finale.
  • Tipedo Prime: Sever your foes with this lithe and lethal staff.


Equinox Prime Accessories
  • Isabeau Prime Syandana
  • Narvarr Prime Armor
  • 90-Day Credit Booster
  • 90-Day Affinity Booster


Equinox Prime, Stradavar Prime and Tipedo Prime Blueprints can also be earned in-game through Relics!

AVAILABLE NOW!
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