For years, Warframe players have wondered what lay beyond the Origin System. At TennoCon 2026, Digital Extremes finally answered that question. The annual community event was packed with announcements, but the clear centerpiece was Warframe: Tau, a massive new narrative chapter that will send Tenno into an entirely new solar system later this year.

Tau marks one of the most significant expansions in Warframe’s nearly 14-year history. Rather than adding another open world or expanding existing regions, the update introduces an entirely new Star Chart centered around the long-teased Tau System, home of the Sentients. During TennoLive, Digital Extremes debuted an extended gameplay demonstration that showcased the rain-soaked city of Fornax, a sprawling Sentient metropolis where organized crime has flourished amid perpetual black rainfall.

The new storyline sees players tracking down The Hunra, a ruthless crime boss who controls the city through the production of a mysterious substance known as Bloom. Along the way, players will encounter an entirely new enemy faction, the Fornax Drowners, Sentients that have evolved separately from those players have battled throughout the Origin System.

Joining the fight is Brysko, Warframe’s newest playable frame. Unlike previous additions to the roster, Brysko is a Sentient Warframe resurrected by Albrecht Entrati to infiltrate The Hunra’s criminal empire. While Brysko never speaks aloud, players hear his internal monologue throughout missions, voiced by acclaimed actor Matthew Mercer. His arsenal includes brass knuckle-style melee weapons called Rain & Shine, explosive playing cards, and an Exalted revolver known as the Corecracker, reinforcing the expansion’s noir detective theme.

That noir inspiration extends beyond combat. Digital Extremes is introducing Portau, Warframe’s first-ever card mini-game. Based loosely on poker but featuring its own suits, Blooms, Cores, Moons, and Suns, Portau is woven directly into Tau’s gambling culture, allowing players to test their luck in the casinos scattered throughout Fornax.

Music also plays a prominent role in the expansion. During the gameplay reveal, players got their first listen to “View From the Top,” a new original trip-hop inspired track performed by Canadian vocalist Jill Harris. The song’s moody atmosphere complements Tau’s darker aesthetic and is expected to arrive on major music streaming platforms soon.

Outside of Tau, Digital Extremes outlined several updates coming throughout the remainder of 2026. Launching in August, Amir’s Shockwave reinvents the Nightwave system with a Warframe: 1999-inspired storyline hosted by Protoframe Amir (Volt). Players can once again interact with The Hex through the K.I.M. messaging system, participate in a tabletop RPG-inspired side adventure, unlock themed cosmetics, and earn a brand-new song from the in-game boy band On-lyne titled “Running Late.”

The Iceblade of Narin update follows this fall, introducing Warframe’s 66th playable Warframe, an ice-themed female combatant. The update also includes a long-awaited rework for Banshee, a new deluxe skin for the sonic Warframe, and an additional deluxe cosmetic for Qorvex. Alongside the update, players can purchase Citrine Prime Access, bringing Prime versions of Citrine and accompanying weapons and accessories into the game.

Players looking for cosmetics don’t have to wait. The Mesa Heirloom Collection is available now, giving the fan-favorite gunslinger a premium new look complete with a customizable poncho that fits Mesa’s western-inspired aesthetic.

One of the biggest surprises of TennoCon came from outside the Origin System. Digital Extremes announced an official collaboration with Epic Games that brings Warframe into Fortnite. Players who purchase eligible Warframe content through the Epic Games Store will receive an Excalibur outfit in Fortnite, while Warframe’s fictional boy band On-lyne crosses over into Fortnite Festival with the debut of “Party of Your Lifetime” as a playable music track.

Digital Extremes also confirmed the return of its TennoVIP World Tour, with community events planned for South Korea, China, London, and Glasgow later this year. Meanwhile, TennoCon 2027 is officially set for July 16-17, 2027, once again returning to London, Ontario.