PREVIEW: Warframe’s Techrot Encore Is About As Rock And Roll As You Can Get

When the Techrot Encore update drops in Warframe on March 19, things are going to get loud. The upcoming update will introduce four new Protoframe characters to the game, including Flare, a rock-and-roll musician based on Temple. Flare transcends both gender and biology and is the last surviving member of the band Temple and the Rippers. Although, they’re technically not alone, as their exalted guitar “Lizzie” is capable of speech thanks to being born from his techrot-infested blood.

Flare is a heat-based Warframe with a passive that utilizes a metronome. When playing Flare, players will want to hit their abilities on the beat of the metronome as it gives buffs – such as doubling the number of fire pillars Flare’s first ability can create. Their music-based abilities also stun enemies, heal allies, and can turn the guitar Lizzie into a flamethrower.

Flare is also the focus of the new Defense 1999 activity. It’s like the Defense you know, but with a musical twist. Players defend Flare while they’re performing on stage. The mode has three waves instead of the normal five, and will feature some unique mechanics.

Two other Protoframes being introduced in Techrot Encore are Velimir Volkov II (Frost) and his ex, Minerva (Saryn). Though no longer married, they’re currently on a mission together, and players may find themselves playing counselor to help them deal with their problems. It’s probably not the gig you wanted, but it’s what they need.

Finally, a very cute engineering student named Kaya (the Nova Protoframe) will also be joining the lineup. She’s a bit focused on solving the problem of time travel and has teamed up with Velimir and Minerva on their mission. As one might expect from a cute girl, she seems to also have an obsession with stickers. Luckily, they also have purposes, so the decorations are more than just for looks. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that.)

All of the new Protoframes can be found hanging out in the Central Mall, in or near the Round Table Pub. We do have some sad news for players though: none of them are romanceable. It’s probably for the best. Not everyone in this group seems stable.

Another new addition to the shooter in the upcoming update isn’t exactly shooter-focused. It’s more for those folks who always wanted Mario Kart in their Warframe. If you’re one of them, then you’ll want to look out for Ollie’s Crash Course. It will have leaderboards and rewards. Yes, there’s an Ollie floof.

Of course, the update will also include some tweaks, reworks and add things like new gear. An overview of this can be found in the devstream hosted today.

The stream also went over some general housekeeping notes for TennoCon. Tickets for the event were sold out in minutes. However, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on everything if you didn’t manage to snag one. As it turns out, Digital Extremes rented the largest stadium in London, Ontario for the TennoCon concert, and it can hold more people than the convention venue. Because of this, they’ll be selling TennoConcert Tickets starting March 7. To make it extra-worth it, they’re also discussing ways that they can add to the experience for those who buy tickets. Prepare your wallets, you may still have the chance to party with your Warframe friends.