Soulframe Is Digital Extremes’ Ambitious Fantasy MMORPG, Ready To Step Out of Warframe’s Shadow

Making MMORPGs is always a risk, but Digital Extremes, the studio behind Warframe, is trying something new. Their upcoming game Soulframe blends methodical combat, deep lore, and nature-driven exploration. Unlike Warframe’s fast-paced sci-fi action, this fantasy hybrid-MMORPG is taking a slower, more deliberate approach. Still in pre-alpha and not yet on Steam, it’s already turning heads.

Announced at TennoCon 2022, Soulframe is set in a “mirror universe” of Warframe, but with its own distinct identity. Drawing inspiration from Princess Mononoke and The NeverEnding Story, the game explores a world torn between industry and nature. You will explore Midrath, a living, breathing land where the very ground shifts beneath their feet. Procedural caves, twisted rivers, and whispering trees suggest an environment that reacts to your presence.

Creative Director Geoff Crookes insists Soulframe isn’t a soulslike tile, they are not chasing Elden Ring. But the combat takes notes from the genre, with dodges, parries, and a lock-on system. You can throw swords like boomerangs, summon giant wolves, or petrify enemies with nature magic. Three skill trees (Courage, Grace, Spirit) let you build a tank, a nimble fighter, or a spellcaster wielding fire and earthquakes.

Digital Extremes is building Soulframe the same way they made Warframe, through open, gradual development. The current pre-alpha started in late 2023 for select players, with plans to expand testing in 2025. The game isn’t on Steam yet because Digital Extremes wants to update it quickly without platform restrictions. Soulframe will be free-to-play and will likely use fair monetization (mostly cosmetics).

The MMO space is competitive, with big games like Final Fantasy XIV and new releases like Throne and Liberty. Soulframe’s slower, melee-focused combat could help it stand out, but it needs a strong story and engaging content to avoid New World’s mistakes. Right now, Soulframe is only available through its own launcher, not Steam.

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