Warframe: Tau arrives free in December

Warframe: Tau arrives free in December 2026. After 13 years in the Origin System, Digital Extremes is taking Warframe to a new star system, with a new story quest, two new locations and Brysko, the game's 67th Warframe.

The release window was confirmed during Devstream 198 on October 30. A press release the same day said the update will launch for free on all PC, console and mobile platforms.

Key facts

• Release: December 2026 (exact date not yet announced)
• Price: free on all PC, console and mobile platforms
• New locations: the ring city of Fornax and the desert moon Perita
• New Warframe: Brysko (the 67th), voiced by Matthew Mercer
• New social hub: MANIFOLD 90-BF on Fornax
• Next Devstream: November 27

When does Warframe: Tau come out?

For now Digital Extremes is only saying December. The studio is splitting its Tau showcase across two streams. The first aired on October 30, and the second on November 27 will take a closer look at Fornax. An exact date is likely around then.

Community Director Megan Everett also addressed longtime players: "The Origin System is not being left behind. While we focus right now on Tau, we have so many stories to tell, and now just have more places to share them."

What is in Fornax and Perita?

The official Tau page describes Fornax as an orbital ring city that has decayed into a lawless mess of crime, sickness and treachery, soaked in endless black rain. A casino sits at its heart. MANIFOLD 90-BF, a new social hub on Fornax, brings new characters, rivals and lore to uncover.

Perita is the moon players visited in The Old Peace update from December 2025, but its ecosystem has since collapsed into a sandstorm-ridden desert. Feuding Dazannah clans fight over what is left. Players will find a revamped Survival mission there, along with The Cleaving Glaive, a new allied Syndicate.

How is Tau different from the Origin System?

Tau is a binary star system that has been referenced in Warframe's lore for years but never visited. It comes with its own Star Chart. Digital Extremes says Tau will grow with each update after launch, so Fornax and Perita are only the starting point.

Meet Brysko, the new Warframe

Brysko draws on noir detective fiction and is the lead of the new cinematic quest. His kit includes exploding Portau cards and a Hound companion that locks down enemies. He fights with the Rain & Shine fist weapons and an Exalted magnum called Corecracker. If he takes lethal damage, his Hound can help bring him back into the fight.

Brysko also launches the Chimera Skin, a new class of premium cosmetic that lets you hear his inner monologue, voiced by Matthew Mercer. Koumei's first Deluxe Skin, Koumei Enshoujo, also arrives with Tau in December, while a Nezha Heirloom Skin is planned for early 2027.

Portau becomes a real card game

Brysko's cards are not limited to the game. Digital Extremes has opened pre-orders for the Portau Card Collection and Portau Playmat on the official Warframe merch store, and is holding a Portau tournament stream on October 31.

Free games to keep you busy until then

Digital Extremes' other project, Soulframe, opens to all PC players on November 6. Another free-to-play launch arriving in December is Silver Palace. And if you want a change of pace on the weekend, Fortnite's Treasure Hunters mini season starts on November 1.

Frequently asked questions

When does Warframe: Tau release?

Digital Extremes has confirmed a December 2026 launch. There is no exact date yet, and the next Devstream is on November 27.

Is Warframe: Tau free?

Yes. The update is free on all PC, console and mobile platforms. Brysko can be earned through gameplay or unlocked instantly from the Warframe Market.

Who voices Brysko?

Matthew Mercer voices Brysko's inner monologue, which comes with the first Chimera Skin cosmetic.

Sources

• Digital Extremes: October Warframe: Tau Devstream Highlights
• Warframe: Tau official page
• Polygon: Warframe will head to Tau before the end of the year
• Steam: Warframe