The eagerly awaited fantasy-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game, Soulframe, remains in its exclusive, invite-only alpha phase as TennoCon unfolds. While Digital Extremes, the development team, intends to broaden the alpha participant pool this weekend, they’re opting to keep this spiritual successor to Warframe under wraps for a little while longer.
On a brighter note, the studio has unveiled plans for a substantial influx of new content, continuing to build a robust, fairytale-inspired core around a narrative where nature collides with technologically superior invaders.
Starting now and continuing through this weekend, July 19th and 20th, anyone who has signed up, or signs up, for an account through the Soulframe official website will gain entry into the “Preludes” alpha test, becoming one of the chosen few currently exploring the game. Given the anticipated surge in player numbers, Rock Paper Shotgun questioned Digital Extremes CEO Steve Sinclair during a preview about whether an early access launch might be on the horizon.
“We have aspirations, but certain aspects of our progression systems are not fully implemented. We aren’t ready for a public release until those systems are ready,” Sinclair stated. “This is a great opportunity to join us in shaping the future of Soulframe, but we need to finalize a few key elements before we’re even comfortable considering a broader release.”
While the timeline for Soulframe’s updates remains somewhat vague, the developers showcased numerous features coming soon, the highlight being the “Waste Bear” fable, a brand-new questline. This quest took center stage during the TennoCon 2025 presentation, casting you as an investigator enlisted by a witch with Clair Obscur vibes to look into the troubles of Bromius, a three-headed bear spirit burdened with the care of the forests.
The quest involves dealing with external pollution affecting Bromius, battling corrupted woodland creatures known as Sproutfolk to liberate them, and facing a boss within a new dungeon called the Neath’uns. To gain deeper insights into the quest’s creation and the wonderfully named mini-boss, the Wazzard of Wastes, be sure to read Rock Paper Shotgun’s exclusive interview with Soulframe director Geoff Crookes prior to TennoCon.
Beyond the quest, the developers revealed the “mote system,” allowing players to unleash unique woodland creatures on their enemies. Character customization is being expanded with hairstyle options, and medieval-inspired martial arts manuals are being integrated into the progression system, offering skills like parrying. Additional content, including more Sparrow’s Tales, fables, and recruitable ancestor ghosts for the Nightfold home base, are also planned.
The game continues to generate excitement, and that might be further fueled by the “Waste Bear” fable and the prospect of battling a Wazzard!