Warframe is getting a PvPvE game mode with 1999 update
Warframe 1999, the huge upcoming update, will be fundamentally game-changing for a few reasons — one of them is an actual PvPvE game mode called Faceoff. This surprise reveal happened at the latest dev vlog, Devstream 183, where much of the gameplay loop of the upcoming 1999 tileset and new Syndicate was showcased.
Since the removal of Solar Rail Conflicts in 2016, Warframe 1999 is the first instance of a fully competitive mode between players. This will take place exclusively on the Warframe 1999 open world, in a dedicated node for the Faceoff game mode.
Explaining Faceoff, Warframe's new and upcoming PvPvE game mode
Faceoff can only be initiated in the Vehrvod District node in Hollvania, the new tileset (or open world, depending on how you see it) coming with Warframe 1999. Once you load into it, you'll be matched with seven other players to populate two squads competing throughout the mission.
It should be noted that this game mode does not involve actual PvP. In Faceoff, the two squads are tasked with the same objectives, and whoever hits the finish line first wins. In principle, it's very similar to one of the Cambion Drift (Deimos) bounties where you try to outperform a neutral Grineer kill squad by killing more Infested mobs, but on a larger scale.
The only borderline direct PvP feature is a way to inflict debuffs on the opponent team. Throughout the tileset, you can pick up "Hindrances" that you can deploy to inflict various curses on the opponent team, such as sending an Eximus wave their way, or even booby-trapping players.
Alternatively, there are buffs you can pick up to give your team an edge. The rest of the mission otherwise plays out like a regular three-stage bounty in the Hollvania world.
Regardless of who wins, both teams still get regular bounty rewards — the winning party gets a bit more on top. The developers also mentioned that this game mode will contribute Conclave standing, but no specifics or numbers were given.
If the frantic pace of a competitive mode is too much, players can still try out Faceoff against bot opponents (Specters) in the Solo Faceoff mode from the Lower Vehrvod node.
The Faceoff game mode, of course, is not the only exciting thing coming with this winter update. The Hex Syndicate itself will bring many offerings: a new Warframe, three new weapons, four Protokol Skins, including earlier obtainable as Nightwave rewards, and seven new Arcanes. In other news, though, the Coda Weapons and Infested Liches won't go live till next year.
Check out our other guides on the game:
- All Warframes tier list
- Warframe Incarnon weapons tier list
- Kuva weapons tier list
- All Warframe Twitch drops this week
- Best stat-stick weapons in Warframe