Warframe is getting four new protoframes this March, including definitely-not-David-Bowie

Modified Mar 01, 2025 01:01 IST

warframe new protoframes — Ziggy's fiery spirit lives on in alt-history (Image via Digital Extremes)

Techrot Encore, the Echoes update for Warframe 1999, is arriving on March 19, 2025. As teased earlier, it will bring four new protoframes, but no one would have expected to spot a strikingly close David Bowie look-alike. This is Flair, the protoframe for Temple, the 60th unique Warframe also coming with the update, and given their rock 'n roll theme, it fits the bill.

The protoframes will be integrated into the KIM system like all other Warframe 1999 characters, and they will also be standalone purchasable Gemini Skins for their respective Warframes.

Who are the four protoframes coming with Warframe: Techrot Encore?

The four protoframes as revealed in Devstream 185 (Image via Digital Extremes)

At a glance, here are the four protoframes coming to Warframe with Techrot Encore:

Kaya - Nova/Nova Prime skin
Flair - Temple (new Warframe) skin
Minerva - Saryn/Saryn Prime skin
Velimir - Frost/Frost Prime skin

When the idea of four new protoframes was teased during Devstream 184, it was more or less implied that they were going to be more of the old legacy frames that have been in the game since the beginning. In that regard, Saryn is a bit of an unexpected entry, but given the popularity of this Warframe, it makes complete sense.

To answer the biggest question: No, none of these characters will be dateable via the KIM system. At least, Warframe's Romance remains exclusive to The Hex members for now. An in-world explanation involves the fact that Velimir (Frost) and Minerva (Saryn) are ex-lovers, so you may get to resolve their differences as part of the new Techrot Encore quest.

The big shocker here is Flair. The fact that Temple would be involved in the new protoframe quartet was accidentally teased by Creative Director Rebecca Ford during Devstream 184, but for it to be a David Bowie look-alike is a shade of quirky not even Warframe players expected.

In any case, it's completely on-brand for Temple's protoframe counterpart to be modelled after a real-life glam-rock legend. The update even comes with a new Defense game mode completely themed around Temple's stage-presence roots.

Edited by Sambit Pal