Warframe, the beloved multiplayer action RPG, is famed for its signature armor mechanic. Instead of Classes, Warframe players can equip various Warframes – ancient suits of armor with unique powersets – to fight enemies.
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At first glance, a player can stick to the first Warframe they chose and modify it to their liking. However, people also have the opportunity to gain almost any Warframe for free – provided they have the patience to get their crafting materials. For players who want to dedicate time for a new Warframe, what exactly is their best option? Which Warframe should they avoid in the meantime?
Updated July 16, 2021 by Rhenn Taguiam: With more updates and new Warframes on their way to the title, Warframe players might want to familiarize themselves with the best Frames in the current meta. Contrary to popular belief, a lot of “elite” Warframes don’t necessarily fall under the offensive category. Some players favor the more protective builds of the best defensive and support Warframes. Moreover, while some great Warframes rely on a particular playstyle, the Frames that outshine them work wonders in the hands of any skilled player. Some Warframes just remain a cut above the rest, with unique abilities that encourage a new look into the tactical side of this action shooter.
10 Saryn
Embodying malady and stagnation, Saryn uses decay and disease to gain the upper hand against her foes. Despite Infected tissue appearing around her body, Saryn boasts decent Health and Armor. These traits, combined with her extremely playable toolkit, boasts decent damage and enough flexibility for missions.
Saryn specializes in killing enemies over time. Her Spores (S1) spread continuously to targets, dealing more damage the longer it spreads. This ability ties well with Toxic Lash (S3), which grants all attacks Toxin damage that doubles for Saryn’s melee strikes. For quick escapes, Molt (S2) lets Saryn shed her skin and leave a decoy to dodge attacks. Finally, her Miasma (Ult) deals Viral damage to enemies within range, especially those infected by the Spores.
9 Wisp
Wisp embodies the mysterious Will-O-Wisps, popping in and out of the night like mysterious butterflies. As a mobility-oriented Warframe, Wisp capitalizes on dimensional breaches to catch enemies by surprise. At the right hands, Wisp excels as a versatile Warframe that excels in supporting her teammates.
With Reservoirs (S1), Wisp can summon Haste Motes or Vitality Motes that can buff the squad’s speed or heal them. Shock Motes, on the other hand, stun enemies. Wisp teleports with a variety of effects with her other abilities. Will-O-Wisp (S2) summons a spectral clone that can distract opponents or serve as an escape for Wisp. Her Breach Surge (S3) can damage enemies or become a gateway for Reservoirs. Lastly, Sol Gate (Ult) opens a portal to the Sun, damaging enemies with searing hot plasma.
8 Octavia
The siren Octavia uses the captivating power of music to sound the drums of battle, using rhythm to damage enemies. Unlike other Warframes, Octavia comes with a Mandachord, a step sequencer that allows players to compose actual songs for use in combat. Depending on the player’s choice, their songs can resonate with Octavia’s unique abilities.
Songs with percussive elements trigger Mallet (S1), a musical device that deals damage to nearby enemies and increases damage dealt based on damage taken. Her Resonator (S2) affects bass music, summoning a rollerball that charms and damages enemies. Moving with Metronome (S3) affects melodic songs, granting speed, stealth, multishot, and damage buffs. Finally, Amp (Ult) vastly improves damage for the whole squad and buffs range and damage of all nearby Mallets.
7 Sevagoth
Deathly Sevagoth manipulates the Void itself to cast shadows and darkness to devastate his enemies. Quite the versatile Warframe, Sevagoth acquires two “forms” when used: its base Warframe form and the Shadow. Upon death, Sevagoth summons his Shadow, which must harvest souls in order to revive his physical form. The Shadow has a separate form and base abilities, giving Sevagoth a second life to turn the tide of battle.
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The Shadow is also an integral part of Sevagoth’s skillset. Reap (S1) summons the Shadow to attack enemies at the front. Sevagoth also acquires a handy lifesteal ability with Sow (S2), which plants a leeching death seed, and Gloom, a shadow wave. Over time, Sevagoth can trigger Exalted Shadow (Ult) which unleashes the Shadow for devastating melee attacks.
6 Khora
Khora the huntress stalks her prey with her familiar, as they provide offensive support for her squad. Through her livewire, Khora can release a barrage of attacks – be it through her claws, whiplash, and sheer steel on steel action. Unlike other Warframes, Khora has a companion: Venari, complete with her own special traits and stances that affect her combat performance.
In battle, Khora has access to attacks that capitalize on various range options. Her Whipclaw (S1) is an extremely potent long-ranged attack. Ensnare (S2) can stun enemies, leaving them wide open for fierce combos. Meanwhile, Venari (S3) orders the companion to focus on a foe or get revived instantly. Lastly, Strangeldone (Ult) creates an ensnaring drone that strangles and damages enemies.
5 Nova
Nova unleashes the power of antimatter to devastate enemies that threaten her and her allies. Her Passive counters any knockdowns on her with another neat knockdown, while her Worm Hole (S3) gives her a handy warp portal. Nova possesses damage dealers via Null Star (S1) that unleashes seeker missiles and Antimatter Drop (S2) which is a collision AOE. Her Molecular Prime (Ult) primes enemies within radius with antimatter.
Given her abilities, Nova perhaps serves as the best example of a light-weight but devastating Mage class in Warframe. All her skills provide her with decent single-target and AOE damage. Despite her glass cannon nature, Nova actively encourages playing with elemental damage and even understanding how to boost the potency of her abilities with the right modding.
4 Mesa
Mesa stuns enemies with her bullets and sense of style. Despite Mesa coming with a handicap of having no melee weapon slot, she compensates with a decent health boost. Moreover, her Passive gives her a remarkable boost in ranged weapon proficiency. Mesa's Ballistic Battery (S1) empowers her shots, while Peacemaker (Ult) transforms her shooting into a machine gun's. She even comes with decent utilities such as Shooting Gallery (S2) that serves as a buff and enemy stagger and Shatter Shield (S3) that gives her a shield.
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Mesa demonstrates a Warframe's potential in terms of ranged capabilities. Her kit boosts the potency of her firearms, encouraging players to maximize their weapon combinations. Considering most Warframe enemies wield guns, Mesa boasts the capability of doing quick clears. There's no need for Mesa to have any CC abilities if she can kill enemies fast enough.
3 Trinity
Trinity is as straightforward as she can get – she's a support Frame. Trinity's Passive allows her to revive teammates much faster. Meanwhile, she boasts a unique "attack" in the form of Link (S3) that dissipates damage taken to nearby enemies. Trinity's Well of Life (S1) grants lifesteal for allies against the targeted foe, while Energy Vampire (S2) does the same for energy. Lastly, her Blessing (Ult) not only heals the party's HP and Shields but also grants some damage resistance.
Thanks to Trinity's accessible kit, she easily boasts some of the most efficient defensive abilities out there. After all, Trinity's skills help her replenish ally resources and even disperse enemy attacks back to their sources. While other Frames may boast better support skills, Trinity's perfect for anyone who wants a healer role.
2 Volt
Sparky Volt has more to boast than his affinity with lightning. His Passive gives him a constant Electricity Damage boost, perfect for his abilities. His Shock (S1) hits and stuns opponents, while Speed (S2) gives Volt a decent mobility boost. Meanwhile, his Electric Shield (S3) gives him another shield source, while Discharge (Ult) stuns every opponent approaching him.
Volt boasts incredible versatility that makes him reliable even in the endgame. His flexible kit allows players to provide cover to allies, damage multiple enemies at once, and use his other skills to "flow" seamlessly with both his ranged and melee abilities.
1 Limbo
As his name suggests, Limbo traverses the paths between realms. His Passive introduces the Rift Plane, an entirely new mechanic that capitalizes on Warframe's psychics. Banish (S1) lets enemies experience the wrath of the Rift. Meanwhile, Stasis (S2) stuns Banished opponents, while Rift Surge (S3) attacks them. Lastly, Cataclysm (Ult) summons a miniature black hole of sorts to mangle through enemies.
There's no need to mention Limbo's fame, thanks to his space-themed kit. All of Limbo's abilities boast decent damage, all of which can be turned devastating with the right combos. Limbo can easily phase out enemies, stop projectiles, and even create miniature black holes.