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Devstream 52 Overview
Parkour, Kubrow, and Excalibur changes!
Posted On 2015-05-12 16:05:55
Devstream 52 Overview

Warframe's Devstreams are all about future content, but with Update 16.5 so close to launch on PC we decided to focus this week on what's ahead in Update 17. Progress on Console Trials, Parkour 2.0 and an upcoming overhaul to the Liset's Genetic Foundry were just a few of the topics discussed, and as always we've got the hot topics recapped here for your pleasure.

That being said, Devstream 52 had a lot of unique visuals to show off that we really can't do justice here! We highly recommend checking out the full video here for a much better visual aid on how the new Parkour 2.0 mechanics are shaping up, in addition to an awesome sneak-peek at the Underwater Sealab tileset.

Law of Retribution Optimization

Optimizing the Law of Retribution for consoles has been a continued work in progress, but the good news is that we've recently made some huge steps forward in making console trials a smooth-running reality.

The even better news is that this performance review will see gains across the board when using additional cores for PC and console Tenno. Our original Trial tests had consoles were performing at 12fps, which was unacceptable. Since then we've seen massive improvements to how smoothly Warframe plays across the board -- including optimizing elements of the game not related to the Trial like squad connectivity and general framerate drops.

Expect more information on both the release of this optimization and console Trials as our team gets closer to a solution!

Excalibur’s Rework

  • Excalibur's Ability rework is currently scheduled to release with Update 17 on PC.
  • Super Jump is going to be removed from his Ability list.
  • Slash Dash will jump between enemies, doing single-strike damage to all enemies in his path.
  • Radial Blind opens up finishers, can be cast while running.
  • A new fourth new power is being created to replace Super Jump. Excalibur will draw his energy sword and enter melee similar to Valkyr, with his own stance and unique combos. Each slash of his sword will create energy waves that can hit enemies at a distance.

Parkour 2.0

  • Stamina adjustments are still in development. Once we have the movement set working we’ll able to work more closely on revamping the Stamina system.
  • You can now change direction while wall running, going up, down, or diagonally.
  • Wall grabbing during a run will be possible, and holding down jump does a charge jump for greater distance off a wall.
  • Zip lines can be stopped on for players to jump from line to line, or line to wall, or to drop down to a lower zip line.
  • Zip lines can also be accessed from any point, instead of sitting at a fixed location.
  • Transitions for wall running into corners are being added, so players can move fluidly around corners.
  • Once the system is done we’ll need to revisit older tilesets to make sure the parkour can be properly done. Retrofits to support Parkour 2.0 are almost inevitable across many nodes.
  • This new parkour system will allow us to implement more hidden rooms. Secret areas galore!
  • We're tentatively looking at Update 17 for this Parkour 2.0 release.

Underwater Sealab

  • The entire set is rendered in PBR, and looks absolutely stunning.
  • 16.5 will release a tease of the new tileset, including a special event that players can get involved in.
  • Old and new Corpus characters will be getting involved in the struggle against Tyl Regor.

Genetic Foundry Upgrade

  • New upgrades are coming to the Liset’s Genetic Foundry.
  • Players can search for and install a new piece of equipment that will automatically put Kubrows that are close to death in stasis.
  • There will also be new upgrades that will let players move Kubrow in and out of stasis.
  • Kubrow armor is coming!
  • A new type of Kubrow that excels at retrieving items is on the horizon.
  • All of these Kubrow changes will be coming in Update 17.

Star Chart Changes

  • We want to reduce the amount of 'filler' nodes available on the Star Chart to make rewarding missions more accessible and the choices more meaningful.
  • We'll be playing close attention to each new node we create and the rewards offered to ensure that playing a node is not only a unique experience, but a fun one.
  • Mission Crafting is a goal, letting players build their own experience.
  • We are actively discussing this – there is nothing final yet aside from our determination to make improvements.

General Changes

  • Players will be able to turn off audio when Warframe is minimized or alt-tabbed in 16.5.
  • New customizable arrows are being added to the game!