Soulframe Open Alpha Live Now, New Game by Warframe Devs

CNET

19-07-2025

Whether you're a fan of Warframe's brand of sci-fi RPG ninja looting or you're locked in on Elden Ring Nightreign's hard-core dark fantasy raids, developer Digital Extremes' next game might be right up your alley.
Soulframe is an upcoming dark fantasy MMO experience where players, controlling powerful characters known as Envoys, burn the evil out of the land of Midrath. Whereas Warframe is a sci-fi adventure, Soulframe explores human connections with nature through a world of living fables.
The game's combat centers on third-person hack-and-slash action, as well as magic and ranged weaponry. The classic Digital Extremes attention to detail was put into the arsenal of weapons, which will grow and expand alongside the game.
During the weekend of July 19, as TennoCon 2025 roars to life, all prospective Soulframe players will be allowed into a brief test of the game as the alpha opens up. Here's how to try it out.
Read more: Warframe Isleweaver's Spider-Man-Like Frame Is a Masterpiece of Design
Slay fearsome foes and discover unexpected allies in Soulframe Preludes.
Digital Extremes/Screenshot by CNET
What is Soulframe Preludes?
Soulframe is the biggest game developed by Digital Extremes since the release of Warframe in 2013. Despite the similar naming conventions, Soulframe isn't a prequel to Warframe. The two games take place in entirely separate worlds and spin out unrelated narratives. This is a brand-new game with different gameplay mechanics that's perfect for players looking to jump into something different.
Soulframe Preludes is the closed alpha version of the game, meaning a lot could change between now and the actual release. The latest update, Soulframe Preludes 10, went live May 27.
The current iteration of the game lets players battle corrupted foes like the Will-o-wings and Mendicant King, wield fearsome weapons and sidearms and even ally with factions to befriend their very own (fearsome) wolf pup.
Soulframe Preludes is a way for development to continue while gathering community suggestions from previewing players, and getting a key to the closed alpha qualifies you to join a special Discord server (and will unlock for you the Alca's Eye item in-game upon the full release, as appreciation for your feedback).
How to get into the Soulframe Preludes alpha during TennoCon 2025
Soulframe Preludes is currently available only to PC gamers because this is a limited alpha launch intended for community-centric testing and development.
Anyone who creates a Soulframe account will be able to access Soulframe Preludes 10 for the duration of TennoCon 2025. Here's a step-by-step guide to start your Soulframe journey:
Go to Soulframe's online home page.
Click the "join us" button.
Fill out an email address, password and envoy name (this will become your Soulframe in-game name, so choose wisely).
Accept the privacy policy and participation agreement.
Click "join us" and check your email for a verification link.
Optionally, you can navigate to your account's personal information and link a Twitch account to earn Soulframe Twitch drops for the game's full release.
Download the Soulframe Preludes build from the website's home page.
Soulframe's mix of grounded combat and Warframe-like RPG systems will be on display during the open alpha test this weekend.
Can I play Soulframe Preludes after TennoCon?
You'll be able to play Soulframe Preludes after the TennoCon open alpha test is closed, but you'll once more need to sit tight for an access key to do so. You need a Soulframe account spun up to be eligible for Soulframe Preludes access.
The good news is that following the same steps to enter Soulframe Preludes during TennoCon 2025 puts you in the pool to be sent a key to access the game after the alpha closes again. It's likely there will be additional open play tests in the future, but Digital Extremes hasn't indicated when those might be -- so if you want to play soon, keep an eye on your email.
Once you've verified your email address, there's nothing else you can do but wait for a Soulframe Preludes key. These are released in weekly waves and include keys for friends as well, so if you're lucky enough to have co-op buddies, they might be able to usher you into the alpha more quickly.