Soulframe Opens Up Alpha, Unveiling Major Game Transformation

After three years of exclusive playtests, Soulframe is making its alpha version accessible to all players starting November 6th. This highly anticipated fantasy action RPG, developed by the creators of Warframe, is poised for a significant expansion, offering a broader audience their first look at its evolving world and gameplay mechanics.

This transition to an open alpha precedes a major structural overhaul, dubbed "Verse of the Veilands" (or Prelude 17), scheduled for later in November. This update will dramatically transform Midrath, Soulframe's expansive open world, from its previous tranquil state into a corrupted, more formidable environment. Creative director Geoff Crookes emphasized that this change aims to immerse players in a harsher, more demanding landscape, challenging them to restore the world to its former vitality.

The primary objective of the "Verse of the Veilands" update is to enhance the initial player experience and grant newcomers greater agency in their decisions. While the update will introduce fundamental gameplay elements, it is noted that these features represent merely the foundational structure for the final game. The development team was motivated by player feedback indicating difficulties in reaching the open-world exploration phase, leading them to design a more streamlined introduction.

As part of the new content, the main questline will guide players through the process of neutralizing the corruption's sources. The environment, along with its inhabitants and resources, will dynamically shift as each zone is reclaimed, gradually unlocking activities such as fishing. A particularly exciting addition is the ability to raise a wolf pup into a loyal mount, offering players a unique companion for their journey. Furthermore, the game’s narrative depth will be expanded with extensive new writings for faction leaders, who will now play a more integral role in guiding players and revealing the world’s history.

A new "Pact," akin to a class in other RPGs, will also be introduced. Though its name remains under wraps, it is described as a "hunter, poacher-type Pact" linked to the alien Ode race. This class will feature distinctive abilities, such as deploying a sci-fi bola to entangle enemies, unleashing a cone of spikes, and even attaching large balloons to send foes soaring, drawing comparisons to Metal Gear Solid 5’s creative combat. Lead designer Scott McGregor noted the ambitious scope of the update, describing it as one of the most substantial and impactful changes to the game's structure to date. Although the development team expressed some apprehension regarding the update's complexity, they remain hopeful for positive player reception and feedback.

This comprehensive update is intended to refine the core gameplay loop and provide players with a more engaging and accessible entry point into Soulframe’s rich fantasy world. The developers are committed to leveraging player feedback to continuously evolve the experience, ensuring that even in its alpha stage, Soulframe offers a compelling and dynamic adventure.