Dark Sector, the Overlooked Predecessor to Warframe, Available for Free on Steam

Warframe 1999 is just about to drop, pulling fans back into its enchanting blend of dark tech fantasy and late ’90s nostalgia. The visuals are stunning, and the developers over at Digital Extremes have a little treat for us—they’re giving away their first game, Dark Sector, for free on Steam. If you’ve been following Warframe all these years, you’ll recognize Dark Sector as an essential part of its origin story.

While seasoned players might remember Dark Sector, I’d wager many gamers haven’t stumbled upon this hidden gem. Originally released for consoles, it hit PCs in 2009, introducing us to Hayden Tenno, a CIA operative on a mission in a fictional Soviet state during the Cold War’s closing stages. The game combines intense third-person shooting action with the clever use of a throwable weapon called the Glaive. This boomerang-like tool doesn’t just slice through foes from afar; it’s also crucial for solving various in-game puzzles. Dark Sector opted for a more intense, immersive experience by omitting a HUD altogether, placing players directly in the thick of it.

While it might not have claimed a spot as an all-time great, Dark Sector is undeniably crucial as it laid the groundwork for what Warframe is today.

Interestingly, the Tenno characters in Warframe take their name from Hayden Tenno. Dark Sector was envisioned as a grand, online spectacle, but due to its challenging development, it had to be dialed back, with many of its universe concepts eventually shaping Warframe. The upcoming 1999 expansion draws heavily from Dark Sector, and there are whispers among fans that we might even see a cameo from Hayden Tenno himself.

To gear up for this new chapter, Digital Extremes is offering Dark Sector for free on Steam to anyone who wants to add it to their collection. As they announce, “Dive into a piece of Digital Extremes history and battle the Technocyte Virus alongside Hayden Tenno!” But you’ll need to hurry—this no-cost offer wraps up on Saturday, November 30 at 9am PT/12pm ET/5pm GMT/6pm CET. Snag your copy here before it’s gone.

For a sneak peek at what to expect in the new Warframe expansion, check out our Warframe 1999 guide. If you’re eager for more gaming action, we have a list of other fantastic free PC games to explore right now.

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