Just because it’s free-to-play, doesn’t mean it has to be stagnant. That’s what Warframe developer Digital Extremes have been showcasing through their support of the game. During the recent TENNOLIVE session, they proved it once again with some really breathtaking reveals.

If you’ve been playing Warframe and paid attention to the updates and news, you’ll remember that Project Railjack was announced at last year’s TennoCon. You get your own spaceship called a Railjack which you and your squad can pilot and man the guns.

To call all of this “awesome” is an understatement…

But wait, there’s more!

The live 40-minute live demo showcases what a Railjack-involved mission would be like from start to end. From pimping out your Railjack with colours and insignias (just like you can do to your Warframe) to hijacking enemy gunships to provide support for the Railjack.

For real, you’ll be able to use your Archwings to fly to enemy ships, kill the captain and pilot their ships. Destruction of the Railjack results in a game over so this mechanic is going to be vital in ensuring the Railjack isn’t the only target for the enemies’ cannons and guns.

The update will also introduce a feature very similar to Shadow of Mordor‘s Nemesis System called the Kingpin System where you’ll have your own rival who comes back stronger every time you defeat them.

In the mission showcased during the live demo, the squad is trying to kill a rival to one of the squad members. However, the enemy’s ship has some really strong shields and it’s going to take a while to punch through. No biggie, call up another squad to disrupt the shields.

Through Squad Link, you can signal to other players outside the mission to help you out. In this case, a Squad Link is established between the space team and a ground squad. The ground squad is tasked with destroying a shield generator located on the planet’s surface.

Remember Star Wars‘ Battle of Endor? Well, that’s exactly the kind of feel that the devs are aiming for. If you’re not on a mission yourself, you can use the Squad Link to check if anyone else needs help. Your friends and clan members will be prioritised, of course.

And that’s just a taste of what’s to come. You can read the developer’s full blog update here.

Aside from the Empyrean demo, there were also a few other cool reveals:

• A new cinematic intro directed by the man behind 10 Cloverfield Lane and the upcoming Uncharted live-action movie.
• Trailer for The Duviri Paradox, an update that will introduce the game’s next open world.
• Trailer for The New War, a new cinematic quest.
• New Warframes Gauss and Grendel which were shown during the live demo. Full reveal and release dates coming soon!

Already live in the game are the Nightwave: Series 2 update which adds a few helpful changes to the Nightwave challenges and the anticipated Wukong Prime Access.

Warframe is still free-to-play on PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Switch. Want to start playing but afraid it’s all too overwhelming? Fret not, we’ve got just the right beginner’s guide for you.