16/03/2024
The cosmos is vast and full of wonders, but few phenomena captivate and challenge explorers quite like the Void. Initially, our understanding of this enigmatic dimension was limited to distant observations, meticulously cataloguing galaxy distributions and refining cosmological models. However, with significant advancements in space travel and an insatiable curiosity driving us forward, humanity has embarked on a new era of cosmic exploration, venturing ever closer to the Void and the profound secrets it harbours. Central to these secrets are the elusive Void Relics, crucial artefacts for any Tenno seeking to enhance their arsenal and power.
What Exactly is the Void?
The Void is not merely another sector of the Star Chart; it is a mysterious realm of extra-dimensional space where the conventional laws of physics hold little sway. This unique environment is the wellspring of many peculiar occurrences, including the devastating Void Storms that can tear through reality, and is intimately linked to the very origin of the Tenno's extraordinary powers. It is a place of profound energy and instability, yet paradoxically, it holds some of the most sought-after treasures in the Origin System.
Visually, the Void is instantly recognisable by its distinct aesthetic: towering, pristine white and gold structures known as Orokin Towers. These magnificent edifices were constructed by the ancient Orokin civilisation for purposes that remain largely unknown, shrouded in the same mystery that envelops much of their history. Despite their enigmatic origins, these towers are of immense interest to all major factions within the Origin System, not least because they are believed to house vast caches of Orokin technology and untold riches. Furthermore, the Void is the primary source of Argon Crystals, a rare and volatile resource essential for crafting certain high-tier items.
Accessing the Void requires careful navigation through the Star Chart. Unlike most planets where a single entry point grants access to all nodes, the Void is uniquely segmented. It is divided into four distinct sets of nodes, each requiring access from a specific planet: Europa, Neptune, Phobos, and Sedna. This decentralised access means you'll need to progress through different parts of the Star Chart to unlock the entirety of the Void.
Once a Void mission is unlocked via a junction, completing missions within its branches can permanently unlock that mission, even if you haven't completed the junction requirements for other planets. For instance, successfully completing the Aten mission in the Void will grant you access to the planet Sedna directly, bypassing the need to complete its specific junction. This offers a strategic advantage for Tenno looking to expand their reach across the Origin System efficiently.
The Dangers Within: Enemies and Challenges
While the allure of Orokin treasures and Void Relics is strong, the Void is far from a welcoming place. The Orokin Towers are fiercely protected by the Neural Sentry, an ancient security system that has taken control of various units to safeguard the structures from external intrusion. These enemies are formidable, often displaying enhanced capabilities compared to their counterparts elsewhere in the Origin System.
It's crucial to note that Void missions accessible via the Sedna junction are classified as "Tier 4" (T4) difficulty. In these challenging encounters, enemies inflict a staggering +200% more damage relative to their actual level, demanding peak performance and strategic thinking from any Tenno brave enough to venture there. Beyond the standard Void-corrupted units, you may also find yourself hunted by the dreaded Stalker or ambushed by hostile Syndicate Death Squads, adding an unpredictable layer of danger to your missions. The environment itself poses threats, with new tile sets featuring more intricate traps, lethal lasers, and hidden turrets in various compartments, all designed to deter intruders.
Void Relics: The Key to Prime Power
So, what is a Void Relic, and why are they so important? A Void Relic is a small, enigmatic container that holds fragments of the past, specifically Prime parts. These relics are an invaluable resource, as they are the primary means by which Tenno acquire Prime equipment – enhanced versions of Warframes, weapons, and companions that boast superior statistics, additional polarities, and often, stunning gold-trimmed aesthetics. Crucially, a Void Relic is guaranteed as a reward at the end of every mission completed within the Void, making these missions a fundamental part of any Tenno's progression.
To unlock the treasures within a Void Relic, Tenno must undertake Fissure missions. During these missions, players collect Reactant from corrupted enemies to "refine" their chosen relic. The more Reactant collected, and the higher the tier of refinement applied to the relic (Intact, Exceptional, Flawless, Radiant), the greater the chance of obtaining a rarer Prime part from it. This system encourages teamwork, as multiple players can bring their own relics to a Fissure mission, and upon completion, each player gets to choose one of the unlocked rewards from any of the participating relics.
Understanding Relic Tiers
Void Relics are categorised into four main types, each associated with different eras of Prime releases and containing specific Prime parts:
| Relic Type | Common Prime Parts | Uncommon Prime Parts | Rare Prime Parts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lith | Early Warframe/Weapon Primes | Component parts | Specific rare components |
| Meso | Mid-tier Warframe/Weapon Primes | Component parts | Specific rare components |
| Neo | Later Warframe/Weapon Primes | Component parts | Specific rare components |
| Axi | Newest Warframe/Weapon Primes | Component parts | Specific rare components |
The specific Prime parts available from each relic type rotate with new Prime Access releases, ensuring a constant demand for new relics and an ongoing reason to delve into the Void.
The Evolution of the Void: A Historical Perspective
The Void has undergone numerous changes and refinements since its introduction, reflecting its central role in the Warframe experience. Early iterations of Void missions often involved collecting "keys" to access them, a system that was eventually phased out, making relics the sole entry point to Prime hunting.
Significant updates have improved the quality of life for players and streamlined the Void experience:
- Procedural Generation Enhancements: Updates like 14.1 and 12.4 significantly increased the complexity and variety of Void environments, reducing dead ends and improving the flow of levels, particularly for Survival missions.
- Resource Changes: Initially, Alloy Plates were a common resource, but Hotfix 18.4.3 replaced them with Ferrite, altering the economic landscape for players.
- Stealth Mechanics: Update 18.5 introduced the ability for Void Extermination missions to start as "undetected," allowing for stealth play and temporary alarms for specific zones rather than a general tower alert.
- Prime Part Tradability: A pivotal change in Update 12.2 made all Prime parts found in the Void tradable, fostering a robust player-driven economy and allowing Tenno to acquire specific parts they needed by trading with others.
- Reward Refinements: Updates such as 12.4 redefined the distribution of new Prime equipment within Void and Derelict mission rewards, ensuring new items were appropriately placed and discovered over time.
- Bug Fixes and Quality of Life: Numerous hotfixes have addressed environmental bugs, such as broken water effects, unrunnable walls, and issues with marking items in the environment, ensuring a smoother gameplay experience.
These continuous improvements highlight the developers' commitment to making the Void a dynamic and engaging part of the game.
Why Explore the Void?
Beyond the guaranteed Void Relic drop, there are compelling reasons to regularly venture into this mysterious dimension:
- Prime Equipment Acquisition: This is the primary driver. Void Relics are your gateway to obtaining powerful Prime Warframes, weapons, and accessories, which are essential for tackling higher-level content and optimising your builds.
- Argon Crystals: As mentioned, the Void is the most reliable source of these rare and volatile crystals, which decay over time but are critical for crafting many advanced items.
- Orokin Technology and Lore: For players interested in the rich lore of Warframe, the Void and its Orokin structures offer invaluable insights into the ancient civilisation that shaped the Origin System.
- Resource Farming: Various resources specific to the Void, such as Control Modules and Neurodes, are also found here, essential for crafting a wide array of items.
- Challenge and Progression: The unique enemy types, environmental hazards, and scaling difficulty, especially in T4 missions, provide a significant challenge that helps players test their builds and improve their skills.
Tips for Void Exploration
Venturing into the Void requires preparation. Here are a few tips:
- Choose Your Loadout Wisely: For T4 missions, bring your strongest Warframes and weapons. Consider Warframes with good crowd control, survivability, or high damage output.
- Understand Enemy Factions: Be aware that the Neural Sentry controls various corrupted units. They often have high shields and armor, so plan your damage types accordingly.
- Pay Attention to Environment: The Void is full of traps, lasers, and turrets. Always be aware of your surroundings to avoid unnecessary damage.
- Teamwork is Key: While many Void missions can be soloed, playing in a squad, especially for Fissure missions, can significantly increase efficiency and the chances of obtaining rare Prime parts due to shared reward selection.
- Manage Argon Crystals: Remember that Argon Crystals have a decay timer. Use them promptly after acquiring them for your crafting needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are Void Relics primarily used for?
A: Void Relics are used to acquire Prime parts through Fissure missions. These parts are then assembled to craft Prime Warframes, weapons, and accessories, which are enhanced versions of their regular counterparts.
Q: How do I obtain Void Relics?
A: Void Relics are guaranteed drops at the end of every mission completed within the Void region of the Star Chart. They can also be obtained from various other sources, such as certain endless missions, bounties, and syndicate offerings.
Q: What are Argon Crystals, and why are they important?
A: Argon Crystals are a rare and volatile resource found primarily in the Void. They are crucial for crafting various advanced items, but they decay over time, meaning you must use them quickly once acquired.
Q: Are all Void missions equally difficult?
A: No. While all Void missions present a challenge, those accessible via the Sedna junction are classified as "Tier 4" (T4) difficulty, featuring enemies that inflict significantly more damage than their base level.
Q: Can I trade Prime parts obtained from Void Relics?
A: Yes, all Prime parts obtained from Void Relics are tradable with other players, allowing for a player-driven economy where Tenno can buy or sell specific parts they need or have duplicates of.
The Void remains one of Warframe's most intriguing and rewarding destinations. Its blend of ancient mystery, perilous challenges, and invaluable treasures, particularly the elusive Void Relics, ensures it will continue to be a cornerstone of any Tenno's journey through the Origin System. Embrace the unknown, prepare for the dangers, and unlock the power of the Primes!
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