Dark Sector: The Overlooked Prequel to Warframe is Currently Free on Steam

Warframe 1999 is just about to hit the scene, drawing fans back into its wild world that seamlessly blends dark tech fantasy with the unique vibes of the turn of the millennium. The visuals look stunning, and to make things even more exciting, Digital Extremes, the developer, is generously giving away their debut game, Dark Sector, gratis to Steam users. This game was the precursor to today’s Warframe, offering gamers a glimpse into its roots.

Now, for those who’ve been around Warframe for a while, Dark Sector might be a familiar name. Yet, I’d wager that many gamers out there have never even heard of it. Released first on consoles and making its way to PC in 2009, this gritty, single-player, third-person shooter placed players in the role of Hayden Tenno, a CIA agent tasked with penetrating a fictional Soviet country as the Cold War dwindled down. Besides engaging third-person gunfights, it introduced players to the Glaive — a lethal, throwable weapon akin to a boomerang, essential for both combat and puzzle-solving. With its focus on a more hardcore and immersive experience, Dark Sector notably excluded any on-screen HUD.

It might not be the most celebrated game ever, but it’s undeniably crucial — as it laid the groundwork for the massive multiplayer hit Warframe that we know today.

Interestingly, the Tennos in Warframe owe their names to Dark Sector’s hero. Initially, Dark Sector was envisioned as a broader, online undertaking, but due to its tumultuous development, those plans were shelved. These early concepts and the lore from Dark Sector later morphed into Warframe during the early 2010s. The upcoming 1999 expansion draws heavily from Dark Sector, and some fans even speculate that Hayden Tenno might make a surprise appearance.

To gear up for this expansion, Digital Extremes is offering Dark Sector for free on Steam. As shared in their announcement, you can “dive into this piece of Digital Extremes history and help Hayden Tenno combat the perilous Technocyte Virus.” However, you’ll want to act quickly to snag this deal while it lasts.

Right now, Dark Sector is yours to claim on Steam at no cost, with this amazing offer wrapping up on Saturday, November 30th at 9am PT/12pm ET/5pm GMT/6pm CET. Don’t miss out—grab your copy right here.

For those interested in what’s on the horizon with the new Warframe expansion, our Warframe 1999 guide has all the details. And if you’re hunting for more free PC games to sink your time into, we’ve got plenty of recommendations for you.

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