“War is Hell” Warframe Dev Talks Love Among The Devil’s Triad

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So, the new Old Peace update for Warframe dropped, and with it comes this side story called Devil’s Triad. Honestly, it’s really cool because you get to meet three characters you can actually build relationships with – and yeah, even romance them! The devs took the romance stuff they started in Warframe: 1999 and really leaned into a darker, almost gothic vibe for this. It’s a pretty heavy story, really showing how awful war is, but also surprisingly hopeful, because it shows people finding connection and love even when things are at their worst.

Game Rant interviewed the creators of Warframe – creative director Rebecca Ford, lead writer Adrian Bott, and principal writer Kat Kingsley – about developing the Old Peace update and the Devil’s Triad story. They talked about bringing romance back to the game in a fresh way, different from how it was handled in Warframe: 1999, and how The Devil’s Triad explores the deeply personal and terrifying side of war. The team also shared some teasers about the upcoming dating opportunities with characters like Roathe, Father Lyon Allard, and Marie Leroux.

Devil’s Triad Romances Use A “Grim KIM” System To Convey A Dark Tone

In Warframe: 1999, players could connect with characters from the Hex, even forming relationships, through a messaging system called KIM. Digital Extremes has announced that the upcoming The Devil’s Triad will also feature a similar messaging system, but with a unique look and feel to differentiate it from the one in 1999.

Because The Devil’s Triad had a particularly dark and serious mood, the team working on it started calling the underlying system “Grim KIM,” or simply “GIM.”

We explored a few different ideas before deciding on ‘Grim KIM,’ or ‘GIM.’ We also created a dedicated section for these characters with a unique visual style – including a new color scheme and soundtrack – to make sure they didn’t look out of place alongside the characters originally designed in 1999.

Kingsley shared that the romantic elements in The Devil’s Triad will be very different in tone from the relationships in Warframe: 1999. He describes it as “Dark Gothic Romance.” Characters like Wisp, Harrow, and especially Uriel – the first Orokin Protoframe, who Rebecca Ford calls a “picture-perfect antagonist” – are much more troubled and darker than the characters players could previously romance.

The characters known as the Devil’s Triad have faced terrifying challenges in Descendia, a new game mode resembling a reverse tower where levels are built like the layers of Hell. Even skilled players will find it difficult. According to Kingsley, the experiences these three characters have will shape the relationships they form with players, leading to intricate, non-sexual connections and love stories.

Another significant hurdle was how intricate the characters were. Even though there were only three of them – half the number in The New War – creating them took as much, or even more, effort than building the original romance system for Warframe: 1999.

Romances In The Devil’s Triad Will Feature Both Story And Mechanical Differences

Adrian Bott explains that while Devil’s Triad uses the same relationship system (KIM) as Warframe: 1999 and Techrot Encore, building romances with Roathe, Lyon, and Marie will feel unique. He detailed how the gameplay and story will differ during these romance sections.

Players can look forward to more choices and chances to explore different paths in the story. You’ll still be able to build either romantic or friendly relationships with the Triad characters, each of whom has a unique way of communicating. And if you’re familiar with the KIM system from Warframe: 1999, there might even be some fun connections and shared dialogue for the Drifter character.

In Warframe: 1999, players could develop relationships with characters from the Hex that felt connected to the game’s late 90s setting. A particularly memorable moment allowed players to celebrate New Year’s Eve 1999 with their chosen partner, potentially ending with a midnight kiss. These romantic interactions were well-received by Warframe fans, who then hoped to see similar moments in the Devil’s Triad storyline.

Adrian Bott has confirmed that players will be able to go on dates with characters from the Triad. He also mentioned there will be even more date choices available than in Warframe: 1999. According to the Lead Writer, here’s how the system works:

We’re introducing ‘Captura Dates,’ a new feature where you can go on dates with Triad members you’ve fully romanced. These dates take place within Captura, our in-game photography mode, and offer five unique scenes to choose from. And yes, you can expect some romantic moments, including kisses!

The Triad’s Story Emphasizes That War Is An Internal Hell

Although the Devil’s Triad side story will have sweet moments, like characters sharing kisses on Captura Dates, its main story is very serious. It focuses on the devastating reality of war and its impact on those involved.

As a huge Warframe fan, I’ve been following the development of The Devil’s Triad and it’s been fascinating to see how much thought went into it. The team at Digital Extremes kept coming back to this central idea while they were building the story, really striving to make it one of the best quests Warframe has ever seen. And it’s not just about the narrative – the two new modes, The Perita Rebellion and The Descendia, both really dig into what war means, and how it affects people, as Adrian Bott explained.

The Descendia delves into the tormented landscape of Roathe’s memories, experienced through the Drifter’s perspective. Lyon and Marie join us on this journey, offering steadfast companionship and emotional support. The story often circles back to the idea that ‘War is Hell,’ but while the Perita Rebellion represents an outward struggle, the Descendia is a deeply personal and internal one.

Roathe, also known as Uriel, is a key figure in the ‘introspective Hell’ storyline of Warframe. He was the first Orokin Protoframe introduced to the game’s narrative. According to Rebecca Ford, the developers responded to player requests for more villainous Protoframes, and Roathe’s character – including a potential romantic connection with the player – was heavily refined during the development process.

The creation of the first Orokin Protoframe was deliberately designed to introduce a central villain for the story. This was a very intentional decision, and its impact will unfold through the ‘Devil’s Triad’ side story, with the narrative changing based on the choices players make.

Ford also commended the actors portraying the new characters Roathe (René Zagger), Marie (Elsa Perusin), and Lyon (Will de Renzy-Martin). He noted that bringing new characters, known as Protoframes, to life is a challenging part of any update, but these three actors quickly understood their roles and offered valuable input. Ford highlighted their strong acting skills, which led to a collaborative recording process – something he understands is rare. He’s eager for players to meet and connect with these new characters.

With the next update launching on December 10, 2025, Warframe players will delve into the stories of The Old Peace and The Devil’s Triad. This update features a deep and intricate narrative focused on the ancient conflict and the Tau System, introducing three compelling new characters players can get to know and even pursue romantic relationships with. The developers are thrilled to bring back the romance system, first introduced in Warframe: 1999, and can’t wait for players to connect with the characters of the Devil’s Triad in this new side story.

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2025-12-08 17:44