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

Warframe’s next chapter, known as 1999, is just about to drop, bringing players back into its exhilarating world—a unique blend of dark tech fantasy with a nostalgic nod to turn-of-the-century vibes. Visually stunning, the game is generating a buzz, but here’s an exciting twist: Digital Extremes is giving away Dark Sector, its very first game and a sort of ancestor to Warframe, absolutely free on Steam.

Now, if you’re a seasoned Warframe player, you probably have an inkling about Dark Sector. However, a lot of gamers might not have crossed paths with it. Released on PCs back in 2009 following its console debut, Dark Sector offers an intense single-player experience. You play as Hayden Tenno, a CIA operative deep inside a fictional Soviet country during the Cold War’s final days. The gameplay is all about third-person shooting, but what really stands out is the Glaive, a boomerang weapon that Hayden wields. It’s lethal from afar and also an essential tool for cracking puzzles. Dark Sector aimed for a gritty, immersive experience, going as far as ditching a HUD entirely.

Okay, so Dark Sector might not top your list of legendary games, but it holds significant importance as the precursor to what Warframe has evolved into today.

Interestingly, Warframe’s Tennos take their name from our hero in Dark Sector. Originally, Dark Sector was envisioned as a more ambitious online game, but a rocky development path meant scaling back those plans. These early ideas and the game’s lore heavily influenced Warframe during its early days in the 2010s. The upcoming 1999 expansion is expected to delve deeply into this connection, with fans speculating a possible cameo by Hayden Tenno himself.

To get us ready, Digital Extremes has decided to gift Dark Sector on Steam. “Dive into this slice of Digital Extremes’ history and combat the Technocyte Virus as Hayden Tenno!” their announcement reads. It’s a prime chance to snag the game while it’s free, but act fast.

You can claim Dark Sector for your Steam library right now, but don’t dawdle—the offer wraps up on Saturday, November 30, at 9 am PT/12 pm ET/5 pm GMT/6 pm CET. Here’s your chance to grab it.

Curious about what’s new in Warframe’s upcoming expansion? Check out our in-depth Warframe 1999 guide. Or, if you’re hunting for more gaming thrills, we’ve rounded up some stellar free PC games you can dive into, no strings attached.

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