Sorry Witcher 4, but Warframe's dark fantasy sister is my most-wanted RPG, and it just took one step closer to launch

Digital Extremes has finally launched the Soulframe Founders program, mirroring Warframe's first steps, and that may hint at a beta reveal.

All of my most-anticipated games of the past year have, unfortunately, let me down. South of Midnight, while a masterclass in storytelling, struggled to nail its action-focused combat, and Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 was neither the sequel I wanted nor a good action RPG. When I look to the future, Fable certainly has potential, but its radio silence is pretty concerning, and Phantom Blade Zero still doesn't have an official release date. Soulframe is the game that I'm hoping breaks my streak of bad luck, and given that it's just hit a major milestone, I'm starting to get excited.

As someone who's attended the last three TennoCons, I've seen Soulframe go from what felt like a largely barebones open world to a full-fledged action MMORPG. While I didn't gel with Digital Extremes' initial gameplay design (it turns out a lot of people didn't), the game has continued to grow over time, transforming into a soulslite experience whose world oozes magic, mystery, and style.

While Preludes has been rumbling away in the background, adding swathes of new content including fresh weaponry, twisting Fables, and character customization, today Soulframe launches its Founders program, mirroring Warframe's initiative from 2012. It's a "big step," to quote creative director Geoff Crookes, and one that feels like it's kickstarting the road to launch.

Similar to Warframe's Founders program, you'll be able to choose from four different options across two tiers. Each Wyld pack grants access to its eponymous Pact (or class tree), so combat-focused players will want to align with Tethren, while Sirin is perfect for filthy glass cannon assassins like me, and Oscelda is aimed at magic users. You'll get a unique primary and sidearm dependant upon the character you choose, as well as a talisman, a new look for your spirit guide, Moonsteel Threads (these grant you the ability to transmog), Figments (for dying armor), and Arcs, the game's premium currency.

There's one tier above these, aptly named Paragon, which offers all of the above alongside a unique greatsword and talisman, and - perhaps my favorite - the opportunity to plant your own flower in the Eternium Gardens. The team showed off this gorgeous, ethereal grove in a recent press livestream, and it's absolutely beautiful.

There are merch bundles associated with each tier, too, with Paragon getting its own t-shirt. I, however, need that Sphere sword for my Warframe - the green will go perfectly with my Nyx Prime.

Soulframe's Wyld Tethren, Sirin, and Oscelda packs retail for $29.99 / £24.99 each, while the Wyld Paragon pack costs $99.99 / £84.99. While the latter is certainly aimed at high spenders, given that each pack grants access to the game itself, and Preludes codes that you can share with your friends, I'd argue that's not a bad deal. You can pick up your Founders pack here.

It's worth noting that, if things work similarly to Warframe, the cosmetic rewards will likely be limited edition, so if you want them, now's the time to get them.

Additonally, if I put my tinfoil hat on, Warframe's Founders program ran for just under a year before launch, so while that's not confirmation of the Soulframe release date, it does suggest we might not be left waiting that much longer.

In addition to Founders, Preludes 12 has arrived. The highlight is, of course, the greatsword, which gives fighter-oriented Envoys a heavier weapon to work with. The game's sub-bosses (now called Agari) have also received some boosts, and the game finally has fast travel, which is music to my ears. Plus, Baldur's Gate 3 and Expedition 33's Jennifer English has joined the game's cast. You can check out the full breakdown here.

All in all, it feels like Soulframe is working up to something. Perhaps it's a beta, perhaps it's the full launch: we'll have to wait and see. If you're looking for me, however, you'll find me in the Nightfold - it's slowly but surely becoming my home away from home.