After three years of interaction with the Warframe community, I’ve found certain things to be true. First and foremost, the game is always changing and evolving, so do not be surprised for the next melee 2.0, 2.5, or 2.9876. Next, you can optimize a build all you want but optimizing fashion frame will always be elusive; that is why it’s the only true endgame. Lastly, our perspective defines the way that we see the game, as well as our wants and needs to feel satisfied with it.

This really got me to thinking that a majority of issues that we face in game are deeply rooted in different perspectives clashing over solitary ideas, so I figured that the best way to understand where these ideals come from is to observe and categorize the community into different schools of mastery.

Now I understand that no one will ever fit into just one, however, like a D&D stat pool, points tend to be predominantly assigned to one or two of the stats allowing the player to shine in those categories, while other stats remain untouched. With that said, let’s take a look at the three different skillsets players use to win at Warframe.

Git gud scrub.

The first of the skillsets is Technical. These players excel at core gameplay: they are the masters of parkour, they utilize cover far more effectively than most players, and are deathly accurate when it comes to landing headshots. I find this group to be keenly aware of their surroundings, knowing which doors enemies will approach from, as well as their approximate spawn timing. They are instinctual, and adapt quite well to changing conditions. These players can pick up almost any weapon or Warframe in the game and walk out of the most difficult missions nearly unscathed.

At their best Technical players are survivors, they dominate in Conclave and can out maneuver enemy AI without the use of a single Warframe skill. They are stealthy without the stealth, they are powerhouses without need for power. I personally find these players to be the most skilled out of all of the schools. However, on the darker end of the spectrum, Technical players do tend to place a lot of value into that skillset, so much so that they are usually the first to shun highly mechanical builds as cheese, and weapons they deem to be too powerful as powercreep. To them it’s all about how well they play the game, and not necessarily the tools they use to get them where they need to go.

Work smarter, not harder.

Next on the list, are the masters of the Mechanical. While Technical players shine on the battlefield, these players win the war before they even leave their Liset. They are analytical at their core, constantly tweaking and playtesting builds. They see the gears of the game and know exactly what pieces to put into play in order to create the smoothest experience. They are quick to spot new synergies across Warframes, weapons, Focus schools and Arcanes, and from their vast knowledge base, they are able to pull out even the most obscure mechanical interaction in order to optimize their loadouts.

At their best Mechanical players leave their fellow Tenno wondering exactly how they hell they managed to do what they did. Tapping into a library of in-game mechanics they push specialization to its limits, creating the perfect combinations to dominate each category of play. There is no doubt that these players are some of the most advanced minds in Warframe, however on the darker end of the spectrum, they can come off analytical and cold. Builds are less about personalized customization, and more about squeezing out the most optimal number, as the best way is the only way. While their builds are absolute perfection, many that fit within this category are far less adaptable than their technical counterparts, finding it a struggle to regroup when plans go awry as they lean heavily on their advanced mechanics to carry them through. But, adversity never stopped progress, it’s just another puzzle for the mechanically-adept to solve.

It’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know.

The third and final skillset tends to be the least appreciated, yet has the most impact on the game. The Interpersonal powerhouses serve to be the thread that links players together. They tend to have their fingers on the pulse of what is going on with the game. From the newest build, to latest stealth nerfs or buffs, they’re one of the first to hear about it. While they may not be as knowledgeable as a primarily Mechanical player, they know where or who to go to get the information they need. And if they find themselves face to face with a challenge that they can’t take on alone, they have a roster of highly Technical players who don’t mind showing off their skills.

At their best, those blessed to have strong interpersonal skills are amazing at clan management, always have groups ready and willing to raid or hit the sorties, and are good at squeezing out a fair price from even the toughest trader in the marketplace. These players make the grind feel less grindy and leave others feeling good about being on their team. However, on the darker end of the spectrum, they can act as a mouthpiece for misinformation if they aren’t cautious about where they source their info. Due to their communicative nature, they’re also very good at creating narratives that may or may not line up with objective fact, and have other people buy into it. But for those adept in the interpersonal arts, there isn’t any social situation that can’t be set right with one good conversation.

We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.

Now clearly none of these attributes are 100% set in stone and many different hybrid skillsets exist, but I definitely feel like it gives a bit of a background as to why certain player bases react the way they do to the things that happen in-game. Technical players may rejoice at the rebalancing of a weapon that leveled the battlefield, whilst Mechanical players abhor losing a keystone to one of their loadouts. Interpersonal players may jump at the opportunity to pick apart and discuss a datamine, while the other two may scoff at not having accurate information to build new strategies upon.

What it all boils down to is that our community is made up of many passionate players who come from very different backgrounds and who place value in different aspects of the game. And while we may never be able to completely put ourselves in in the position of other players, it’s very important to, at the very least, see where they are coming from. Because, while there are many ways to win at Warframe, there is no reason that we can’t do it together.

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