If you’ve already taken the plunge into Warframe, you’ll probably know how easy it is to make mistakes early on. As a game with an ocean of systems and very few handrails, some lessons can only be learned the hard way — unless someone tells you first. Here are 16 things I wish I knew when starting Warframe — including essential habits, beginner traps, and time-saving strategies that will change how you play. Whether you’re new or mid-progress, these insights will spare you countless hours of regret.

1. Do Not Sell Quest Items — Ever

This one’s a biggie. If you earn a Warframe or weapon through a quest — keep it. Selling it means you’ll have to go through Cephalon Simaris to re-obtain it, and that grind is far from pleasant. The same goes for rare drops like Stalker weapons (Hate, Despair, Dread). Some players go months without ever getting them. If you’re lucky enough to get a blueprint, build it and cherish it.

2. You Don’t Need to Max Every Mod

Mods like Vitality and Redirection are rank-10 mods — and maxing them is expensive in both credits and Endo. As a beginner, you don’t need to max them out. Stick to upgrading them to around rank 5 or 6. Mods like Serration and Pressure Point can go higher — around rank 8 is more than enough. Many mods only go to rank 3–5, and these are safe to level early since they’re more affordable.

Corrupted mods are another rabbit hole. You’ll use them eventually, but they’re pricey. Upgrade them only when you’re running Arbitrations and can handle high-level farming. Save your Endo — don’t burn it too early.

3. Elemental Mod Order Matters

Modding is deep, and a full explanation takes time, but here’s a small key tip: elemental order affects the result. Mod combinations are read left to right, top to bottom. Want Viral + Heat? Slot Cold and Toxin mods first to create Viral, then add Heat. Get the order wrong and you’ll end up with Blast + Toxin — not what you wanted. Rearranging your mod positions can fix this instantly.

4. Know What Elements Work Best Against Each Faction

• Grineer: Viral + Slash or Corrosive + Heat (bypass or strip armor).
• Corpus: Toxin (ignores shields).
• Infested: Gas is best, but Heat or general damage works fine too.

Understanding damage types early can give you a big edge and make your gear feel way more effective.

5. Spend Platinum Wisely

The temptation to splurge Platinum on skins is real — but resist it early on. Your best investments are:

• Warframe slots
• Weapon slots
• Orokin Reactors (Warframe) and Catalysts (Weapons)

Only spend on cosmetics and forma bundles after you have a steady method of farming Platinum.

6. Use the Wiki and Ask the Community

The Warframe Wiki is a goldmine. Don’t underestimate how often a quick search can answer everything — farming spots, mod mechanics, drop rates. Still lost? Ask in chat. Warframe’s community is famously helpful. Just don’t ask something you could’ve Googled in two seconds — that tends to annoy the veterans.

7. Don’t Just Play the Meta

Everyone loves to recommend the same few “meta” frames and weapons. Yes, there’s a reason they’re powerful, but Warframe is about experimentation. With over 55 frames and hundreds of weapons, there’s so much more to explore. Chasing only the top tier is a fast path to burnout. Play what you like. Find the gear that fits your style, not just the tier list.

8. Run the Circuit Every Week

The Circuit, introduced with Duviri, is a fantastic game mode for new players. It provides fast access to otherwise slow-to-farm frames and augments. Make it a habit to run your Circuit every week. You’ll save a ton of time and effort later on, and it synergizes well with Helminth once you unlock it.

9. Don’t Dive into Open Worlds Too Early

Open worlds (like Cetus or Deimos) are tempting, but they’re punishing if you’re undergeared. If your Mastery Rank is low and your mods aren’t up to par, you’ll struggle. Focus first on building stronger frames, leveling gear, and learning core mechanics. Then come back and clean house.

10. Practice Your Mastery Rank (MR) Tests

MR tests are required to level up your account and unlock new gear. If you fail, you’ll need to wait 24 hours to try again. That’s why you should always use the practice option first. In your Orbiter, head to Cephalon Simaris via the faction terminal, and you’ll find a console with all the MR tests available to try before committing.

11. Start Working Toward Necramech and Railjack Early

Eventually, you’ll want to do The New War — a major quest. It requires both a Necramech and a Railjack. Good news: both grinds have been streamlined. For Necramechs, farm on Deimos or buy built parts from other players (Voidrig is the beginner favorite). For Railjack, either complete Rising Tide or spend Platinum to buy one outright. Start these systems early so they don’t block your story progress.

Bonus Rapid-Fire Tips:

12. Activate Your Syndicates Early – As soon as you unlock them, pick two and start passively farming standing. Syndicates provide powerful augments and weapons that can also be sold for Platinum.

13. Use Teleport Options – Save time in your Orbiter or Relays by using the fast-travel options in the faction menu. You can also teleport directly to your Dojo via the Clan menu.

14. Join a Clan ASAP – Clans give you access to exclusive blueprints, research items, and a player network that can help with advice and trading.

15. Roll to Cancel Item Pickup Animation – If you roll over an item and press interact mid-roll, you’ll pick it up instantly — skipping the slow default animation.

16. Don’t Sell Mods for Credits or Ayatan Stars – Always sell mod duplicates for Endo, not credits. Endo is far harder to get and essential for mod upgrades. Save Ayatan Stars for sculptures — the Endo gain is much higher.

Final Words

There’s a lot to learn in Warframe, and it can be a maze of systems at first. But once you internalize these core habits, everything becomes smoother. Whether it’s avoiding costly mistakes, spending Platinum wisely, or learning to enjoy the game your own way — these tips will carry you far. Warframe doesn’t rush you, and it rewards those who take the time to master its systems.

Play smart. Play how you want. And never forget — the Wiki is your best friend.