Protoframes are humans who were exposed and injected with the Helminth strain of the Infestation, but have not undergone total transformations into Warframes, thus retaining their humanity. They possess traits of certain Warframes, with their outer bodies having morphed into similar bodies as present-day Warframes. Six of them make up The Hex, a resistance group aiming to escape the city-state of Höllvania and resist the Scaldra.
The Protoframes were created by Albrecht Entrati after bringing back the Helminth strain to 1999 under the guise of healing, who would bring back their cellular samples to present day to create the Vessels. He also intended for them to have served as backup Warframes for the Drifter if their arsenal was unable to transfer back to 1999. However, Albrecht believes the Protoframe's humanity may not last and it is only a matter of time before the members of the Hex are eventually consumed entirely by the Infested within their bodies.
Known Protoframes
Six of the known Protoframes make up the Hex, a resistance group opposed to the Scaldra occupation.
- Arthur Nightingale, possesses traits of
Excalibur, and serves as squad leader of the Hex - Eleanor Nightingale, possesses traits of
Nyx. Infestation is notably more pronounced in Eleanor, and she is implied to have been rendered mute by the experiments. - Aoi Morohoshi, possesses traits of
Mag, and serves as second-in-command. - Amir Beckett, possesses traits of
Volt, and possesses limited combat experience compared to the rest of the group. - Leticia Garcia, possesses traits of
Trinity, and serves as the Hex's medic. - Quincy Isaacs, possesses traits of
Cyte-09, and serves as a designated sniper.
Gameplay
Gameplay-wise, they play like their base Warframe counterparts, with unique voice lines for various actions. Outside of "The Hex" Quest, they can be used as special cosmetics known as "Gemini" skins, which allow players to swap between the Protoframe and the original Warframe with a special emote during gameplay. These Gemini Skins will also have unique dialogue if the Drifter is dating the corresponding Protoframe.
The Protoframes also appear as AI-controlled Specters in Bounties.