Can You Change Region on Warframe? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you can change your region in Warframe, but it’s crucial to understand what this action actually impacts. While the game allows you to select different regions, this does not, as in many other games, change your game server. Instead, changing your region in Warframe primarily affects your chat channels and matchmaking preferences. This means you’ll be connecting to different regional communities, which impacts who you interact with and play alongside, not necessarily the actual physical server you’re connecting to. Let’s delve into the specifics to ensure you fully understand how region selection works in Warframe.
Understanding Region Selection in Warframe
The process to change your region in Warframe is straightforward. Here’s how you do it:
- Pause the game: Access the main menu while in the game.
- Navigate to Options: Click on the “Options” button located on the left pane.
- Go to Gameplay: Select the “Gameplay” tab.
- Choose Region: In the list of options, click on “Region.”
- Select a new region: Use the drop-down menu to choose your desired region.
- Confirm: Click the “Confirm” button to apply the changes.
It’s essential to know that when you change your region, you’re not moving your account or character to a different data center. Instead, you are altering your regional communication boundaries and affecting your matchmaking pool.
What Changes When You Switch Regions?
- Chat Channels: Your region change will primarily alter the chat channels you participate in. You’ll gain access to the region chat, trade chat, recruiting chat, and QA chat of the selected region.
- Matchmaking: Changing regions will influence your public matchmaking experience. You’ll be more likely to match with players who have also selected the same region. However, it’s worth noting that this isn’t a strict geographical lock, and the game may prioritize ping/connection quality over region.
- Manual Invites: Importantly, you can still manually invite players from any region to join your squad, regardless of your selected region. This means your social circles aren’t restricted to your chosen region.
What Doesn’t Change When You Switch Regions?
- Account Progress: Switching regions does not reset any of your account progress. All of your Warframes, weapons, resources, and mission progress remain unchanged.
- Data Centers: It is important to reiterate that changing regions does not change the physical server you connect to. The underlying server remains the same, but the grouping for social and matchmaking purposes changes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Warframe Regions
To further clarify how Warframe’s region selection works, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
1. Can I switch servers on Warframe?
No, you cannot directly switch game servers in Warframe like some other online multiplayer games. The “region” setting in Warframe is not for server selection, but for chat and matchmaking preferences. The server you connect to will always be based on the best ping/connection for you, and is determined automatically by the game, and cannot be changed.
2. Does changing region reset my progress?
Absolutely not. Changing your region will not reset any of your progress. Your Warframes, weapons, inventory, and mission completion data will remain exactly as they were, regardless of the selected region.
3. How does Warframe matchmaking work with region changes?
Changing your region primarily influences matchmaking by prioritizing players who have also selected the same region for public gameplay. However, the game will still consider ping/connection quality. It’s not a strict region-lock, and you may still encounter players from other regions.
4. Can I invite players from any region if my region is different?
Yes, you can manually invite players from any region, even if you have a different region selected. This means that while matchmaking may be influenced by your chosen region, you’re not limited when forming squads with friends across regions.
5. Why would I change my region in Warframe?
You might change your region to interact with players in different time zones or specific language groups, or to find trade partners who operate at different times. It affects the chat channels you see and the players you’re more likely to match with through public matchmaking.
6. What is global chat in Warframe?
Warframe does have a global chat, but it’s not something you switch to via the region selector. To send a message in global chat, you need to use the command “** /g your message**” in any chat window.
7. What time zone do Warframe servers operate in?
Warframe’s servers operate on Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The daily resets for login counters and trade allowances happen at 00:00 UTC every day.
8. Can I transfer my Warframe account between platforms?
No, Warframe accounts cannot be transferred between platforms like PC, PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch. Transferring accounts also violates the Terms of Use/EULA, so it’s not recommended.
9. How do I trade with other players?
To trade, you first need to be Mastery Rank 2 or higher. You’ll also need to be in a Dojo, at a Trading Post. Select the player you want to trade with, and both of you ready and confirm the trade.
10. What is “region chat” in Warframe?
Region chat lets you communicate with all players within your selected region. You need to have “Region Chat” enabled in your Options > Chat menu to see it.
11. What does “H” mean in Warframe chat?
In Warframe chat, “H” often stands for “Hosting/Help“. It means someone is hosting a session and you can ask for an invite.
12. Why can’t I chat in Warframe at the beginning?
You need to complete the tutorial mission (Vor’s Prize) to unlock full chat functionality, including trade and world chat. This is a measure against bots and spammers.
13. What is a “regional server”?
In terms of server architecture, a regional server manages resources for a specific region. However, in Warframe’s context, the “Region” in options relates primarily to a method of grouping players for social interactions and matchmaking. The actual game servers operate differently based on performance.
14. How do I change matchmaking regions, if not this way?
The steps outlined above for changing the “Region” are exactly how you change your matchmaking region. Navigate to Options > Gameplay > Region, and then use the drop down to change your matchmaking region. There is an “Auto” option which selects the best region for your ping.
15. What does PMO, OBO, WTB, and WTS stand for in Warframe?
These are all abbreviations used in trade chats. PMO stands for “Private Message Offer,” OBO is “Or Best Offer,” WTB is “Want To Buy,” and WTS is “Want To Sell.”
Conclusion
In summary, while you can change your region in Warframe, it’s essential to recognize that this impacts your chat channels and matchmaking. It does not, however, change which actual servers you are connected to, nor does it affect your progress within the game. By understanding these nuances, you can optimize your Warframe experience and connect more effectively with the game’s global community.