Mastering Mastery: A Comprehensive Guide to Weapon Mastery in Warframe

So, you want to know how much Mastery you get per weapon in Warframe? The simple answer is 3,000 Mastery XP per weapon, achieved by leveling it from Rank 0 to Rank 30. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg, Tenno. Understanding how Mastery works is crucial for progressing through the game, unlocking new weapons, Warframes, and features. This article delves into the intricacies of weapon Mastery, providing a complete guide for both new and veteran players.

Understanding the Mastery System

In Warframe, your Mastery Rank (MR) represents your overall progress and experience with various aspects of the game. It’s not just about power; it’s a measure of your dedication to exploring the vast arsenal and diverse content the game offers. Every Warframe, weapon, Companion, and Archwing you level contributes to your total Mastery Points, gradually increasing your MR.

How Weapons Contribute to Your Mastery Rank

Each time you level a weapon for the first time, you earn 100 Mastery XP per level. Since weapons max out at Rank 30, you receive a total of 3,000 Mastery XP. This applies to primary weapons, secondary weapons, melee weapons, Sentinel weapons, and Archwing weapons. It’s a linear progression – more levels equal more Mastery.

The key here is “the first time.” Once you’ve maxed out a weapon and gained its Mastery XP, leveling it again (through Forma, for example) will not grant additional Mastery. However, there are exceptions to this rule, which we’ll discuss later.

Mastery Points for Other Equipment

While this article focuses on weapons, it’s essential to understand how other equipment contributes to your MR:

• Warframes: Warframes, Companions (including Sentinels and Kavats/Kubrows), and Archwings provide 200 Mastery XP per level, resulting in 6,000 Mastery XP when maxed at Rank 30.
• K-Drives: K-Drives also grant 200 Mastery XP per level, totaling 6,000 Mastery XP at Rank 30.
• The Plexus: The Plexus, used in Railjack, gives 200 Mastery XP per level, maxing out at 6,000 Mastery XP at Rank 30.
• Necramechs: Necramechs are unique in that they provide 200 Mastery XP per level, but they can be polarized multiple times. A fully polarized Necramech (polarized 5 times) can yield 8,000 Mastery XP.

Exceptions and Special Cases

While the 3,000 Mastery XP rule is generally consistent, there are exceptions to be aware of:

• Variants of Weapons: Different variants of the same weapon, such as the Mk1-Braton, Braton, Braton Vandal, and Braton Prime, each provide separate Mastery XP. This means you can earn 3,000 Mastery XP for each variant.
• Kuva and Tenet Weapons: These weapons, obtained from Kuva Liches and Sisters of Parvos, respectively, also provide 4,000 Mastery XP when maxed at Rank 40.
• Excalibur Umbra: Excalibur Umbra is pre-leveled to Rank 30, granting you instant 6,000 Mastery XP upon acquiring him.
• MR locked gear: Some equipment requires a certain Mastery Rank before you can use it.

Strategic Mastery Grinding

Now that you understand how Mastery works, let’s discuss how to efficiently increase your MR.

1. Build and Level Everything: The most straightforward approach is to acquire and level every weapon and Warframe available. Purchase blueprints from the Market and Clans Dojos, craft the items, and then level them to Rank 30.
2. Focus on Easily Obtainable Weapons: Start with readily available weapons like the Mk1 series, which can be purchased directly from the Market for credits.
3. Optimize Affinity Gain: Affinity (XP) gain is crucial for leveling quickly. Understand how Affinity is distributed: 25% goes to your Warframe, and 75% is split among equipped weapons. Using a single weapon will maximize its Affinity gain.
4. Utilize Affinity Boosters: Affinity Boosters double the amount of Affinity you earn, significantly accelerating the leveling process.
5. Focus on Affinity Farms: Locations like Hydron on Sedna are popular for leveling weapons due to the high enemy density and consistent wave spawns. Elite Sanctuary Onslaught can also be a very efficient way of earning affinity.
6. Don’t Forget Your Companion: Don’t neglect your companion! Leveling a Sentinel or other companion will earn you 6,000 Mastery XP as well.
7. Experiment with Different Builds: As you level up, you will find the equipment that best suits your play style.
8. Craft and Level Railjack Components: Once you have unlocked Railjack, craft and level components for an extra Mastery XP boost.
9. Be Efficient: Once you reach maximum rank, you will not be able to use your weapons or warframe to level, use a new weapon and warframe to maximize affinity gain.
10. Find a Clan: Joining a clan unlocks access to a lot of weapon blueprints.

Mastery Rank Tests

Once you’ve accumulated enough Mastery Points, you’ll need to pass a Mastery Rank Test to advance to the next rank. These tests vary in difficulty and objective, often requiring you to demonstrate proficiency in combat, stealth, or parkour. Failing a test doesn’t cost you anything; you can attempt it again after a 24-hour cooldown.

Now let’s look at some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Weapon Mastery in Warframe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do Mk1 weapons give Mastery?

Yes! All variants of weapons, including the Mk1 weapons, give separate Mastery. This means you can get 3,000 Mastery XP from the Mk1-Braton, and then another 3,000 Mastery XP from the standard Braton. They’re a great, easy way to boost your Mastery Rank early on.

2. Can you lose Mastery in Warframe?

No, you cannot lose Mastery in Warframe. Once you’ve earned Mastery Points from leveling a weapon or Warframe, they are permanently added to your total. Even if you sell the item, use a Forma, or fail a Mastery Rank Test, your accumulated Mastery Points remain intact.

3. How do you increase weapon Mastery quickly?

The fastest way to increase weapon Mastery is to utilize Affinity farms like Hydron on Sedna or Elite Sanctuary Onslaught, equip Affinity Boosters, and focus on leveling one weapon at a time to maximize Affinity gain.

4. Is a +1 weapon rare in Warframe?

This question appears to come from a Dungeons and Dragons context. Warframe doesn’t have weapons with +1 modifiers in the same way D&D does. Weapons in Warframe are leveled to increase damage and have mods that can be applied.

5. Should I sell my Mk1 weapons after leveling them?

Yes, once you’ve leveled a Mk1 weapon to Rank 30 and gained its Mastery XP, you can safely sell it if you don’t plan to use it further. Since they are easily re-obtainable, you can buy them back again if the need arises.

6. Do Warframe kills give weapon XP?

Yes, when you kill an enemy with a weapon, that weapon gains 50% of the Affinity earned from the kill, while the other 50% goes to your Warframe. This distribution can be affected by the presence of other weapons, so it’s best to only bring one weapon with you if your goal is to max it quickly.

7. Can you sell Platinum in Warframe?

Yes, Platinum (Warframe’s premium currency) can be traded between players. You can also trade Prime parts, Relics, Arcanes, Mods, and Companion Imprints.

8. Does Railjack give Mastery?

Yes, Railjack content provides Mastery. Completing Railjack nodes and ranking up Railjack Intrinsics both contribute to your overall Mastery Rank.

9. How long does it take to max rank a Warframe?

The time it takes to max rank a Warframe depends on your leveling strategy and Affinity gain. With focused grinding in Affinity farms and the use of Affinity Boosters, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days.

10. Can you get Mastery Rank from the same weapon multiple times?

No, you only earn Mastery XP from a weapon the first time you level it to Rank 30 (or 40 for Kuva/Tenet weapons). However, different variants of the same weapon will each provide separate Mastery.

11. Do you lose Mastery if you sell a weapon Warframe?

No, you do not lose Mastery if you sell a weapon or Warframe. Mastery is permanently added to your account upon reaching a certain rank for the first time.

12. What is the fastest way to get Mastery Rank in Warframe?

The fastest way is to build and level as many unique weapons and Warframes as possible, focusing on efficient Affinity farming locations and utilizing Affinity Boosters.

13. How much Affinity do weapons give?

When you kill an enemy with a weapon, that weapon gains 50% of the Affinity, and the other 50% goes to the Warframe. If you are not using your weapon, that weapon gain 75% of the Affinity.

14. How long does mastery of a skill take?

The “10-Year Rule” suggests that achieving expertise in a skill typically requires around 10 years of deliberate practice and experience. Warframe can get you on your way to mastering other skills as explored by the Games Learning Society.

15. How much XP does maxing a weapon give in Warframe?

Maxing a normal weapon in Warframe gives 3,000 Mastery XP. Maxing a Kuva or Tenet weapon gives 4,000 Mastery XP.

Conclusion

Mastering the Mastery system in Warframe is essential for unlocking the game’s full potential. By understanding how weapons contribute to your Mastery Rank and employing strategic leveling techniques, you can efficiently progress through the game and access the vast array of content it has to offer. Remember to experiment with different weapons and builds, explore the various game modes, and have fun along the way, Tenno! Also consider visiting GamesLearningSociety.org to learn about the other benefits of gaming.