When Should I Start Trading in Warframe? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of when to delve into trading in Warframe is a common one for new and returning players alike. The short answer is: You can start trading as soon as you reach Mastery Rank 2 (MR2). However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should start trading right away. There’s a lot more to consider. While the bare minimum for accessing trade functionality is MR2, optimizing your trading endeavors requires an understanding of the game’s economy, your personal goals, and the items most sought after in the market. Let’s break down the optimal timing for you to start trading, and what you should know before diving in.
The Initial Hurdle: Mastery Rank 2
The most fundamental requirement for trading in Warframe is reaching Mastery Rank 2. This rank is achieved by leveling up your Warframes and weapons to their maximum level of 30. Each new piece of equipment you level adds to your overall Mastery Rank experience. It’s a straightforward process that involves playing missions and using various gear. This MR2 requirement serves as an early barrier to ensure new players have some baseline familiarity with the game mechanics before entering the player-driven economy. It also mitigates the risk of accounts being used solely for bot trading or scamming.
Beyond MR2: When Should You Really Start Trading?
While MR2 unlocks trading, it’s crucial to ask yourself if you’re ready to trade. Simply having the ability doesn’t guarantee success. Here are some factors to consider:
1. Building a Foundation
Before engaging in the market, it’s advisable to first build a modest inventory of useful items. Focus on acquiring Prime parts by running void relics. These Prime parts will form the backbone of your early trade efforts. You can crack open relics and collect these parts fairly passively while working towards completing star chart nodes. Having these readily available when you are MR2 will allow you to jump straight into trading.
2. Understanding the Market
Take time to observe the trading channels and platforms like Warframe Market before you start actively trading. Pay attention to what items are being bought and sold, and at what price. This preliminary research is critical for understanding the value of items and how they fluctuate based on supply and demand. This knowledge will prevent you from accidentally underselling or overpaying for items.
3. Having Something of Value to Trade
While you can theoretically trade anything tradable, the reality is that certain items are more desirable than others. Prime parts, especially the rarer ones, and Primed mods, command the highest prices in the trade market. Focus on acquiring and accumulating these high-value assets. Don’t expect to earn a ton of platinum by selling things like normal weapon mods when you first start trading.
4. Knowing Your Goals
What are you hoping to achieve through trading? Are you looking to buy specific Warframes, weapons, or cosmetics? Or are you primarily looking to accumulate Platinum? Having clear objectives will streamline your trading efforts and help you prioritize your time and resources effectively. It helps you determine whether you need to buy or sell to fulfill your short term needs.
5. Learning How and Where to Trade
There are two primary locations where trading can take place:
- Dojos: If you are part of a clan, this is the most convenient method to trade.
- Maroo’s Bazaar: Located on Mars, this is a viable option for those who aren’t in a clan.
It’s important to know how to access and use the Trading Post in a Dojo or the “Open Shop” option in Maroo’s Bazaar. Understanding the trading interface will also make your trading experiences smoother.
Strategic Timing for Trading
While you can start at MR2, strategically waiting can be advantageous. For instance, if you’re farming specific Prime parts, wait until Baro Ki’Teer is near, as many players will be looking to sell off their Prime junk right before he arrives. Knowing market cycles can increase your profit margins.
In conclusion, while you can start trading as soon as you reach Mastery Rank 2, a more strategic approach involves first laying the foundation by accumulating valuable items, observing market trends, and learning the mechanics of trading. Don’t rush into it, and take time to learn the intricacies of Warframe‘s economy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to trading in Warframe:
1. What is Mastery Rank and how does it affect trading?
Mastery Rank (MR) represents your overall progress in the game, increased by leveling up weapons and Warframes. Reaching MR2 is the minimum to trade. Additionally, your MR determines the number of trades you can make per day.
2. Where can I trade in Warframe?
You can trade in your clan’s Dojo using the Trading Post or at Maroo’s Bazaar on Mars. Both options provide secure ways to trade.
3. What can I trade in Warframe?
You can trade Prime blueprints and parts, Primed mods, syndicate weapons (if untouched), Ayatan sculptures, Veiled Rivens, and other specific items. You cannot trade fully built Warframes and normal weapons, although you can gift these.
4. How do I find other players to trade with?
Use the in-game trading chat channels, or platforms like Warframe Market to find players buying and selling items. Be specific in your messages to attract more trade.
5. How do I start a trade?
In a Dojo, approach and use the Trading Post. In Maroo’s Bazaar, use the “Open Shop” option in your gear menu. Select the player you wish to trade with, then select the items and ready when you are ready to confirm the trade.
6. How do I get Platinum for free?
The most consistent method is to sell Prime parts that you obtain from opening relics. Additionally, selling Primed mods and Ayatan sculptures can also generate Platinum.
7. What does “WTS”, “WTB”, “WTT”, and “LF” mean in trading chats?
- WTS: Want to sell
- WTB: Want to buy
- WTT: Want to trade
- LF: Looking for
These are common shorthand used in trading channels to denote what people are seeking or offering.
8. Can I trade a complete Warframe?
No, you can’t trade fully built Warframes, only their Prime blueprints and components. You can only gift a complete frame after purchasing it from the Market, and choosing “gift”.
9. What items are most valuable when starting trading?
Prime parts obtained from relics and Primed mods are usually the most valuable early tradeable items. Focus on collecting these.
10. Can you get trade banned in Warframe?
Yes, excessive resource collection in a single mission can trigger DE’s anti-cheat, resulting in a temporary trade ban.
11. What is a “Vaulted” Warframe?
A Vaulted Warframe is one that has been removed from the relic drop table and is now only obtainable through trading. These are generally higher in value because of their limited availability.
12. What are “Prime Parts” and why are they valuable?
Prime parts are components required to craft Prime Warframes and weapons. These are obtained from opening void relics and are valuable for the Platinum they can bring.
13. Can I trade Syndicate Weapons?
Yes, you can trade Syndicate weapons as long as you haven’t used them. Once they have been used by you, you cannot trade them anymore.
14. How many trades can I do per day?
The number of trades you can make per day is equal to your Mastery Rank, with an additional two trades for Founders.
15. Is it worth selling “Prime Junk”?
Yes, Prime junk refers to common Prime parts and is best sold right before trader Baro Ki’Teer arrives. Many players will want to buy this junk to turn into ducats for Baro.