Warframe 1999: Endgame Builds for proto-frames

The '1999' update is fully out. Here are the best builds for Arthur (Excalibur Proto) and Aoi (Mag Proto) in Steel Path content.

Warframe 1999: Endgame Builds for proto-frames hero illustration

Warframe 1999: Endgame Builds for Proto-Frames

Warframe: 1999 has taken us back in time, and the Proto-Frames (Arthur and Aoi) are playable not just in the quest, but via the new “Temporal Anchor” system in regular missions.

Note: These builds utilize the new Radiation Mods introduced in the update.

Arthur (Excalibur Proto)

Arthur plays like Excalibur but focuses on Gunplay + Melee weaving (Devil May Cry style).

The ”90s Grudge” Build

  • Aura: Steel Charge.
  • Helminth: Replace Slash Dash with Nourish (Grendel) for viral energy sustain.
  • Key Mods:
    • Condition Overload (Melee).
    • Temporal Continuity (New Mod: Increases ability duration based on combo count).
    • Chromatic Blade (Augment).
  • Playstyle: Use his AK-47 (primary ability) to prime enemies with status, then cast Exalted Blade to finish them. The new “Dodge Roll” mechanic Arthur has gives I-frames that reflect bullets.

Aoi (Mag Proto)

Aoi is less about crowd control and more about raw telekinetic damage.

The “Magnetic Crush” Build

  • Aura: Corrosive Projection.
  • Key Mods:
    • Fracturing Crush (Augment: 100% Armor Strip).
    • Precision Intensify (For massive single-target nuke on her 4).
  • Arcanes: Arcane Energize and Molt Efficiency.
  • Playstyle: Aoi’s version of Pull yanks enemies into a tight ball in front of you (not ragdolling them everywhere). Use Pull -> Magnetize Bubble -> Shoot with secondary.

Farming the Mods

The new Temporal mods drop from the “Subway Station” endless survival node on the 1999 Earth map. The rotation C drop rate is low (5%), so bring a Nekros.