Warframe's vast arsenal of weapons, Warframes, and resources can leave even veteran players scratching their heads about what's tradeable and what's not. Knowing what you can and can't trade is crucial for building your arsenal, acquiring rare mods, and generally progressing efficiently. This guide provides a clear, reliable roadmap to help you navigate the intricacies of Warframe trading.
Understanding Warframe's Trading System
Before diving into specific item identification, let's establish the fundamentals. Warframe's trading system revolves around the in-game marketplace, where players can exchange items with each other using Platinum (the premium currency). However, not everything is up for grabs. Many items are bound to your account and cannot be traded.
Key Indicators of Tradable Items
Several factors determine whether an item is tradeable. Let's break them down:
1. The In-Game Market Icon
The most straightforward method is checking the item's in-game description. Tradable items will usually display a small icon indicating this. This icon typically resembles a platinum symbol or a marketplace icon; it's highly visible and generally found next to the item's name or image.
2. Item Type: A Quick Guide
Certain item types are almost always tradeable, while others aren't. Here's a helpful breakdown:
- Generally Tradable: Most weapons, Warframes (once built and not blueprint), resources (excluding some quest rewards), mods, and blueprints are usually tradeable.
- Usually Untradable: Quest rewards (especially those crucial for progressing the story), certain blueprints tied to specific quests or events, and items specifically marked as "untradeable" are generally off-limits.
3. Checking the Item's Details Screen
When you select an item in your inventory, a details screen pops up. This screen often explicitly states whether an item is tradable. Look for clear statements, such as "Can be traded" or a similar phrase.
4. The "Cannot Be Traded" Indicator
Some items will explicitly state that they "cannot be traded" or have a similar notification. Pay close attention to these notifications; they are extremely reliable.
Common Scenarios and Their Tradability
Let's look at some common scenarios to further clarify:
- Unbuilt Warframes/Weapons: Blueprints for Warframes and weapons are typically tradeable, but the built items themselves become tradeable only after they're built and crafted.
- Prime Parts: These valuable components are almost always tradeable.
- Mod Cards: Most mods are tradeable, offering a great avenue for building your perfect loadouts.
- Resources: While most resources are tradeable, be aware of any mission-specific or quest-related materials; they may be untradeable.
Troubleshooting and Further Tips
If you are still unsure about an item's tradability, consider these strategies:
- Consult the Warframe Wiki: The official Warframe Wiki is an invaluable resource, often containing detailed information on item properties, including tradability.
- Ask Experienced Players: Don't hesitate to ask questions within the Warframe community. Many players are happy to help clarify these kinds of questions.
By following these steps, you'll greatly improve your understanding of Warframe's trading system, enabling smoother transactions and more efficient progress in your adventures within the Origin System. Happy Trading, Tenno!