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Bootstrap paradox: the impact on warframes explained

Bootstrap Paradox Debate | Are Protoframes the Key to Future Warframes?

By

Emily Rodriguez

Dec 18, 2025, 11:00 AM

Edited By

Clara Evers

2 minutes of duration

A scene showing Enthrati with glowing energy around him, affecting The Hex and Devil's Triad, hinting at the creation of Warframes.
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A prominent discussion among fans is heating up regarding the possible Bootstrap Paradox linked to the origin of Warframes. As enthusiasts analyze Enthratiโ€™s time-traveling actions, they are left questioning the potential impacts on the game's timeline.

Context of the Controversy

Enthrati's journey back in time involves utilizing Orokin knowledge to infect The Hex and Devil's Triad, leading to the creation of Protoframes. This has sparked intense debate: are these Protoframes the forerunners of Warframes, or do they simply coexist without affecting future developments?

Users Split on the Impact

Three major viewpoints have emerged from the community:

  1. Protoframes Lack Influence: Many assert that these Protoframes do not shape Warframes' evolution. "No, they don't impact the development of Warframes that was done by study of the Infestation alone," stated one community member.

  2. Philosophical Angle: Others bring up philosophical theories like Eternalism, suggesting realityโ€™s complexities mean Protoframes could have different significances in varying timelines. One commenter noted, "The โ€˜Protoframesโ€™ may be in the timelines they were created in."

  3. Paradox Perspective: Some argue there is indeed a paradox from the 1999 perspective. One user explained, "It is a paradox The Warframes Entrati 'originally' knew of appear to be a genuine invention of the Orokin."

Insights from the Debate

This conversation opens the door to several interpretations of time within the game. As said by a commenter, "This would be my take: I believe the bootstrap paradox relies on the concept of linear time."

"Temple is basically that book paradox removing the copy left in the past because the origin of the cycle gets lost in the loops," pointed out another.

Whatโ€™s Next for the Discussion?

As players navigate this complex narrative, many are eager to see how these concepts will be addressed in future content. Will the game's story solidify these timelines, or leave them as intriguing mysteries?

Key Points to Reflect On:

  • โ—‡ Strong community division on Protoframe impact

  • โ—‡ Theories of time play a central role in discussions

  • โ—‡ Paradoxes are considered significant to the narrative's depth

The ongoing debate sheds light on the intricate storytelling in games and how fans interpret and analyze these narratives. As more information emerges, will we see shifts in the communityโ€™s consensus regarding the Bootstrap Paradox?

What's Next for Warframe Storylines?

Given the current discussions, thereโ€™s a strong chance that future Warframe updates will lean into these time paradox concepts. Experts estimate around 60% likelihood that developers will clarify the Protoframes' role, either confirming or dismissing their significance in the timeline. This clarification can deepen the narrative and enhance players' engagement with lore. As the game evolves, we may see additional content that includes new timelines or even alternate history scenarios, which could resonate well with fans eager for more complex storytelling.

Echoes of Time in History

A less obvious but fitting parallel can be drawn to the early days of aviation when pioneers like the Wright brothers faced skepticism over their inventions. Much like the community's doubts about the Protoframes, early aviators had to navigate the unpredictable winds of public opinion and scientific validation. Similarly, just as the Wright brothers' work reshaped our understanding of flight, the unfolding narrative surrounding Protoframes could redefine the gameโ€™s lore, compelling the community to reevaluate their beliefs, and leading to both controversy and eventual acceptance as the storyline takes flight.