How trading works in Warframe

Trading is a unique feature in Warframe that can help you quickly get the resources you need. Grinding for super rare items can suck, especially when you’ve spent days trying to get that one item to complete a build. Alternatively, you can make some Platinum without spending money via trading too. Here’s what you need to know.

How to unlock trading in Warframe

Before you can trade with other plays, you need to reach Mastery Rank 2. At this point, you will most likely have reached Mars where you can visit Maroo’s Bazaar. This is one of two possible trading posts where you can exchange items with players. The other way is to meet up with a player in either your or their Clan Dojo.

PC players also need to activate 2-factor authentication (2FA) in order to trade. This can be done on the Warframe account management website. Look for the option to “Enable TennoGuard 2FA” and follow the instructions afterwards.

How to get people to trade with you

When you’re in your Orbiter, a social hub like a Relay, or in your Dojo, you can join the Trade Chat. It’s the one with the two arrows pointing in a circle. The chat moves extremely fast, so you may want to add some filters to slow it down. 

If you’re looking to sell items, it’s best to use a filter that includes “wtb” (willing to buy) as a term. If you’re selling, put “wts” (willing to sell) instead. The chat will still move pretty fast, but you can catch items that you are looking for this way.

You can also use third-party sites like Warframe Market and specifically look for items people are selling or buying. Arrange a meetup in-game and initiate your trade. Just know that anything offered for trade outside of Warframe is in violation of the Terms of Service. Also, Digital Extremes isn’t responsible for broken promises (i.e. trading items for codes, real money, and other items outside of the game).

Is there a cap on trades in Warframe?

The number of trades you will have per day depends on what rank you are. If you are a Mastery Rank 20 player, you will be able to trade 20 times until the daily reset. You can trade six items per trade, so make the most of it per transaction if you are looking to get rid of and buy a lot of things from other players. 

Why is there a Trade Tax?

This is a stopgap mechanic added so that players who try to buy their way into the meta can’t do so from the get-go. If you’re a new player who buys a ton of platinum and tries to get all the high-end gear to cheese all of the game’s content, the tax will slow that progression.

For example, buying a max-ranked mod like Primed Continuity will cost over a million credits. Lower-level players won’t necessarily have that right at their disposal as credits aren’t gained at high rates until significantly later into Warframe. You’ll still have to play a good amount of the game to either grind for certain items for yourself or amass enough resources to be well-off.

Also, the trade tax does not get paid to the seller.

What can I trade?

To quickly determine if something is tradable, visit the unofficial Warframe Market. Enter the name of the item you are trying to trade or have traded to you. From mods, Prime parts, Prime relics, Syndicate gear, and more, there’s a lot that can be traded. Even the Platinum premium currency can be exchanged, which many players typically look for.

Cosmetics from the market, including the Prime gear and Tennogen items, can’t be traded. Most base Warframe parts can’t be traded either. Since Mastery requirements are tied to the Primed frames, it makes sense as to why there aren’t any stricter barriers there.

Happy trading, Tenno!