In Warframe, reaching higher Mastery Ranks is a significant part of a player’s progression. Each rank unlocks access to new weapons, Warframes, and gameplay systems. When you hit Mastery Rank 9, you’ll be required to complete a test that challenges your understanding of stealth and enemy awareness mechanics. Unlike many earlier tests that focus on straightforward combat or movement, the Rank 9 Mastery Test demands patience, precision, and timing. Understanding the Rank 9 Mastery Test in Warframe is key to successfully advancing and continuing your journey as a Tenno.
Understanding the Rank 9 Mastery Test
What Is the Goal of the Test?
The Rank 9 Mastery Test is focused on stealth. The objective is to eliminate a series of enemies without being detected. This means that you must not allow any enemy to sound the alarm or become fully aware of your presence. Alerting a single enemy will cause the test to fail and force you to wait 24 hours before trying again unless you use a Practice or Simulacrum attempt via Cephalon Simaris.
Basic Rules and Setup
In this Mastery Rank test, you are placed in a specially designed arena with multiple platforms. Enemies are scattered across these platforms, and they patrol in patterns. Your mission is to sneak up on them and take them out using stealth melee attacks. There is no time limit, but you must be methodical and quiet. Loud weapons or abilities that attract attention are not viable options here.
Preparing for the Test
Choose the Right Warframe
Although the test limits certain mechanics, your Warframe’s abilities may still give you an edge. Here are some Warframes recommended for this test:
- Excalibur: A balanced Warframe with solid melee capabilities, ideal for new players.
- Loki: Known for stealth and invisibility. If available, Loki makes the test significantly easier.
- Ivara: Also excellent for stealth. If you have access to her early, her invisibility can trivialize the challenge.
Melee Weapon Selection
Since the test focuses on stealth kills, bring a melee weapon with high stealth attack efficiency. Weapons that are silent and have a fast execution animation are ideal. Daggers, nikanas, and swords work well. Avoid heavy melee weapons that are slow or generate loud sounds.
Use Practice Mode
Cephalon Simaris in any Relay allows players to practice Mastery Rank tests before the official attempt. Practicing the Rank 9 Mastery Test multiple times is a smart move, especially if you’re not familiar with stealth mechanics. This allows you to learn the enemy routes and positioning before committing to the real test.
Strategy and Execution
General Approach
The Rank 9 test is all about observation and patience. Rushing in is a recipe for failure. Enemies move in predictable patterns and stop at set intervals. Watch their movement carefully and strike only when you are sure no other enemy has line-of-sight. Line-of-sight awareness is crucial in this test.
Stealth Takedown Tips
- Approach from behind whenever possible.
- Wait until the enemy is isolated before striking.
- Stay crouched and use cover to remain hidden.
- Time your movement with enemy rotations or patrol pauses.
Each takedown must be clean. If another enemy notices a fallen comrade or sees you attacking, they will alert others, and the test will fail. You’ll need to reset and try again the next day unless you practice in the Simulacrum.
Platform Awareness
Each level of the test introduces different platform layouts. Some have ramps, others have corners, or elevated platforms. Use these to your advantage by remaining out of sight until you’re ready to engage. Use camera movement and jump-based traversal to better scout the surroundings before you engage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Going Too Fast
Many players fail the Rank 9 Mastery Test because they try to move too quickly. Stealth in Warframe is not about speed but precision. It’s better to take time and finish the mission cleanly than to rush and fail midway.
Not Checking Patrol Patterns
Each enemy has a specific movement pattern. Failing to learn these can result in surprise detection. Take your time at the start of each section to observe how enemies move. Some pause before turning around, while others follow a looped path.
Ignoring Line-of-Sight
Even if you’re behind one enemy, another could be watching from across the platform. Always check for visibility from all directions before performing a takedown. If you’re unsure, wait until you’re completely safe before striking.
Alternative Warframe Powers (If Available)
Abilities That Help
If your Warframe has abilities that support stealth and they are allowed in the test, consider using them:
- Invisibility (Loki or Ivara): Makes the test significantly easier. You can move freely without detection.
- Silence (Banshee): Can disable enemies’ ability to detect sound, helpful for stealth approaches.
However, not all abilities are usable during the test depending on updates or restrictions. It’s always best to practice first to verify what’s available.
Rewards and Progression
What You Get After Passing
Successfully completing the Rank 9 Mastery Test allows you to advance to Mastery Rank 9, unlocking new equipment, increased daily standing limits, and enhanced loadout slots. This is an essential milestone in a Tenno’s progression, bringing greater flexibility in gameplay and access to more powerful gear.
Unlocking New Weapons
Upon reaching MR9, you’ll gain access to a new tier of weapons, both primary and secondary. These often include specialized weapons with unique elemental effects or status-based mechanics. Having a higher MR also gives credibility when joining more advanced public squads.
The Rank 9 Mastery Test in Warframe may appear challenging at first, especially for players more accustomed to fast-paced combat than stealth. However, with preparation, patience, and practice, it becomes a valuable lesson in game mechanics and awareness. It teaches the importance of movement, observation, and timing skills that carry over into missions like Spy, Rescue, and even higher-level content like Sorties and Steel Path.
Mastering stealth may not be every Tenno’s strength, but passing the Mastery Rank 9 test will give you a new level of confidence and a deeper appreciation for Warframe’s complex gameplay systems. Stay calm, observe your surroundings, and trust in your blade. The path to becoming a true master begins in silence.