Defend the Holiday: Tenno’s Christmas Goblin Event
The Christmas Goblin Event arrives on December 29 2024 and runs until the final day of the holiday season. Available on iOS, Android, and Steam, the event pits Tenno against a three‑phase goblin boss line‑up. Clear each phase, earn exclusive festive cosmetics, and fight for a spot on the holiday leaderboard.
Event Overview
- Event name: DEFEND CHRISTMAS FROM THE GIANT GOBLIN!
- Start date: December 29 2024
- End date: Last day of the holiday season (as shown on the event banner)
- Platforms: iOS, Android, PC (Steam)
- Access: Open the Events tab, select the Defend Christmas banner, and launch the mission.
The goblin appears only in this limited‑time mission. Each phase adds new health pools, attack patterns, and environmental hazards, encouraging adaptable load‑outs and coordinated teamwork.
Phases & Scoring
Phase 1 – Goblin Grunt
- Objective: Eliminate a swarm of exploding goblin minions before the main boss emerges.
- Key mechanics: Minions explode on death, dealing area damage. Crowd‑control abilities such as Electric Shield or Magnetic Blast are highly effective.
- Scoring bonus: Clearing the phase in under three minutes grants a ten‑percent point boost.
Phase 2 – Frostbite Goblin
- Objective: Survive the goblin’s ice‑based attacks while maintaining steady damage.
- Key mechanics: A freezing aura periodically slows movement and reduces dodge chance. Fire‑type abilities, heat‑based buffs, or Mod‑augmented Fireball help melt the chill.
- Scoring bonus: Landing three consecutive critical hits on the goblin adds a fifteen‑percent bonus.
Phase 3 – Giant Goblin (Final Boss)
- Objective: Defeat the Giant Goblin before its enraged timer expires.
- Key mechanics: The boss cycles through Smash, Charge, and Enrage states. Each state has a clear telegraph animation: a glowing stomp for Charge, a roar for Smash, and a red aura for Enrage.
- Scoring bonus: Completing the phase with no player deaths awards a twenty‑percent point multiplier.
Overall Scoring
- Base points: Awarded for each enemy defeated and for mission completion.
- Speed multiplier: Faster clears increase total points.
- Team bonus: Coordinated use of Protection, Dodge, and Healing buffs stacks for additional points.
- Leaderboard: Points are summed across all runs; the top 100 players receive the Holiday Champion title.
Rewards
| Tier | Requirement | Reward |
|---|---|---|
| Common | Complete any phase | Holiday resource pack (CP & HP boost) |
| Uncommon | Clear Phase 2 without dying | Festive back item and a minor title fragment |
| Rare | Defeat the Giant Goblin and finish in the top‑10 % | Exclusive Christmas‑themed outfit, weapon skin, and the Holiday Champion title |
All rewards are event‑only and disappear after the event ends.
Strategies for Success
Optimal Warframe Choices
- Mobility‑focused frames such as Volt, Nova, or Wukong allow rapid repositioning to dodge the Giant Goblin’s Charge.
- Elemental frames like Saryn (to spread toxin) or Mesa (high burst damage) complement the goblin’s weak points.
- Healers – Trinity or Wisp – provide continuous regeneration during Phase 3, especially when the Enrage timer begins.
Weapon & Mod Recommendations
- Equip weapons with high status chance to trigger additional crowd‑control effects on exploding minions.
- Fire‑based weapons (e.g., Ignis or Sparklash) shine in Phase 2 by melting the freezing aura.
- Include Turbo, Speed Drift, and Continuity mods to keep skill‑bar cooldowns low, enabling frequent buff casts.
Buff Management
- Apply Protection just before the Enrage state; re‑apply after each Smash to maintain damage mitigation.
- Use Dodge buffs during the Charge state to survive the impact.
- Coordinate with teammates so that at least one player maintains a Healing buff at all times.
Resource Preparation
- Stock Healing Potions and Energy Orbs before entering Phase 3; the Giant Goblin’s damage spikes dramatically during Enrage.
- Carry Fire or Heat consumables to counter the freezing aura in Phase 2.
Pattern Recognition & Positioning
- Watch for the glowing stomp that signals a Charge; move laterally to stay out of the impact zone.
- The roar precedes Smash; jump or dodge to the side as the animation plays.
- During Enrage, the boss’s attacks become faster; stay near a teammate who can provide a shield or quick‑heal.
For broader holiday event tactics, see our guide on previous holiday events and compare mechanics with the Valentine Event.
How to Participate
- Launch Tenno on your platform.
- Open the Events tab and click the Defend Christmas banner.
- Select Start Mission to begin Phase 1.
- Progress through each phase by meeting the defeat conditions.
- After Phase 3, claim the Exclusive Reward Chest and view your score on the leaderboard.
- Replay the mission as often as you like to improve your ranking and earn higher‑tier loot.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the event end?
The event concludes on the final day of the holiday season, as indicated on the event banner.
Can I play on any platform?
Yes, the event is live on iOS (App Store), Android (PlayStore), and PC (Steam).
Are the rewards exclusive?
All gear, titles, and resource packs earned during the event are exclusive and will not be obtainable after the event ends.
Do I need a certain player level?
The event is open to all players. Higher‑level Tenno will find the goblin’s phases more manageable, but strategic play can compensate for lower levels.
Is there a limit to attempts?
There is no limit; you may replay the mission as many times as you like during the event window.
How is the leaderboard calculated?
Points from enemy defeats, speed bonuses, and team buffs are summed. The top 100 scores each receive the Holiday Champion title.
Stay festive, stay vigilant, and protect Tenno’s holiday spirit!
