Arknights: Endfield is set for a global release on January 22, 2026, arriving on PC, iOS, Android, and PS5. So let’s have an Arknights: Endfield review before playing it based on its Beta Test II, which ended on December 29, 2025. That experience gave a clear picture of what to expect at launch and where the game still struggles.
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An Overview of the Arknights: Endfield Game
Endfield takes the Arknights universe in a new direction. Instead of tower defense, the game focuses on 3D real time combat, wide exploration areas on Talos II, and a deep factory automation system powered by the AIC network. Cross save support is available, making it easy to switch platforms.
This is a strong entry in the gacha RPG space with high quality visuals and systems that feel fresh. There are heavy tutorials, crowded menus, and a gacha system that may not appeal to everyone, but if you are a fan, these can add a real depth to the gameplay. Fans of Arknights will feel right at home, while action RPG players may need some time to fully settle in. Even so, the game remains friendly to new players and offers plenty to explore.
Arknights: Endfield Story and World Building
Arknights: Endfield has a clear rich lore and the journey begins as the Endministrator aboard the OMV Dijiang. From there, leadership of Endfield Industries becomes central to surviving on Talos II, a planet overrun by Blight corrupted Ankhor beasts. The story leans heavily into themes of survival, lost technology, and the bonds formed between operators. The Wuling region stands out with its Chinese futuristic design, especially during story cutscenes.
What works well:
- Cinematic presentation feels polished, with strong camera work and engaging opening scenes.
- Long time Arknights fans will notice lore references, while newcomers can follow the story without prior knowledge.
- Optional activities such as puzzles, trading systems, and spaceship customization help the world feel more alive.
Where you might struggle:
- Early chapters move slowly due to frequent dialogue and long cutscenes that interrupt gameplay.
- Tutorials appear too often and limit freedom by locking experience gain until specific instructions are followed.
- Some story arcs, such as Valley IV, end on familiar cliffhangers and lack deeper emotional impact for now.
Overall as a gameplay, the foundation in Arknights: Endfield is solid, with more than 50 hours of main story content planned. Later parts show clear improvement compared to the opening hours, especially after changes made during Beta Test II. Tighter pacing and better integration between story and action would make the experience much smoother going forward.
Combat System: Flashy & Strategic
Real-time combat actions are there within the Arknights: Endfield combat system. You can control one of four Operators (switch freely), with shared SP for Battle Skills (1 SP, spammable), Combo Skills (conditional triggers), and Ultimates (energy bar). Dodge chains restore SP; stagger via Physical (Vulnerable stacks) or Arts (Inflictions like Heat+Cryo=Solidification Burst).
Pros:
- Synergy heaven: Elemental reactions, off-field casts, and QTE chains feel rewarding.
- Impactful: Weighty animations, perfect dodges, boss telegraphs demand timing.
- Accessible depth: AI improved in Beta II; gamepad shines.
Cons:
- Single attack button is there: Basic combos lack variety, and visuals obscure enemy cues.
- Early phases become easy but it scales better in endgame Rifts/Etchspace roguelite.
- No dedicated dodge. Relies on skills/parries.
Best Teams
With overall tests and experiences, we have noticed that some of the operators can work very well when mixed with certain other operators. So, these are the best teams that are currently working well as teams:
- Physical: Chen Qianyu (Lift) + Da Pan (Crush) + Last Rite + Catcher.
- Heat Arts: Laevatain + Ember + Ardelia + Akekuri.
- Balanced: Snowshine + Perlica + Pogranichnik + Endministrator.
Even though these are there, Arknights: Endfield combat evolves from frantic boss rushes to synergy puzzles. So, once the game is released, you can literally expect more.
AIC Factory Building in Arknights: Endfield
The Automated Industry Complex, also known as AIC, acts as the backbone of long term progression. This system handles most of the passive growth by letting production lines run around PAC hubs. Equipment, materials, and outpost upgrades from Tier 1 to Tier 4 all depend heavily on how well the factory is set up. Conveyor belts, splitters, and shareable blueprint codes help reduce setup time once the basics are understood.
It has so many interesting key features that makes you drawn to the gameplay as:
- Most power growth comes from this system, making it essential for steady progress. Blueprints make it much easier to copy efficient layouts without deep planning.
- Players who enjoy simulation style games will find plenty of depth. Optimizing production loops, such as consistent battery output, can feel as satisfying as dedicated factory builders.
- The factory does not exist in isolation. Outpost requests, VR simulations, and exploration objectives all connect back to AIC output.
But there are still some things that we don’t truly appreciate from the AIC factory as follows:
- The early phase demands a lot of manual work. Limited space and power can slow progress and feel restrictive before upgrades unlock.
- Skipping the system is not an option. Falling behind in AIC directly affects combat strength and story pacing.
- Some interface issues remain, including awkward bridge placement and the lack of a proper overhead building view.
We hope that these issues will be fixed with the official launch and the blueprint sharing during Beta Test II significantly improved the experience and turned repetitive setup into something enjoyable. Anyone who prefers lighter systems may find this part demanding.
Exploration and Sanity System
Exploration in Arknights: Endfield focuses on movement and environmental interaction. Valleys are crossed using dash jumps, while scanners help locate hidden crates and Aurylenes. Sanity acts as the entry cost for Rift dungeons, which drop promotion materials. Clearing lower tier Rifts without rewards is required to unlock higher difficulties.
Secrets are spread generously across the map while you explore. Ziplines, power routes, and vertical paths encourage returning to earlier areas with better tools and knowledge. But sometimes, movement can feel imprecise during platforming sections. Some progression gates tied to Sanity and Rift tiers slow the pace more than necessary. Exploration remains rewarding overall, but smoother controls and fewer restrictions would improve flow so hopefully they arrive with the official release.
Arknights: Endfield Gacha and Monetization
The Arknights: Endfield gacha system uses a 0.8% base rate for 6 star characters. Soft pity begins increasing rates after 66 pulls, with a guaranteed 6 star at 80 pulls. Rate up follows a 50% split and does not carry over. A guaranteed rate up appears at 120 pulls. Five star characters are guaranteed every 10 pulls. Weapons are obtained using character tickets, with a 6 star weapon costing 1500 tickets.
So basically, the gacha system here works with:
- Pulls often reward both characters and useful materials.
- Multiple banners offer rate ups at the same time.
- Duplicate characters can be converted into shop currency.
This system favors patient players who save resources carefully. Those looking to progress faster through Rifts and AIC materials may consider Sanity refreshes. For players planning early banner pulls, secure Origeometry top ups through Enjoygm as it can reduce grind pressure during launch without pushing burnout.
Graphics, Performance, and Interface
Talos II looks stunning across all regions, supported by detailed environments and character designs that stay true to Arknights style. The soundtrack also adds weight to major moments and exploration alike. Performance remains smooth on mid range mobile devices and PC, while PS5 cross play feels seamless.
Visual effects during combat look cinematic without major performance drops. Optimization across platforms in Arknights: Endfield is also clearly a priority.
But the heavy effects during the gameplay scenes can clutter the screen during intense fights. Dialogue animations sometimes feel stiff. The interface looks stylish but relies on too many layered menus, and higher frame rate options like 120 FPS are missing. Overall presentation in Arknights: Endfield feels close to AAA quality, with only minor polish needed.
Daily Routine and Endgame Progression
Daily play in Arknights Endfield works best with a steady rhythm. Focusing on a few key tasks each session keeps progress smooth and avoids wasted time.
- Start by checking your AIC production and outposts. Claim completed items, accept new orders, and make small adjustments if anything stalls. This step fuels most upgrades, so skipping it slows everything else.
- Next, spend Sanity in Rift stages. Promotion materials should take priority here, since operator growth depends heavily on them. Clearing these regularly keeps characters ready for higher content.
- After that, use the remaining time to explore and trade. Hidden resources, puzzles, and vendor exchanges often provide materials that reduce future grind.
- Before logging off, review gear progression. Pushing equipment beyond level 70 and preparing for weekly Etchspace runs ensures steady power growth without last minute rushing.
Endgame Focus
Endgame revolves around fully upgraded Tier 4 factories and stable AIC loops. Algorithmic Memories become a key activity, offering valuable rewards and variety. Limited time events play an important role here, helping prevent resource shortages and keeping progression balanced over time.
Sticking to this routine creates consistent growth and makes endgame content feel manageable rather than overwhelming.
Is Arknights: Endfield Worth Playing at Launch
The answer is yes. With an overall score of 8.5 out of 10, Arknights Endfield stands out as one of the more ambitious releases heading into 2026. The game successfully mixes real time action, simulation style systems, and gacha mechanics into a single experience that feels fresh rather than forced.
Changes made during Beta Test II addressed many of the problems seen in the first beta. Combat feels smoother, progression systems are clearer, and overall polish points toward a game built for long term support. This is especially encouraging for players planning to stay invested beyond the early months.
Factory management remains a defining feature, so players who strongly dislike automation systems may struggle to enjoy the full experience. For everyone else, Endfield offers strong visuals, deep progression, and a world that continues to open up over time.
So, in the end, if the mix of action, exploration, and long term systems sounds appealing, jumping in at launch is a solid choice. Pre-registration is worth doing to secure early rewards and start strong on day one.
Conclusion
And with that, we end our Arknights: Endfield review from here on. You can use our guide to get a clear idea on whether the game is worth out of try or not as we have clarified and looked into everything here. So, make you decision and decide if you are going to dive into the action today.
