Arknights Endfield Beginner's Guide: Tips, Combat & Factory Building
Hypergryph's ambitious new action RPG is finally here!
Arknights Endfield is a free-to-play 3D action RPG that combines intense real-time combat with deep factory simulation mechanics. Set on the hostile planet Talos-II, this game is a major departure from the tower defense gameplay of the original Arknights—and with over 30 million pre-registrations, it's one of 2026's most anticipated games.
This guide will help you hit the ground running.
📅 Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | January 22, 2026 |
| Platforms | PlayStation 5, PC (Steam), iOS, Android |
| Price | Free-to-Play (Gacha) |
| Developer | Hypergryph |
| Pre-Registrations | 30+ million |
⚔️ Combat System Explained
Arknights Endfield features real-time 3D combat where you control a squad of four operators. Here's what you need to know:
Core Mechanics
| Mechanic | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Squad Switching | Seamlessly swap between 4 characters mid-combat |
| Skill Points (SP) | Shared resource for tactical skills, regenerates over time |
| Stagger System | Fill the stagger bar to incapacitate enemies for big damage |
| Perfect Dodge | Time your dodge to gain SP and tactical advantages |
Combat Tips for Beginners
- Master the Stagger Bar: Breaking enemy stagger opens them up for execution attacks and massive damage
- Watch Your SP: It's shared across all operators—don't spam skills
- Perfect Dodge Often: This restores SP and can save your life
- Switch Characters: Don't stick to one—each operator has cooldowns
🔥 Elemental Reactions
Elements are crucial in Endfield. Applying different elements triggers powerful reactions:
| Reaction | Elements | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Combustion | Fire + Physical | Explosion damage |
| Electrify | Electric + Water | Chain lightning |
| Solidify | Ice + Water | Freeze and shatter |
Pro Tip: Build teams with complementary elements to maximize damage!
🏭 Factory Building (AIC System)
One of Endfield's unique features is the AIC Factory System—and it's not optional.
What You Can Build:
- Harvesting Stations: Collect raw materials automatically
- Processing Plants: Refine materials into usable resources
- Power Pylons: Extend power grid across the map
- Zip Lines: Traverse the world faster
Factory Tips:
- Avoid Corrosion Zones: Structures built here will get damaged
- Expand Your Power Grid: Building requires power—set up relay towers early
- Let AI Gather: Collect a resource once and AI teammates will auto-gather it later
👤 Operator Classes
Operators fall into six classes:
| Class | Role |
|---|---|
| Guard | Melee DPS |
| Defender | Tank / Protection |
| Caster | Elemental Magic DPS |
| Supporter | Buffs & Healing |
| Striker | Burst Damage |
| Vanguard | SP Generation |
Beginner Tip: Focus on leveling 4-6 core operators first. Lower-rarity characters are often viable, so don't feel pressured to chase 6-stars immediately.
🚀 Early Game Progression Tips
1. Prioritize Main Story
Unlock essential features before exploring. Side content can wait.
2. Build Your Factory Early
You need resources to upgrade operators. Get your AIC running ASAP.
3. Don't Spread Resources Thin
Maxing one team is better than having 10 mediocre operators.
4. Learn Enemy Patterns
Stagger timing matters. Rushing in will get you killed.
5. Stockpile Power Pylons & Bombs
These are essential for exploration. Always have extras.
💰 Gacha & Spending Wisely
Arknights Endfield uses a gacha system for obtaining operators:
- Save for Limited Banners: These feature exclusive characters
- Reroll if Needed: Use launch bonuses to get a strong start
- Check Tier Lists: Some release characters may be meta-defining
🎮 Is Arknights Endfield Worth Playing?
Yes, if you enjoy:
- Action RPGs (Genshin Impact, Honkai Star Rail)
- Factory/management games (Satisfactory, Factorio)
- The Arknights universe and characters
- Free-to-play games with fair gacha (Hypergryph is known for F2P-friendly systems)
The combination of real-time combat and base building is unique, and the production quality is top-tier.
🎮 Can't Wait? Try These Browser Games!
🎮 Can't Wait? Try These Browser Games!
Love action RPGs and factories? Try these free browser games!
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Disclaimer: Game Duddles is an independent publication. We are not affiliated with the developers of the games covered. All game names, logos, and trademarks are property of their respective owners. This content is for informational and educational purposes only.




