Arknights: Endfield Gameplay Guide - Core Mechanics & Beginner Tips

Core Gameplay Mechanics of Arknights: Endfield

1. Real-Time Tactical Combat

• Squad Composition: Command a 4-operator team, with full control over one character while AI handles the other three. AI allies auto-attack to build skill points (SP), pick up items, and assist in combat. Switch between operators freely to adapt to battlefield conditions.
• Imbalance Gauge & Weak Point System: Attacking enemies fills their "Imbalance Gauge"—once full, enemies enter a stunned, vulnerable state for burst damage. Targeting weak points triggers additional damage and execution opportunities, rewarding precision over button-mashing.
• Elemental Reactions & Synergies: Combine fire, ice, and electric elements to trigger devastating effects. Stack physical and magical debuffs for explosive combos, and coordinate ultimate skills for team-wide "Link Skills" to turn the tide of battle.
• Accessibility: Combat avoids high APM (actions per minute) demands. Hold normal attacks for heavy strikes, time skills around enemy attack cues, and use dodge mechanics to evade damage—perfect for both casual players and strategy enthusiasts.

2. Integrated Industry (Base Building)

• Automation Loop: Lay power grids, conveyors, and resource collectors to create fully automated workflows. Mine ores, refine materials, and craft gear/consumables without constant supervision—offline production ensures progress even when you’re away.
• Blueprint System: Skip complex layout design with the official blueprint feature. Import optimized builds from top players or share your own, fostering community collaboration and saving new players from trial-and-error.
• Resource Prioritization: Focus on mining blue iron ore early and use power efficiently to avoid production bottlenecks. Mid-game, optimize logistics to "buy low and sell high" for in-game currency, funding your operator upgrades.

3. Sandbox Exploration (Talos-II)

• Biome Diversity: Explore rusted wastelands, ancient ruins, and walled cities like Wuling (blending Chinese architectural elements with post-apocalyptic aesthetics). Use ziplines and drones to traverse vertical terrain and access hidden areas.
• Puzzles & Collectibles: Solve environmental puzzles (e.g., power node activation) and hunt for collectibles to reach 175/175 map completion. Friendly creatures like "Long-Eared Beasts" guide you to secrets, adding charm to exploration.
• Environmental Hazards: Navigate "Corrosion" zones and weather events that impact combat and resource collection. Exploration yields critical materials for base building, creating a tight link between world traversal and progression.

Beginner’s Strategy Guide: Start Strong on Talos-II

1. Claim All Starter Rewards: Redeem free codes for Prismatic Jade (premium currency) and use pre-registration bonuses—20 free pulls, a 5-star character (Zhou Xue), and a 5-star weapon. Complete the "Pre-Departure Summon" event by February 5, 2026, for extra 5-star gear and 5000 Gold Tickets.
2. Follow Main Story First: Main quests unlock core mechanics (base building, advanced combat) and grant free operators like Chen Qianyu (guard) and Perica (tech expert). Avoid over-exploring early—unlock systems first to avoid confusion.
3. Operator Cultivation Tips: Focus resources on one main DPS (S-tier picks like Laevatain or Yvonne for late-game) and keep support units 20 levels below. 60级 (Level 60) with gold gear is sufficient for early/mid-game content—no need for excessive grinding.
4. Gacha & Pity System: The gacha has a 0.8% base rate for 6-star operators, soft pity at 65 pulls, and hard pity at 80 pulls (carries over between banners). Limited banners offer a 120-pull featured guarantee (no carryover). Use free 10-pull dossiers (earned after 60 limited banner pulls) strategically.
5. Manage Stamina Wisely: Spend stamina on "Discs" (key progression materials) and prioritize mining nodes for base building. Keep矿机 (miners) running 24/7 for a steady supply of blue iron ore.

Platform Differences & Cross-Progression

• PC: Best for high graphics, customizable settings, and precise base building (ideal for complex conveyor layouts).
• PS5: 4K visuals, smooth optimization, and controller-specific features for combat.
• Mobile: Perfect for on-the-go exploration and casual base management, though older devices may need graphics adjustments.

Final Thoughts