Arknights: Endfield Overview - Gameplay, Characters, Mechanics and First Impressions

Arknights: Endfield is a fresh ARPG with factory simulation elements from Hypergryph and published by Gryphline. The project has already become a serious contender in the gacha genre, standing out from the competition not only with its well-crafted sci-fi world but also with its addictive base-building and automation mechanics. After spending about twenty hours with the game, I realized that "Endministrating" is far more than just a routine daily grind. The game constantly motivates you to keep going - to uncover character secrets, work on upgrades, and dive into truly deep gameplay. So, without further ado, let’s jump into our early review of Arknights: Endfield.

Arknights: Endfield Gameplay

In Arknights: Endfield, we step into the shoes of the Endministrator (or simply "Endmin") - a legendary leader who has awakened after a decade-long "hibernation." As is often the case, our return is clouded by amnesia: we’ll have to rediscover who we are and figure out how to survive on this harsh moon known as Talos-II.

The game's premise is truly intriguing, though I should warn you - you’ll need some patience at the start. The game hits us with tons of text and dialogue right away, and the pacing can feel a bit choppy at times. However, if you can push through this lengthy introduction, a stunning world awaits. We’ll be fighting against the "Blight" and fending off all sorts of enemies: from stylish leather-clad marauders to grotesque mutants and Aggeloi - mythical creatures that look like runway models but are, in fact, deadly.

Exploration and Combat in Arknights: Endfield

The core gameplay revolves around our sorties to the planet's surface. Accompanied by a squad of four Operators, we’ll be exploring various locations, and here is what’s in store for us:

• Clearing and Looting: We’ll be fighting our way through enemy ambushes, gathering valuable loot, and unlocking new areas of the map.
• Puzzles: To be honest, they’re a bit on the simple side for now. Mostly, it’s about finding and pressing a couple of buttons to move forward. But for me, that’s not necessarily a bad thing - I’m not a fan of sitting and scratching my head over a puzzle for half an hour or more.
• Flashy Battles: This is where the real fun begins. The combat feels "crunchy" and impactful, with every hit carrying physical weight. Even if you accidentally mash the wrong button, the visual flair makes it look like a cool special move.

At the start of our journey, the team consists only of story characters: the silent, masked Endmin, the kind-hearted Perlica, and the spirited Chen Qianyu. Later on, of course, we’ll get to try our luck with the "gacha" to pull someone more unique. All of this plays out against a backdrop of stunning cyberpunk landscapes that are easy to get lost in for hours.

Base and Economy: Building Our Own "Mini-Factory"

The standout feature that sets Endfield apart from the mobile games we’re used to is its focus on construction and automation. We aren't just running around swinging swords; we are developing cleared zones with factories and setting up conveyor belts. This turns the game into a sort of "Factorio for anime fans," and figuring out these production chains is genuinely engaging.

However, be prepared for the fact that the game has a staggering amount of different currencies. This has become a "staple" of the genre, and we’ll have to navigate through all of them:

• Gacha: Spending resources to pull cool characters or weapons.
• Battle Pass: For those who want to speed up progress and get extra perks for money.
• Upgrades: A million menus where we’ll be leveling up the base and our fighters.

So far, I haven't noticed the game strictly demanding donations. The early stages are quite breezy and can be completed without spending a dime. But knowing these kinds of projects, only time will tell if we’ll hit a "difficulty wall" in a month or two. For now, though, exploring the world and building the base is incredibly addictive!

Is There Cross-play in Arknights: Endfield?

The developers have decided not to limit our choices: Arknights: Endfield is available on PC, PS5, as well as mobile devices running iOS and Android. This is fantastic news, as we’ll be able to start setting up our base at home in front of a monitor or TV, and then continue gathering resources or leveling up characters on the go via smartphone. Everything points to a seamless cross-platform experience, ensuring that Talos-II is always at your fingertips, no matter which device you prefer to play on.

Arknights: Endfield Character Quality - The Urge to Pull Them All

In Arknights: Endfield, the developers at Hypergryph have once again proven that they are masters of style. Even if your starting squad feels sufficient at first, the character system will quickly have you taking a much closer look at the roster. And it’s not just about the stats - it’s about the incredible level of detail put into every single hero.

Take Estella, for example - an adorable warrior in a beanie. Her nonchalant vibe and sleek techwear outfit are instantly memorable. Or look at Da Pan, a perpetually hungry panda in a leather jacket. He feels more like a good-natured "dad" than a gritty fighter, and it’s these kinds of contrasts that make the characters feel alive.

Even if you don't plan on spending real money on currency, you have to admit: the creators put their heart and soul into every hero. Their unique designs, combined with sharp and characteristic voice lines, make you genuinely interested in the story of every new Operator that joins your team.

Arknights: Endfield Conclusion

Overall, the game looks incredibly solid and holds its own against the competition. It has everything: fresh mechanics, vibrant characters, and an intriguing plot that I believe will evolve into something truly epic over time.

Of course, we are still looking at a gacha game where everyone chooses their own path: either "waifu gaming" (playing with those you like visually) or building the most powerful squad possible to clear high-end content. To be fair, Endfield caters perfectly to both styles. The developers have done a fantastic job with character design, giving everyone a unique personality and flair.

At the same time, balance hasn't been completely overlooked, though it’s expectedly a bit "shaky" in version 1.0 - some heroes have been tuned with massive damage numbers. For instance, Lävatein is currently the most talked-about character. She belongs to the Heat element and literally incinerates everything on the screen. Her ultimate converts basic attacks into homing heat lasers that wipe out entire mobs in seconds. If you're looking for pure, raw damage, Lävatein is your number one priority.

And that’s just scratching the surface. I can only imagine how many other overpowered combos and heroes are hidden deep within the roster. However, since the game isn't designed for a competitive (PvP) format, the presence of such "OP" characters is more of a pro than a con. It allows us to enjoy spectacular battles without worrying too much about the strict constraints of the meta.