Ahead of its November beta, Arknights: Endfield is shaping up to be far better than the 2024 technical test.
By Jess Reyes — November 14, 2025 – 1:24 PM PST
Arkagame Report — arkagame.com
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A New Beginning for Endfield
I’ve been following Arknights: Endfield ever since the first global technical test in early 2024. Its blend of grounded sci-fi, anime aesthetics, and action-RPG elements reminiscent of Genshin Impact instantly hooked me. Beneath its visual charm, it offered surprisingly deep combat and an ambitious factory-building system.
Now, as we approach the November beta, developer Hypergryph has rebuilt the game from the ground up. Nearly all cutscenes, maps, and level designs have been revamped — and it shows.
After more than five hours with the latest build, I can confidently say:
Endfield feels like a brand-new game — faster, smarter, and far more polished.
A Stronger Introduction and Expanded World
You once again step into the role of the Endministrator, an amnesiac leader capable of manipulating Originium to fight and command machines. Early pacing is still a little rocky — the intro mixes action with heavy exposition — but once Perlica joins your first mission, the narrative begins to pick up momentum.
Characters like Perlica and Chen Qianyu (a counterpart to fan-favorite Ch’en) return with new cutscenes, refined voices, and deeper interactions.
Open-World Action With Tactical Party Combat
Arknights: Endfield mixes open-world exploration with a four-unit combat system. You can deploy multiple characters at once but control only one directly. Skill points fuel special attacks, combos, and assist moves between teammates.
⭐ Major Combat Improvements
Hypergryph completely overhauled the fighting flow:
- A true dodge mechanic (replaces the old dash)
- Smooth, uninterrupted combo chains
- Better timing windows
- Combo skills triggered when certain conditions are met
- Faster skill point charging
These changes make combat feel faster and more responsive, eliminating the occasional clunkiness of the 2024 build.
“Players felt basic attacks were easily interrupted,” says Ryan, co-founder of Hypergryph.
“We redesigned basic combat, added dodge, and made the overall flow smoother.”
The Factory System Is Now Simpler — And More Powerful
One of Endfield’s defining features — its factory and automation system — has received a major overhaul.
Early on, you’ll unlock the AIC, a central hub where you convert ores, generate power, and set up automated production lines.
New improvements include:
✔ A real tutorial that walks you step-by-step
✔ Blueprints, allowing you to copy layouts made by other players
✔ More intuitive UI & machine logic
✔ Better power-routing systems
✔ More freedom to build towers, relays, ziplines, and mining stations
This system isn’t just for crafting — it’s woven into exploration. Powering abandoned machines to open locked gates or activate structures creates satisfying, puzzle-like challenges.
“Some players felt overwhelmed, others wanted more complexity,” Ryan explains.
“Blueprints help both groups at once.”
Exploring Wuling City and Beyond
The preview included a look at the newly redesigned Wuling City, a region full of modern towers, waterways, and futuristic architecture inspired by the China Academy of Arts.
Reaching Wuling normally takes 20–30 hours, so the preview gave an accelerated taste of how expansive the world will become.
Every machine, structure, enemy, and environment reflects a grounded sense of sci-fi logic — something the team is deeply proud of.
“Sci-fi is harder to design than fantasy,” Ryan notes.
“Everything must make sense structurally and technologically.”
Gacha System: More Player-Friendly Than Expected
Though the gacha wasn’t active during the preview, Hypergryph confirmed key details:
- Two banner types → Standard & Limited
- Featured characters in limited banners will NOT disappear afterward
- They remain obtainable in the standard pool after their debut
- Three F2P characters confirmed: Perlica, Chen Qianyu, Wulfgard
This approach avoids the frustration seen in other gacha titles where limited characters vanish for months.
Beta Test II Starts November 28
If you want to experience the improved combat, revamped factory system, and expanded world:
👉 You can sign up now on the official Arknights: Endfield website.
Arknights: Endfield Beta II begins November 28, 2025.
