When Arknights: Endfield finally launched globally on January 22, 2026, the anticipation was palpable. Shifting from the tower-defense roots of its predecessor to a full-blown tactical action RPG with factory-building elements was a gamble for developer Mountain Contour (Gryphline). Two days in, it is clear that this gamble has paid off spectacularly, delivering a polished, complex, and visually stunning experience on PS5 and PC. While the intricate automation mechanics might alienate casual players, Endfield successfully carves out its own identity distinct from giants like Genshin Impact.

Combat: A Tactical Evolution, Not a Clone

One of the most common pre-release search queries was whether Arknights Endfield gameplay would simply mimic existing open-world gachas. The answer is a resounding no. Unlike competitors where you swap characters in and out of a single active slot, Endfield keeps your entire four-operator squad on the field simultaneously.

You control one operator directly—such as the Endministrator or the electric-wielding supervisor Perlica—while the AI manages the rest, executing basic attacks and dodging effectively. The tactical depth comes from the "Real-Time with Pause" elements. You can seamlessly switch control or command teammates to unleash skills that interrupt enemy attacks. The Stagger system is brilliant: breaking an enemy’s guard requires specific elemental counters (like using Ember’s thermal attacks against cryo-shielded foes), forcing you to think about team composition rather than just raw DPS.

The Element System

The elemental interplay here is more grounded than the magical reactions of its peers. Physical, Heat, Electric, and Cryo damage types interact to create status effects like "Overload" or "Fragile." During our Arknights Endfield review testing, chaining Perlica’s EMP blast with a heavy physical striker like Avywenna resulted in satisfying crowd-control combos that felt punchy and responsive.

The Factory Loop: Factorio Meets Anime RPG

The most divisive yet innovative feature is the Automated Industry Complex (AIC). This isn't just a side mini-game; it is the beating heart of your progression. To craft high-tier gear and upgrade materials, you must build sprawling factories across the surface of Talos-II.

Players expecting a simple "click-to-collect" system will be shocked. You need to manage power grids, set up conveyor belts, and optimize supply lines for raw materials like Originium. Our Arknights Endfield factory building guide would recommend starting small: focus on automating "Stock Bills" production early, as this currency is vital for unlocking regional perks. While this system adds immense depth, it creates a steep learning curve. Some players may find the shift from high-octane combat to debugging a stalled conveyor belt jarring, but for strategy enthusiasts, it is addictively satisfying.

Visuals and PS5 Performance

Visually, Talos-II is a breathtaking mix of brutalist architecture and alien wilderness. The game runs on a heavily modified Unity engine that pushes the boundaries of anime-style rendering. In our Arknights Endfield PS5 performance test, the game held a rock-solid 60 FPS at 4K resolution, even during particle-heavy ultimate attacks.

The UI design deserves special mention. It retains the sleek, 3D diegetic interfaces that the Arknights franchise is famous for. Menus exist as holographic projections in the world, maintaining immersion. Loading times are virtually non-existent on the PS5 SSD, allowing for seamless fast travel between your base and the dangerous frontiers.

Gacha and Monetization

The monetization follows a standard but fair gacha model. The "pity" creates a safety net at 80 pulls, with a 50/50 chance for the rate-up character. Launch rewards have been generous, giving players enough currency for roughly 30 pulls after the tutorial.

Key characters to look out for in the launch banner include Ember, a top-tier DPS, and Gilberta, an essential support for factory efficiency. Importantly, the game does not lock essential exploration abilities behind the gacha—a welcome change from industry trends.

Verdict: A New Heavyweight Contender

Arknights: Endfield is not just a spin-off; it is a heavyweight contender in the live-service space. By blending high-speed action with deep industrial simulation, it offers a "tactical action RPG" experience that feels genuinely fresh in 2026. While the factory grind might filter out players looking for a casual hack-and-slash, those who stay will find one of the most rewarding RPG loops on the market.

Score: 9/10 - A must-play for fans of strategy and action alike.