We knew it was coming, ever since the premiere teaser back in 2022; it was only a matter of when and how. Arknights itself was only out for around three years (2.5 for Global server) at the time Endfield project has already started its development. Three years later, and Hypergryph has shown us they are more than able to build a good thing - their tower defense game with cute chibi renditions of 2d characters still competes with the bigshot 3D gacha games in earnings charts.
Though Yostar's Global publishing has been plagued with problems, we can rest easy knowing Endfield release across all servers will be in the care of Hypergryph itself, or Gryphline, their in-house publishing management. We had a chance to join the Closed Beta Test II and experience Endfield firsthand a little ahead of its release, so let's go through what we experienced together.
Stunning Cinematic Experience
One thing that hits you straight as soon as you start the game is a powerful cinematic feel. The camerawork both in cutscenes and gameplay is spot on, fluid, both natural and accentuating for what's happening on screen. And though over the years there have been some concerns in the fandom that Arknights won't translate well into 3D, Hypergryph has proven that this is absolutely not the case.
Gritty and dark Terran vibes dominate Talos II as well, setting a perfect tone for the gravity of things and topics at hand. Just the right amount of color and vibrancy against the hundred shades of gray provides a breath of fresh air in otherwise overly flashy gachascape where every game drowns out the next with how over the top they are. Occasionally, second or third plane of viewing in cutscenes may feel blurry in a wrong manner, but we believe this will be ironed out in the full release.
The music is fantastic in signature Arknights style, the tunes fitting what you'd expect with esoteric exploration of a foreign planet. Endfield's music publishing label has been announced under the name Radio Metal Scar, conveniently abbreviated as RMS... and if you find any similarities to Arknights' MSR (Monster Siren Records), you're not alone. Many international names who have worked on Arknights OST in the past have been spotted on board for Endfield OST too. We trust them to deliver in the future as well!
Almost Open World
It's not because of the map constraints. Most areas in Endfield are large, expansive and easy to get lost in, rich in loot, puzzles and enemies. However, some have a clear (and only) flow to them, with not much freedom of movement, often with progression gates in the form of collectible progression items, craftable items like bombs needed to clear roadblocks, etc.
While map traversal easily becomes custom tailored to your tastes with ziplines, exploring some hidden spots via platforming first time around may be a little frustrating before you get used to your Endmin's jump range and the general feel of movement. Slightly more forgiving landings or a way to hook yourself onto the destination ledge would feel fantastic as a final polishing touch.
Speaking of ziplines - those, like all the other facilities you place around the world of Talos II need to be powered. Meaning, you'll be either pulling cables from spot to spot in order to power your weaponry, depot stashes and ziplines, or aiming connection distances with their Wuling counterparts (wireless power is not a dream anymore!).
Some may find this element tedious, while others (like us) will enjoy finding optimal power paths and developing the power grid in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Whichever is the case, this is a one-off endeavor that you can put behind once the map and its resources bend to your will.
Smooth Operator
Maybe it takes a while to max out one operator, but we don't mind all that much; the animations in the character screen and switching between level up, skills, weapon, etc. are so seamless and smooth we'll gladly enter our character roster any time of day. It's eye candy in the truest sense of word.
As a cherry on top, we've ascertained that Hypergryph hasn't forgotten their core 2D Arknights roots - every operator features three beautiful pieces of artwork by various artists from across unlocked at Potential (dupes) 1, 3 and 5 respectively. It's a true love letter to the fandom and beautiful art which will no doubt carry the game as long, as far. And you also get to display these art pieces in your base reception room, especially convenient if you want to flex your maximum potential 6★ ops.
The Factory in The Room
It's what makes Endfield stand out from other gacha games - the factory. You can't do without it. You can't ignore it, it's a core part of gameplay and progression and it's here to stay. You can form your lines from topside or in 3D, cross and branch them the way you like.
There's many ways to make sure it does what you want it to - create a desired output for growing Talos II economy, and in a manner that scratches that itch for you. It's true that one should reconsider if this is the right game for them if they can't handle this kind of gameplay at all. However, for those who can entertain the idea for at least a little - the path to growth is simplified with blueprints.
You can build and maintain it the way you like best, hey, so long as it gets the job done! Perhaps you too will discover that you're fit to be a min-maxing industry tycoon. It's not an understatement that factory will make or break Endfield. As far as we're concerned, we hope they lean into the variety of factory production and development even more.
Endgame Prognosis
It's all fun and games while there's a world to explore, a factory to grow, a planet to develop and resources to tap. But in a live service game such as this, we know these aspects will run dry (eventually, for some periods of time). So what is to be done between expansions, and why are we really raising all these operators in the long run?
Well, aside for events that we expect as seasonal occurrences that will provide time-gated experiences and rewards, it remains to be seen what exactly is the game mode that will have us coming back again and then some more.
For now, Etchspace Salvage is the only thing that resembles endgame; timed runs with some roguelite elements that explore a map with its own set of temporary loot, resources, and enemies with various goals and side missions to fulfill. We expect more high-stake high-reward modes will appear as Endfield develops and grows.
The Storyline
It's difficult to tell more about the story this early, as the Wuling arc left us on a cliffhanger. The Valley IV arc doesn't really show us a lot about the grand scheme of things; if anything, it's a bit of a run-off-the-mill trope.
Those who aren't seasoned Arknights players and have deeper context behind most of the present subtext may be scrambling for answers, as we've found that the overarching devil is in the small details - the cosmic gate, the originium, the preservation of life. However, what we're used to with Arknights storytelling are deep sociopolitical and humanitarian themes, so we hope that Endfield keeps this tone and expands on the conflict at hand in the same familiar manner.
With the release date drawing nearer, we can't help but wonder if Arknights Endfield is the one game to shake up all the adjacent live service game genres (gacha or otherwise). We loved playing through the Beta Test II and for now it seems like it's all on the right track, and wonderfully so. If you'd like to find out how to best prep yourself for a super efficient account start, check out our Arknights Endfield Beginners' Guide, and follow Pro Game Guides for more fresh Endfield news and guides.
An avid enjoyer of everything Cyberpunk and a very slightly addicted gacha enthusiast. A sucker for good RPGs, quality turn-based games, non-linear adventures and everything that offers both good time AND long time. If the story is good, they'll always come running. Certified established gamer since year 2000.