After years of speculation and closed testing, Arknights Endfield finally goes live on January 22, 2026. The launch marks a major turning point for the Arknights franchise, not just because it’s a new game, but because it abandons the series’ tower-defense roots almost entirely.
Instead, Endfield arrives as a real-time action RPG built around exploration, squad combat, and large-scale base automation. It’s a risky move. It’s also one of the most watched free-to-play launches of early 2026.
Official Release Time and Global Schedule
Pre-download access opened earlier this week, giving players time to install ahead of launch. Servers are scheduled to open globally on January 22 at 09:00 AM (GMT+8).
Depending on where you live, that means:
- Los Angeles: January 21, evening
- New York: January 21, late night
- Tokyo / Seoul: January 22, mid-morning
- Australia: Midday launch
- New Zealand: Early afternoon
All regions unlock at once. There’s no staggered rollout or regional delay.
Platforms and File Size
Arknights Endfield launches simultaneously on:
- PC
- PlayStation 5
- iOS
- Android
Cross-progression is supported from day one. Progress carries across platforms as long as the same account is used.
Storage requirements are significant. PC and PS5 installs sit close to 60 GB, while mobile versions require roughly 28 GB after full installation. Older devices may struggle, especially during large combat encounters.
A Very Different Kind of Arknights Game
This is not tower defense with extra steps.
Endfield plays more like a squad-based action RPG, where positioning, timing, and movement matter just as much as stats. You control operators directly, swap between them mid-fight, and deal with enemies that react in real time.
The setting, Talos-II, is hostile and unstable. Exploration isn’t optional. It’s how you grow stronger, unlock systems, and keep your base running.
Combat feels deliberate. Not flashy for the sake of it, but grounded. Skills flow without locking you in place. Dodging matters. Mistakes cost time and resources.
Base Building Is Not a Side Feature
One of Endfield’s defining systems is its automation-focused base building.
Factories aren’t cosmetic. They generate materials needed for upgrades, story progression, and operator growth. Poor planning slows everything else down.
At launch, several usability tweaks are already in place:
- Clearer placement prompts
- Less manual input for repeated tasks
- Smoother transitions between combat and management
This system runs quietly in the background, but ignoring it makes the game harder than it needs to be.
Launch Version Changes Based on Testing
Developers adjusted several systems after Beta Test II feedback.
Early missions now unlock at lower requirements. That reduces friction during the opening hours. Exploration rewards have been increased as well, which helps players who prefer roaming over grinding.
Combat adjustments include:
- Skills activating without interrupting movement
- More readable damage feedback
- Slower early scaling to avoid sudden difficulty spikes
These changes won’t make the game easy. They do make it fairer.
Events, Operators, and Early Rewards
Launch content includes multiple events designed to pull players into the core loop quickly.
A five-star operator, Snowshine, becomes available through early progression. Endgame systems such as Etchspace Salvage and Umbral Monuments also open soon after launch, offering long-term goals beyond the main story.
None of this feels rushed. The systems open gradually, which helps new players adjust without being overwhelmed.
Why This Launch Matters
Arknights Endfield isn’t just another gacha release.
It represents a shift in how free-to-play RPGs approach depth. Instead of relying purely on character pulls, the game leans heavily on systems—automation, exploration, and combat mastery.
With tens of millions of pre-registrations, expectations are high. Whether Endfield holds players long-term will depend on post-launch updates, balance decisions, and content cadence.
But at launch, the foundation is solid.
Frequently Asked Questions about Arknights Endfield
When does Arknights Endfield release?
January 22, 2026, with a global simultaneous server launch.
Is Arknights Endfield free to play?
Yes. The game uses a free-to-play model with optional character acquisition.
Which platforms are supported?
PC, PlayStation 5, iOS, and Android with cross-progression.
Does Endfield still use tower defense?
No. Combat is real-time and fully controllable.
How big is the download?
Around 60 GB on PC and PS5, about 28 GB on mobile.
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