‘Homecoming,’ the next major update for Arknights: Endfield, will launch on July 16, 2026, adding two playable characters, a major AIC system expansion, permanent and limited-time activities, quality-of-life improvements, and special celebration rewards for the game’s half-anniversary.
“Homecoming brings the Wuling arc to its decisive conclusion and stands as a major milestone on our journey,” said RUA, Co-Founder & Level Designer. “Wuling’s story, which players have been part of since launch, is about to enter its darkest and most thrilling chapter as Endministrators once again stand with Arcane and the people of Wuling on a quest to reclaim their homeland.”
New Region & Story Content
In ‘Homecoming,’ the world of Arknights: Endfield expands further with two additional maps that bring the Wuling storyline to a decisive milestone:
- Yinglung Pass: The gateway to the sealed territory, where players meet Si, a mysterious Feranmut Proxy who guides them through the final enhancement of Xiranite Nexus.
- North Wuling Exclusion Zone: A ruined homeland consumed by Blight Miasma. Players must suppress its sources and open a safe route for the returning people of Wuling.
‘Homecoming’ also introduces a personal device equipment category, giving players access to exploration tools with practical effects. New enemies include Blightshade – remnants of people and emotions preserved by Æther – while the boss Alleikhreos, Chiliarch, requires players to use special battlefield mechanics to interrupt certain attacks.
New Playable Operators
Arcane and Liino make their debut as playable Operators in ‘Homecoming.’ Arcane serves as the flagship operator of the update, combining direct narrative relevance with a highly adaptable combat design; while Liino is a rising idol whose support kit strengthens and sustains the squad across a variety of team compositions.
AIC Expansion
Beyond the new story and Operators, the AIC system also receives a major expansion, adding new production possibilities while simplifying existing factory workflows.
- Gas is a new industrial material state alongside solids and liquids, adding new resources, machinery, recipes, technologies and production lines.
- Players can collect Inergen and Xiragen and convert materials between gaseous, liquid and solid states. These processes can bypass existing production stages, reduce the number of required machines and support denser factory layouts.
- The system also introduces Pyrrolite Component, more precise logistics controls and the new industrial outpost Xiranflow Cloudseeder Station.
New Activities & Player-Experience Improvements
Arknights: Endfield also brings the game’s broadest range of gameplay activities to date, led by Echoes of War, a permanent seasonal combat mode featuring rotating stages, three difficulty levels, ratings and displayable seasonal titles. All Oroberyl rewards are available through the normal difficulty, while higher difficulties offer additional challenges and prestige.
Other activities include:
- HEAT RAGE! MEGA ARENA! – a two-operator combat activity built around unusual character pairings.
- The Rooted Realm – a timed exploration and collection activity with hidden routes and special combat rooms.
- Additional challenges for Umbral Monument and six puzzle maps for Delver of the Cryptic.
Early Unlock:
- An early-unlock feature will allow newer players to access Wuling after completing an early main-story requirement, without interrupting their existing Chapter One progress. Operator trials will award fully refined Arsenal Defense Crate, while more flexible equipment-manufacturing processes will reduce the time and resources required to prepare characters.
Quality-of-life Improvements:
- Quality-of-life improvements include expanded photo mode, remote retrieval of outdoor equipment, preserved conduit connections in blueprints, more customizable combat visuals and targeting options, and expanded graphics support including DLSS 4.5, PSSR2 and FSR 3.
Half-year Celebration Rewards
To thank players for their support during the game’s first six months, GRYPHLINE will offer a range of login, mail and event rewards, including:
- Two 7-day login campaigns providing 5x limited HH Permits each.
- A three-day Tribute of Companionship login campaign offering 3,000x Oroberyls, 5x Basic HH Permits and the free six-star weapon Farsight.
- An in-game mail package containing 2,000x Oroberyls and development materials.
- 14x Fortune Connect-and-Win attempts, guaranteeing at least 5,000 Oroberyls plus additional materials.
To learn more about Arknights: Endfield, visit the official website and @AKEndfield on X/Twitter.
