GRYPHLINE will launch its 3D real-time strategy RPG Arknights: Endfield on Steam on October 15 alongside its new update, 'Sanctuary of Ink.' The update adds two new Operators, a main story chapter, new combat challenges, and countryside inn management content.
'Sanctuary of Ink' is set inside a landscape painting created by the new Operator, Si. The story unfolds as the injured Endministrator visits Yuanyuan Manor Inn at Si's invitation, uncovering strange phenomena in the surrounding mountains and a story connecting the two that dates back a decade. Players will explore the painted world by using Si's brush to create bridges across broken gaps in space.
The new playable Operator, Si, can extract an 'Inksoul' from enemies to deal damage and transfer effects. This allows players to continue dealing damage even after an enemy moves out of attack range, while also giving her the ability to interrupt charging attacks and buff Cryo and Heat allies.
Another new Operator, Minghe, combines sword and spear skills with mounted charges on his warhorse, Nuoye. When using his ultimate skill, he charges forward on Nuoye before launching an aerial finishing attack. Players can uncover Minghe's past through various paintings in a separate story event, and both Operators will feature in sequential recruitment events during the update period.
The combat content 'Contingency Contract' returns with its new season, 'Indigo Experimental Operation.' Players can tackle battle challenges by combining various 'Contract Indicators' that apply both advantages and tactical constraints. Certain indicators increase combo skill damage while restricting further use for a set duration after being activated twice. Selecting certain indicators for the first time will also apply new attack patterns to enemies. Based on player feedback, the process of selecting and reusing challenge settings has been improved.
In the story content 'Bonds Forged in Flame,' players can manage a countryside inn by growing crops and raising animals. 'Agricultural Automation Facilities' that assist with planting and harvesting are provided, and as players progress through the story, they can also use this functionality in the agricultural regions of Wuling.
The soundtrack for 'Sanctuary of Ink' incorporates genres such as Color Bass, Afrobeat, and UK Garage. Zhai Jinyan, composer for Black Myth: Wukong, Ludvig Forssell, composer for Death Stranding, Chinese avant-garde electronic band 8:48, and musician Crywolf participated in the musical production.
Quality-of-life features have also been enhanced. Equipment loadouts can now be saved, mouse targeting has been made more precise, and the priority of simultaneously triggered combo skills can be adjusted. Additionally, players can now place facilities directly in the field using materials stored in warehouse storage without needing to carry them in their backpack.
Launching on October 15, the Steam version supports cross-platform progression, allowing existing players to continue their adventures on Talos-II.
To mark its 1st anniversary, Arknights: Endfield will host '1st Anniversary Fes' at KINTEX Exhibition Hall 2 in Ilsan from January 9 to 10, 2027. Recruitment for fan-created content booths will run until November 15, while applications for fan creation exhibition zone submissions will be open through November 29. The 'Arknights: Endfield X Naver Webtoon Fan Art Contest' is scheduled to take place from October 13 to November 8.
