It is finally here. By now, Arknights: Endfield players are likely tearing through the new “At the Wake of Spring” update (1.2), released by publisher Hypergryph on April 17, 2026.
As many fans expected, this update delivers a substantial amount of content. While some additions were teased beforehand, Version 1.2 ultimately serves as the climactic conclusion to the Wuling storyline, finally pitting the Endministrator against formidable threats like Nefarith and Ardashir.
Beyond the narrative, the update expands several gameplay systems, introducing a new area tied to a brand-new AIC, alongside a fresh character banner that brings a much-needed Electric 6-star operator into the roster. Here’s a full breakdown of everything included.
New Character Banner: Zhuang Fangyi Enters the Fray
The “Thunder of Renewal” banner stands at the center of the Arknights: Endfield 1.2 update. As previously revealed, this banner introduces Wuling’s viceroy, Zhuang Fangyi, as a playable operator.
Zhuang Fangyi is an Electric Striker who blends basic single-target attacks with powerful AoE crowd control, fitting neatly into mid-to-finish combo chains. As a 6-star unit, she can be difficult to obtain if you are either unlucky or low on resources.
If you do manage to pull her (like I did on my second 10-pull), you get a high-damage centerpiece whose kit revolves around a loop of applying Electric Infliction, converting it into Electrification, and then consuming those stacks to summon devastating Sunderblades. Her ultimate state, Empyrean of Truth, enhances her combat flow significantly by reducing cooldowns and allowing multi-target strikes.
That said, she does come with some limitations. Her abilities rely heavily on either initiating combo chains or capitalizing on Electric Infliction applied by teammates. Even so, her damage output is massive, making her well worth investing in.
Weapons and Gacha System Changes
Alongside the new operator comes Lone Barge, an Arts Unit designed specifically as Zhuang Fangyi’s signature weapon, built around a burst-heavy playstyle. It significantly boosts her Electric damage during her 20-second ultimate window. For players on a budget, the 6-star Battle Pass weapon, Flickers in the Mist, serves as a solid alternative.
Navigating the gacha system in this patch requires some planning. The character banner includes a 120-pull hard pity (spark guarantee), while the “Arsenal Issue” weapon banner remains more punishing with a 75/25 off-rate mechanic.
In simple terms:
- You are guaranteed to obtain Zhuang Fangyi by your 120th pull at the latest.
- Weapon pulls do not include a spark guarantee, meaning even a 6-star drop may not be her signature weapon (75% Lone Barge, 25% other items).
To ease this system, the update introduces the Urgent Recruitment feature. This grants 10 free bonus pulls for every 30 headhunting attempts. These bonus pulls do not affect your pity counter, offering a safer way to chase higher-rarity units. alleviate some of this pressure, the update introduces the Urgent Recruitment system, which grants 10 free bonus pulls after every 30 headhunting attempts. These bonus tickets do not consume your pity counter, offering a safer way to hunt for 5-star and 6-star operators.
Story Progression and New Areas
Version 1.2 advances the main story, bringing the Wuling City arc to its conclusion. Having played through it, I can say without spoilers that it delivers a strong lead-up to its climax.
The update pushes the narrative forward through Chapter II Process VI: Kindred Souls Who Share a Vision. Along the way, players will explore two large new zones:
Marker Stone, the first area available, features a distinct ink-painting aesthetic and introduces the Cardiac Remediation Station outpost. Test Area, a botanical research-focused zone, is scheduled to release on May 14.
On the systems side, industrial gameplay receives a major overhaul through AIC upgrades. Players can now deploy Hydro Mining Rigs to extract Cuprium ore, which is then processed using Precipitation Acid to create advanced components. This also introduces a new resource, Heavy Xiranite.
These materials are essential for crafting the Xiranflow and Qingbo gear sets, both designed to support reaction-heavy and skill-based builds.
Upcoming Content and Rerun Banners
Looking ahead to Phase 2 of “At the Wake of Spring,” expected around May 4, current in-game developments strongly point toward the arrival of Li Zhiyan. The character is introduced during Phase 1’s story and shares significant ties with fan-favorite Cheng Qianyu.
Li Zhiyan is expected to be a 6-star Nature Polearm operator, functioning as a hybrid sub-DPS and support unit. While Mi Fu was previously rumored, developer updates suggest she is being saved for Version 1.3, making Li Zhiyan the most likely addition for Nature-based teams.
What is confirmed is the return of several powerful units. Starting May 14, during the Fest of Brilliance rerun banner, players will be able to pull:
- Laevatain: The high-impact Heat specialist.
- Gilberta: A versatile support and DPS.
- Ardelia and Pogranichnik: Two units that provide unique utility and raw power.
Personally, Laevatain is the only one I missed, so I am particularly interested in pairing her AoE damage with Pogranichnik’s ramping ultimate. This rerun will also bring back their signature weapons, including Forgeborn Scathe and Delivery Guaranteed, through the armory exchange.
Beyond banners, longtime Arknights fans will be glad to know that Contingency Contract has been officially teased for Endfield. This returning hardcore mode introduces customizable difficulty modifiers and complex combat challenges. While not yet confirmed, it is expected to become a permanent feature similar to Umbral Monument and Etchspace Salvage.
Final Thoughts
Arknights: Endfield Version 1.2 shows a clear commitment from Gryphline to delivering consistent and meaningful updates. While some additions were expected, the update successfully caters to a wide range of players, from those focused on story progression to others who enjoy optimization systems like crafting and side activities.
“At the Wake of Spring” stands as one of the most substantial updates since launch, blending narrative closure with meaningful mechanical expansion. The addition of a strong Electric operator like Zhuang Fangyi also highlights that the developers are paying attention to community feedback, particularly regarding underrepresented elements. For a live-service gacha title, this places Endfield in a strong position moving forward.
Arknights: Endfield is available as a free-to-play game on PlayStation 5, Windows, iOS, and Android, with optional microtransactions.
