GRYPHLINE has announced the first major content expansion for their free-to-play 3D industrial RPG, Arknights: Endfield. Titled ‘Old Deep Water Dies, by Rising Tide, It is Denied‘, which is certainly a mouthful, Version 1.1 will be available to all players across platforms on 12 March 2026. The patch brings a variety of new story content, factory systems, operators, and gameplay adjustment
The narrative of Version 1.1 continues the narrative of Wuling, and expands the world into a new Wuling area known as Qingbo Stockade. Players, assuming the role of the Endministrator, will investigate escalating tensions with Wuling City following the arrival of Nefarith and Ardashir.
Two new 6-star operators are joining the roster to assist with these new encounters – both of whom made their narrative debut in Version 1.0. Tangtang is a Caster specialising in area-of-effect Cryo damage and support, possessing an Ultimate called DA CHIEF SEES YOU! that immobilises all targets within range, including bosses. Rossi, a Guard, introduces a mechanic that converts Arts Infliction into Vulnerability. This defence break makes her a strategic addition for squads heavily focused on physical damage output.
The factory building aspect of the game, the AIC system, is receiving a hydro-industrialization update. Players can now deploy Hydro Mining Rigs to automate the extraction of a new resource called Cuprium using water flow rather than grid electricity. Accompanying logistics tools include Conduits for liquid transport and Water Treatment Units for sewage processing. Furthermore, the placement limit for Forges of the Sky has been increased to four units to boost endgame production. For equipment optimization, the Valley Multi-Line Engraving Kit will be available through Stock Redistribution, allowing the creation of Essences with three custom stats to reduce random number generation elements in gear building.
Players can also expect several new rewards and progression changes. New beginner missions in Chapter 1 will grant 10 Chartered Headhunting Permits, which can be claimed retroactively by those who have already passed the milestones. This is in addition to the initial launch window offering of 135 free pulls – although this does need to be taken in alignment against the limitations and structure of the current gacha system.
Other additions include a Battle Pass update granting Basic Headhunting Permits, two 7-day login events named “Gently Flows Qingbo” and “Pearl of the Pack”, and retroactive AIC Quotas for obtaining 4, 5, and 6-star operators for the first time. Limited-time events like Exploration Day and Survival Training will provide new farming and combat challenges.
Several user experience improvements are being implemented to address player feedback. In construction, power line buffer ranges are extended by 20m for a total of 100m, and connections will no longer break during combat or dialogue triggers. Controller players also gain a dedicated button to move facilities via a long press. Navigation is updated to allow map access while riding ziplines, and combat encounters have been adjusted so operators enter Protocol Spaces with maximum HP and Ultimate Energy. Enemy Red Flash attacks have also been visually tuned for clarity.
Looking ahead, GRYPHLINE briefly outlined plans for Version 1.2. The subsequent update will feature the Endministrator defending the Xiranite Dam alongside Tianshi Zhuang against Ardashir. This future patch will introduce two additional maps, a new outpost, and further fluid-based factory systems.
