Arknights Endfield Banners & Release Roster (March 2026) Full Guide
Welcome to the most comprehensive guide for the Arknights Endfield upcoming banners and the Chartered Headhunting schedule for March 2026. As the highly anticipated 3D sequel to the critically acclaimed Arknights prepares for its full launch, players are eager to know which Operators will be available, how the new gacha system works, and who they should be saving their resources for.
Having analyzed the data from the latest Closed Beta Tests (CBT) and official reveals from Hypergryph, I’ve compiled everything you need to know about the Chartered Headhunting system. Unlike the original game, Endfield introduces a new 3D perspective and real-time combat mechanics, which significantly impacts the meta and the value of specific Operators.
In this guide, I will break down the confirmed upcoming banners, the launch roster, pity system mechanics, and provide a tier list to help you decide which banners to pull on.
Quick Overview: Confirmed Upcoming Banners & Characters
Here is a quick summary of the known Chartered Headhunting schedule and confirmed Operators for the upcoming release window.
| Banner Phase | Operator Name | Class / Role | Element | Rarity | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Banner | Perlman | Fighter / DPS | Physical | 6-Star | Must Pull (Main DPS) |
| Launch Banner | Hibiscus the Purifier | Specialist / Support | Arts | 6-Star | High Utility |
| Launch Banner | Chen (Alter?) | Fighter / Burst | Physical | 6-Star | Meta Definer |
| Phase 1 (Update) | Jessica (Endfield) | Sharpshooter / AOE | Physical | 6-Star | Strong AoE DPS |
| Phase 1 (Update) | Siege | Defender / Tank | Physical | 6-Star | Top Tier Tank |
Note: The schedule beyond the initial launch window is subject to change based on developer updates.
Arknights Endfield Chartered Headhunting Explained
Before diving into the specific characters, it is crucial to understand the “Chartered Headhunting” system. If you are coming from the original Arknights, this is the equivalent of “Headhunting” or the Recruitment gacha system, but with several overhauled mechanics suited for the 3D gameplay of Endfield.
How Chartered Headhunting Works?
In Arknights Endfield, you will be visiting the manufacturing facility to recruit Operators. The core loop involves using Headhunting Permits (tickets) or Permit Packs (premium currency) to perform pulls.
Here is what I found regarding the rates and mechanics based on the latest CBT data:
- Base Rates: The probability of pulling a 6-Star Operator is 2%, consistent with industry standards and the original game.
- Pity System: The “Guarantee” system works similarly to its predecessor. You are guaranteed a 6-Star Operator within 60 pulls.
- 50/50 System: When you hit a 6-Star drop, there is a 50% chance it is the featured banner Operator (Rate-up) and a 50% chance it is an off-banner 6-Star.
- Sparking (Ticket Exchange): A new addition in Endfield is the “Sparking” system. By accumulating “Token” currency from duplicate 6-Star pulls or pulling a non-featured 6-Star, you can eventually exchange 300 tokens for the specific Rate-up character on the banner. This makes the gacha much more forgiving than the original Arknights.
Banner Types
There are two main types of banners you will encounter:
- Standard Banner (Chartered Headhunting): This is the permanent pool. It contains a mix of launch characters. It is generally advised to avoid pulling on standard banners unless you have excess resources, as specific Rate-up banners offer better value.
- Limited Event Banners: These feature specific Operators, often with unique mechanics or “Alter” versions of popular characters. These are the primary focus of the schedule below.
Upcoming Chartered Headhunting Schedule & Release Roster
Based on the official roadmaps and data mined from recent beta tests, here is the schedule for the release period of 2026. Please note that Hypergryph may shuffle the order of these banners before the global launch.
Launch Phase Banner: The Pioneers
The release of Arknights Endfield will kick off with a dual-banner setup or a consolidated launch banner featuring the main protagonists and key marketing characters.
Featured Character: Perlman
- Role: Fighter / Melee DPS
- Element: Physical
- Analysis: Perlman serves as one of the primary promotional faces for the game. In the beta, she excelled at dealing sustained single-target damage while maneuvering around the battlefield. Her skills allow her to enter an “Overload” mode, increasing attack speed significantly.
- Verdict: Perlman is a safe investment for early game progression and clears the vast majority of PvE content efficiently.
Featured Character: The Purifier (Hibiscus)
- Role: Specialist / Support
- Element: Arts
- Analysis: Unlike standard supports, The Purifier offers massive healing throughput combined with crowd control (CC). Her kit focuses on cleansing debuffs from allies, which is vital in the status-heavy environments of the Tasos region.
- Verdict: Essential for boss fights and high-difficulty stages where survival is key.
Phase 2 Banner: The Reinforcements
Shortly after launch (estimated 2-3 weeks), the first major update is expected to bring back fan favorites from the original Arknights, reimagined for the 3D engine.
Expected Featured: Chen (Endfield Ver.)
- Role: Fighter / Burst DPS
- Element: Arts (or mixed)
- Analysis: Chen is a beloved character, and her transition to Endfield is highly anticipated. Leaks suggest she retains her high burst damage potential but now utilizes the Z-axis (verticality) to leap across the map and strike enemies.
- Verdict: If you love high-damage numbers and flashy animations, Chen is the character to save for.
Expected Featured: Siege
- Role: Defender / Tank
- Element: Physical
- Analysis: Siege moves from being a DPS-oriented Vanguard in the original game to a more traditional “Fighter” style tank in Endfield. She boasts incredible defense stats and area-of-effect (AoE) taunts.
- Verdict: A staple for any team composition that struggles with survivability.
Character Class Analysis & Strategy (March 2026)
To maximize your efficiency in Chartered Headhunting, you need to understand the new class system. Endfield has moved away from the strict 8-class system of the first game to a more fluid system, but the roles remain similar.
1. The “Fighter” Class (Melee DPS)
These are your frontline damage dealers. They need to be mobile and durable.
- Top Picks: Perlman, Chen.
- Strategy: Position them behind a “Defender” to draw aggro, then flank enemies.
2. The “Specialist” Class (Support/Utility)
This class is the wildcard. They range from summoners to debuffers.
- Top Picks: The Purifier, Angelina (likely future banner).
- Strategy: Don’t neglect these characters. In Endfield’s 3D space, controlling enemy movement (CC) is often more valuable than raw damage.
3. The “Medic” Class (Healers)
Healers in Endfield function similarly to the original game but must aim in 3D space.
- Strategy: Prioritize Medics with “AoE” healing capabilities. Managing the health of multiple operators in a 360-degree environment is challenging.
4. The “Sharpshooter” Class (Ranged DPS)
Snipers and Archers.
- Top Picks: Exusiai (confirmed for later), Jessica (Endfield).
- Strategy: Use elevation. High ground is a massive mechanic in Endfield. Place Sharpshooters on cliffs to increase their range and damage.
Resource Management: Saving for Future Banners
One of the most common questions I see is: “Should I pull now or save for future banners?”
In 2026, the gacha landscape is competitive. Here is my advice for managing your Headhunting Permits:
- Don’t Skip the Launch Banner: The Launch Banner (Perlman) is your best bet for establishing a strong team early. Wasting time in PvE without a decent 6-Star is frustrating.
- Utilize the Spark System: Since Endfield includes a spark system (exchange currency), you can safely pull on banners. Even if you lose the 50/50, you are building progress toward the character. This is a huge improvement over the original game.
- Check the “Roadmap”: Hypergryph usually releases a roadmap for the first 3 months. If your favorite “legacy” character (like Kal’tsit or Amiya) isn’t listed in the first 2 months, start saving.
F2P (Free to Play) Strategy
If you are not spending money, you must be strategic.
- Focus on one Team: Do not try to build every 6-Star you get. Pick one main DPS (e.g., Perlman) and invest all your upgrade materials (Endstone, Gold) into them.
- Clear the Events: The “Chartered Operation” events are your primary source of free Permits. Ensure you 3-star every stage to claim the completion rewards.
Comparing Arknights 1 vs. Endfield Banners
For veterans of the first game, the transition can be jarring. Here is a breakdown of how the banners and meta differ.
| Feature | Arknights (Original) | Arknights Endfield |
|---|---|---|
| Perspective | 2D Side-Scrolling | 3D Third-Person Shooter/RTS |
| Gacha Pity | Fixed 6% (5-star) / 2% (6-star) | Similar 2% rate, but better pity visibility |
| Sparking | None (only recent Headhunting Fes) | Standard feature on most banners |
| Meta Dependency | Very High (Specific operators needed) | Moderate (Mechanical skill is more important) |
| Currency | Orundum / Recruitment Permit | Headhunting Permits / Supply Tickets |
Key Insight: In Arknights 1, the meta was rigid because you couldn’t dodge attacks manually. In Endfield, player skill (dodging, aiming) can compensate for lower-tier characters. This means you don’t need the absolute strongest banner character to succeed, making the gacha less stressful.
Official Sources & Community Verification
To ensure this guide remains accurate, I constantly monitor the following channels. I recommend you follow them too for real-time banner drops:
- Official X/Twitter: @ArknightsEndfield – This is the primary source for banner announcements.
- Official Discord: The community server often leaks banner dates a few days before official release via maintenance notices.
- Reddit: r/ArknightsEndfield is a great place to see “pull results” and determine if a banner is “worth it” based on community success rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the official release date for Arknights Endfield?
While an exact global date is fluid, the current window for the full release is late 2026. The Closed Beta tests have concluded, and the game is in the final polishing phase.
Does the pity carry over between banners?
Yes, the pull counter carries over between Chartered Headhunting banners of the same rarity tier. However, it typically resets when a new “Version” begins, so be sure to use your pity before a major version update if you are close.
Are the original Arknights Operators in Endfield?
Yes, but many have been reimagined. We have seen 3D models for Siegfried, Siege, Chen, and others. They function similarly but with updated kits for the 3D combat system.
Is Chartered Headhunting F2P friendly?
Based on the beta rewards, yes. The game provides a generous amount of Headhunting Permits through the story mode and login events. The inclusion of the Spark system also guarantees that F2P players can get limited characters eventually.
What is the “Spark” number in Arknights Endfield?
Currently, the exchange rate is set at 300 tokens. You earn tokens when you pull a 6-Star that is not the rate-up character, or when you pull duplicate 6-Stars.
Conclusion
The Arknights Endfield upcoming banners offer an exciting mix of new original characters and returning favorites. The shift to 3D combat with the Chartered Headhunting system brings a fresh layer of strategy to team building.
My final advice for the March 2026 release window is to secure a reliable DPS like Perlman early, and then save your resources for the first limited banner, which is likely to be a powerhouse.
Make sure to bookmark this page and check back often, as I will be updating the Chartered Headhunting schedule the moment new Operators are announced!