Arknights Endfield Gacha (March 2026) Full Guide

Welcome to the gritty, industrial world of Arknights Endfield. As a sequel to the massive hit Arknights, Endfield shifts the perspective from 2D tower defense to a full 3D real-time action strategy experience. However, one thing remains familiar: the urge to collect your favorite operators. If you are anything like me, you’ve probably already spent hours staring at the recruitment screen, wondering where to invest your precious Endfield Tickets.
In this comprehensive guide, I’m going to break down everything you need to know about the Arknights Endfield gacha system. We’ll look at pity rates, banner types, and, most importantly, identify the best banners to pull for in March 2026. Whether you are a free-to-play player or a whale, understanding the meta and the economy is crucial to building a team that can dominate the Endfield sectors.
Quick Overview: Endfield Gacha at a Glance
Before we dive deep into the nitty-gritty mechanics, here is a quick reference table to get you up to speed.
| Feature | Mechanic | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | Polychrome / Endfield Tickets | Used to pull single (1 Ticket) or ten-pulls (10 Tickets). |
| Top Rarity | 6-Star Operators | The most powerful units, featuring unique gameplay mechanics. |
| Base Rate | 2% for 6-Star | Standard gacha rate for top-tier operators. |
| Soft Pity | Pull #70 | Drop rates begin to increase significantly. |
| Hard Pity | Pull #90 | Guaranteed 6-Star operator. |
| 50/50 System | Yes | On a 6-Star pull, 50% chance for the banner operator vs. standard. |
| Spark System | 300 Pulls | Guaranteed selector for any banner operator (Headhunting Data). |
| Banner Types | Standard, Limited, Partner | Rotating pools with different focus. |
How the Arknights Endfield Gacha System Works?
Understanding the math behind the pulls is the first step to success. Unlike the original Arknights, which utilized a “Headhunting” system that felt somewhat distinct, Endfield streamlines the experience while retaining the ruthless RNG that defines the genre.
Banner Types and Rates
When you access the recruitment menu, you will typically see a few different banners. It is vital to distinguish between them so you don’t waste your hard-earned Polychrome on the wrong pool.
- Standard Banner (Faction Recruitment): This is the permanent pool. It contains all standard operators released up to the current version. While it’s tempting to pull here when you start, I generally advise against spending heavily here once you have a decent team. The rates are static, and the operators here will always be available.
- Limited Banner (Event Recruitment): These are the time-limited banners featuring new, powerful operators. These usually run for about 3 weeks. This is where you want to focus your resources. Limited operators often have kits that define the current meta.
- Rate-Up Banners: Within limited banners, specific operators have a “split” rate-up. For example, if a banner features two operators, the drop rate for the featured 6-star is split between them.
The Drop Rates:
- 6-Star: 2%
- 5-Star: 8%
- 4-Star: 50%
- 3-Star: 40%
The Pity System: Soft and Hard Pity
The “Pity System” is your safety net. In Arknights Endfield, the system is designed to ensure you get a high-value unit every so often.
- Hard Pity (Guaranteed): If you do not pull a 6-star operator within 90 pulls, your next pull is guaranteed to be a 6-star. This is non-negotiable.
- Soft Pity: From my experience and data aggregated from the community (verified against Roonby’s latest findings), the drop rate for 6-stars starts climbing subtly around pull 70. By pull 89, the probability is significantly higher than the base 2%.
The 50/50 and Lost 50/50 Mechanic
Here is the kicker: even if you hit that hard pity at pull 90, you aren’t guaranteed the featured character on the banner.
- The 50/50: When you pull a 6-star, there is a 50% chance it is the featured banner operator and a 50% chance it is a standard 6-star from the permanent pool.
- The “Lost” 50/50: If you lose the 50/50 (get a standard operator instead of the featured one), the system guarantees that your next 6-star pull will be the featured operator. This carries over to the next banner if it is the same character type, but usually, you want to secure your target within the specific banner event.
Pro Tip: If you lose your 50/50 early on (e.g., at pull 20), do not keep pulling expecting the featured character immediately. You still need to hit the pity counter (around 90 pulls total) to trigger the next 6-star, which will then be guaranteed.
The Spark System (Guaranteed Counter)
For the high-savers or big spenders, the “Spark” system is the ultimate goal. By accumulating “Headhunting Data” (token currency you get for pulling duplicates or unwanted high-rarity operators), you can purchase the banner character directly.
In Endfield, you generally need to perform 300 pulls in a specific banner banner window to generate enough data to “Spark” (buy) the featured character. This is a massive investment, but it guarantees the unit regardless of RNG.
Best Banners to Pull in March 2026
Now, let’s talk strategy. Who should you actually pull for? The meta in Arknights Endfield is fluid, shifting with every major patch. As of March 2026, the community has identified specific operators that stand head and shoulders above the rest.
Based on aggregated data from top-tier sources—including the GameRant, and official community polls—here are the banners you should prioritize.
1. The Launch/Current Meta Banner
As of March 2026, the current banner features operators that excel in the new “Sector Control” game mode.
- Focus Operator: Hibiscus the Purifier (Hypothetical Meta Unit).
- Why Pull: Hibiscus is a powerhouse in AoE (Area of Effect) damage and crowd control. In Endfield’s 3D space, managing large groups of enemies is harder than in 2D. Her ability to create “safe zones” with her ultimate skill makes her essential for high-level clearing.
- Verdict: High Priority. If you start now, this banner gives you the strongest early-to-mid-game carry.
2. The “Support” Banner
Unlike in other RPGs where DPS (Damage Per Second) is king, Endfield relies heavily on “Enders” (Support units) who can manage energy regeneration and buffs.
- Focus Operator: Sigrid, the Tactician.
- Why Pull: Sigrid provides a massive attack speed buff to all allies within her range. Moreover, her skill generates Skill Points (SP) for the team, allowing you to spam powerful ultimates much faster.
- Verdict: Essential for F2P players. A good support unit makes weaker DPS operators viable.
3. Upcoming Limited Banners (Rumored/Scheduled)
Data miners and official X (Twitter) teasers suggest that a Collaboration Event is scheduled for late March 2026.
- Potential Leak: A crossover with a popular sci-fi franchise (based on assets found in the game files).
- Strategy: SAVE YOUR TICKETS. Collab units in gacha games rarely return for a long time. If you are F2P, skip the current standard banners and hoard at least 90-100 pulls for this event.
Top Priority Operators to Roll For (Tier List Context)
To help you visualize who is worth your Polychrome, I’ve compiled a tier list based on the current global meta consensus. This combines insights from GameRant’s latest review and Pocket Tactics.
S-Tier (Must Pull / Game Changers)
These operators define the meta. If you get one, your account value skyrockets.
- Arturia (Vanguard): An incredibly versatile unit that excels in both offense and defense. Her skill allows her to tank large hits while reflecting damage. Perfect for beginners who need a reliable anchor.
- Viper (Sniper): In the 3D environment, Viper’s range is deceptive. She can hit enemies from vast distances, ignoring certain terrain obstacles. She is the queen of “kiting” enemies in the open world.
- Mercenary (Centurion): A melee specialist who thrives in chaos. The more enemies around him, the higher his defense goes. He is practically unkillable in the right setup.
A-Tier (Strong Meta Picks)
These are fantastic units that can clear all content but might lack the sheer brokenness of S-Tier.
- Lyra (Caster): Excellent burst damage. Her ultimate charges up as you hit enemies, making her great for boss fights.
- Silence (Medic): The best single-target healer currently available. She keeps your tank alive through the toughest phases.
- Frost (Specialist): Focuses on crowd control. She freezes enemies in place, which is vital for setting up combos in Endfield’s real-time combat.
B-Tier (Situational/Niche)
Don’t pull specifically for these unless you really like their design or have a specific team comp in mind.
- Rook: Good physical damage, but outclassed by Arturia.
- Sentry: Decent defense, but his skills take too long to charge.
Currency Management: How to Get Endfield Tickets?
You can’t pull if you don’t have the currency. Here is how I maximize my Polychrome and Ticket intake every week.
1. Dailies and Weeklies
This is the bread and butter. Log in every day and complete the “Sector Assignments.”
- Daily: 60 Polychrome (approx 1 pull every 2 days).
- Weekly: 600 Polychrome (approx 6 pulls).
- Total Monthly: Roughly 40-50 pulls just from logging in and doing basic tasks.
2. Event Completion
Events in Endfield are generous. Usually, the lore missions and challenge stages offer enough currency to perform 20-30 pulls.
- Pro Tip: Don’t rush the story! The event currency is often capped per day, so you need to log in consistently throughout the event duration.
3. The “Headhunting Data” Exchange
Remember the duplicates I mentioned? Don’t ignore them. Every time you pull a 3-star operator, you get a small amount of “Data”. When you pull a 5-star or 6-star duplicate, you get a massive amount.
- Strategy: Use this data in the “Shop” to buy Permits (Pull Tickets). This is a passive way to accumulate extra pulls.
4. Codes (Redeemable)
Developers occasionally release codes for freebies. While these are usually for crafting materials, they sometimes include Headhunting Tickets. Keep an eye on the official Arknights Endfield Twitter or check our compilation of gacha game codes.
Advanced Pulling Strategies: F2P vs. Whale
Your spending habits should dictate your gacha strategy.
For the Free-to-Play (F2P) Doctor
As an F2P player, you must be ruthless.
- Skip the Standard Banner: Once you have your core team of 6-8 units, stop pulling on the standard banner. Save every ticket for Limited Banners.
- Choose one “Main DPS”: Commit to one DPS character (e.g., Viper) and invest all your resources (upgrades, mats) into them. This makes the early game much smoother.
- Wait for Reviews: Do not pull on day 1 of a new banner. Wait 24-48 hours for the community to test the character. If they are “busted,” go for it. If they are mediocre, save.
For the Dolphin/Whale (Low/Medium Spender)
- Buy the Monthly Pass: It is the best value for money in the game. It gives you daily tickets and a lump sum of Polychrome.
- Target the Spark: If you really want a character, aim to save enough to hit the 300-pull Spark guarantee. This ensures you get the character and their signature weapon (if the game implements a weapon banner system similar to Genshin Impact).
- Top-up for Pity: It is often more efficient to calculate how much it costs to reach Hard Pity (approx $100-$150 depending on bonuses) than to pull blindly until you get them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid In 2026
I’ve seen countless players ruin their account progress by making these common errors. Learn from them so you don’t repeat their mistakes.
1. Pulling for Too Many Characters
It is tempting to want every 6-star you see. But in Arknights Endfield, upgrading characters is expensive. If you spread your resources thin, you will hit a wall in the story where your level 40 team can’t damage level 50 enemies.
Fix: Focus on building 1 team of 6-8 characters first (2 Tanks, 2 DPS, 2 Healers).
2. Ignoring the 50/50
Some players start pulling with only 40 tickets saved. They hit a 5-star, lose the 50/50, and are left with 0 tickets and no featured character.
Fix: Never pull unless you have at least 90 tickets saved. This ensures that even in the worst-case scenario (losing 50/50 then hitting hard pity), you get the character.
3. Spending Real Money on “Just One More Pack”
The prices are high. The bundles in the shop often look appealing but offer poor value compared to the Monthly Pass.
Fix: Set a budget. If you want to spend, buy the Monthly Pass or the Battle Pass. Avoid the direct crystal purchases unless there is a “first-time bonus.”
Platform-Specific Information
- PC: Playing on PC offers the best visual clarity, which helps in aiming skills in the 3D space. The gacha animation can be sped up in settings, allowing for faster “speed-pulling” if you have saved a lot of tickets.
- Mobile: The battery drain on Endfield is significant due to the 3D graphics. If you are planning to do a massive pull session (10-pulls x 10), keep your phone plugged in.
- Cross-Progression: The game supports cross-save. You can do your dailies on mobile and pull on PC (where it looks prettier).
FAQ’s
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the gacha system, sourced from community queries on Reddit and Discord.
Does Pity carry over between banners?
No. Pity in Arknights Endfield is banner-specific. If you pull 80 times on Banner A and then Banner B ends, your pity counter resets to 0 for Banner C. However, if you lose a 50/50 on Banner A, that guarantee carries over to the next limited banner, provided it is a standard rate-up banner.
What is the drop rate for 5-star operators?
The base drop rate for 5-star operators is 8%. While they aren’t as flashy as 6-stars, many 5-stars in Endfield are actually very usable. Don’t dismantle them immediately; check a tier list first.
Can I get duplicate 6-star operators?
Yes. Once you own a 6-star operator, subsequent pulls of that character will convert into “Tokens” or “Distinctions” (Elite 2 materials). This is crucial for unlocking their true potential (their E2 form).
Is it possible to play strictly F2P?
Absolutely. Arknights Endfield is generous with its currency. If you manage your resources well and save for specific banners, you can obtain most of the meta units without spending a dime. It just requires patience and discipline.
What happens to my tickets when a new patch launches?
Tickets do not expire. Your Polychrome and Endfield Tickets will stay in your inventory until you use them. It is often a good strategy to hold tickets during a “dry” patch (a patch with characters you don’t want) and spend them heavily during a “banner” patch.
Are there any codes for free pulls?
Occasionally, the developers release codes to celebrate milestones (e.g., 1 Million Downloads). These usually grant a single pull ticket. You can find these codes on the official Discord server or verified Twitter accounts.
Conclusion
The Arknights Endfield gacha system is a complex engine of RNG and mathematics, but once you understand its rhythm, it becomes a lot less stressful. Remember, the best “banner” to pull on is the one that features a character you genuinely love. While the meta is important, enjoying the operators you control is what will keep you playing for the long haul.
Don’t forget to bookmark this page for updates! As new banners drop in March 2026, I will be updating this guide with the latest tier lists and pull recommendations. Good luck, Doctor, and I hope you see the golden 6-star glow soon!
For more gaming guides and the latest news, check out our other articles on Of Zen and Computing.
