Fastest Way to Level Up Endfield Operators (March 2026) Leveling Guide

Welcome, Doctor! If you’ve dived into the world of Arknights: Endfield, you know that the transition from the 2D side-scrolling origin to a full 3D real-time RPG brings a whole new layer of complexity. One thing, however, remains the same: the grind. Leveling up your operators is the backbone of your progress, and doing it efficiently can mean the difference between breezing through the “Endfield Industry” sectors or getting stuck on a boss for days.

In this comprehensive guide, I’m going to walk you through the fastest, most resource-efficient ways to level up your operators in 2026. Whether you are a veteran Rhodes Island operator or a fresh face recruited by the Endfield Labs, I’ve gathered strategies from the top community reports and my own hands-on experience to help you maximize your gains.

Quick Reference: Leveling Methods at a Glance

Before we dive deep, here is a quick overview of the methods we will cover to help you decide where to focus your energy:

Method	Speed	Resource Cost	Best For	Difficulty
Campaign Grinding	Medium	Low (Stamina)	Early to Mid Game	Low
Event Stages	Fast	Medium (Stamina)	Limited Time EXP	Medium
Endfield Industry	Slow (Passive)	High (Setup)	Passive Resource Gen	High
Potion/Item Usage	Instant	High (Currency)	“Rush” Situations	N/A
Trust System	Passive	None	Stat Boosts	Low

Arknights: Endfield Level Up Overview

In Arknights: Endfield, leveling up your operators isn’t just about increasing their HP and ATK. It unlocks their potential, allows for higher promotion tiers (Elites), and makes them viable in the increasingly difficult combat scenarios presented by the Sekai no Hate.

Unlike its predecessor, Endfield introduces a more open-world exploration mechanic. This means you need a well-rounded team, not just a few strong units. Therefore, spreading your resources wisely is just as important as leveling up fast.

The Core Resources You Need

To level up fast, you need to hoard the right materials. Here is what you should be looking for:

1. Endstone (LMD Equivalent): The primary currency. You burn through this faster than you earn it.
2. XP Packs (Battle Records): These give direct experience.
3. Skill Summary (Skill Books): Needed to upgrade skills, which is crucial for combat effectiveness.
4. Base Materials: Used for promotion and manufacturing.

Top Strategies for Fast Operator Level Up

Now, let’s get into the meat of the guide. How do you actually level up fast?

1. The “Stage Clear” Loop: Efficient Campaign Farming

The most reliable way to gain XP early in the game is through the main campaign stages. However, not all stages are created equal.

• Identify the “Sweet Spot”: Do not just grind the highest stage you can beat. Look for a stage that costs 1.2x to 1.5x the Stamina of a standard stage but drops high-tier XP items. In gacha terms, you want the best “Stamina to XP” ratio.
• Auto-Battle Optimization: Arknights: Endfield features robust auto-battle settings. Before you start grinding, spend 10 minutes tuning your AI settings. Ensure your Operators prioritize enemies that deal high damage or have hold skills. If your team wipes halfway through, you are wasting stamina.
• Team Composition for Grinding: When farming, bring 1 high-level “carry” operator and 4 low-level operators you want to level. The game distributes shared XP, so this allows you to babysit the weaker units while the carry secures the win.

Pro Tip: If you are looking for a device that can handle long hours of auto-battling without overheating, check out our list of the best gaming laptops for Arknights: Endfield.

2. Leveraging the Endfield Industry (Passive Income)

One of the coolest features in Endfield is the “Endfield Industry.” This is your base-building slice of the game. It’s not just for show; it’s a goldmine for leveling resources.

• Manufacturing XP Items: You can trade raw materials gathered from exploration for XP Packs in your manufacturing lines. Always keep these running. If you are sleeping or at work, your factory should be producing Battle Records.
• Trading Posts: Set up trade routes to exchange excess resources for Endstone. A common mistake new players make is hoarding raw materials. Convert them! You need Endstone to afford the actual leveling process.
• Buffing Production: Assign operators with high Industry stats to your manufacturing lines. This significantly speeds up production and reduces the material cost of crafting XP items.

3. Event Stages and Limited-Time Challenges

In March 2026, developers often launch events that feature stages with doubled drops or increased stamina efficiency.

• Priority 1: Always clear event stages first. They usually offer a much better Stamina-to-XP ratio than permanent maps.
• Exchange Shops: Events often have a shop where you can buy high-tier XP packs using event currency. Focus entirely on buying these before wasting currency on furniture or skins. Leveling up your team will help you clear the event content faster, creating a positive feedback loop.

If you are struggling with performance during these graphically intensive event stages, you might want to read our guide on how to fix lag in Arknights: Endfield to ensure smooth gameplay.

4. Smart Resource Management: The “Don’t Waste It” Rule

Speed isn’t just about how fast you gain XP; it’s about how fast you can spend it effectively.

• Don’t Over-Level Low Rarity Units: While 1-star and 2-star operators are useful in the very early game, they hit a wall quickly. Stop investing in them once you have a solid team of 3-stars and above.
• Wait for Promotions: Never max out an operator’s level (e.g., to Level 50) immediately after promoting them to Elite 1. The cost of the last few levels is often higher than the stat boost you receive. Stop at 70-80% of the max level until you are ready for Elite 2.
• Focus on a Core Team: It is better to have 6 operators at max level than 20 operators at mid-level. Pick a Vanguard, Defender, Guard, Medic, Caster, and Sniper, and pour your resources into them first. This “Core Team” will help you farm resources for everyone else.

For a detailed breakdown on who to invest in, take a look at our Arknights: Endfield Tier List

Advanced Leveling Techniques

Once you have mastered the basics, you can use these advanced strategies to squeeze every drop of efficiency out of your stamina.

The “Double Tap” Strategy

When using high-level XP potions (like Battle Record S3), you want to maximize the “Overload” XP (the XP that doesn’t get lost if you over-level).

If you have an operator at Level 1 and they need 10,000 XP to reach Level 20, but you use a potion worth 50,000 XP, the excess 40,000 XP is converted into a different resource (usually a cheaper XP potion or stored for later). However, there is often a cap on this conversion.

Strategy: Always try to use potions that are roughly 80-90% of what is needed to hit the cap or the next promotion breakpoint. This minimizes “wasted” potential XP and keeps your resource flow liquid.

Utilizing the Trust System

While Trust doesn’t give direct level-ups, it provides a significant stat boost (ATK and HP). A high-trust Level 40 operator can often outperform a zero-trust Level 50 operator.

• How to farm Trust Fast: Bring the same operators on every mission. Even if they aren’t needed for combat, deploy them for a second and then retreat them (if the game mechanics allow) or just keep them in the squad to passively gain trust points.

Coding and Redemption

Sometimes, the fastest way to level up is getting free stuff. Developers often release codes that give free stamina, Endstone, or XP Packs.

Make sure to bookmark our page for Arknights: Endfield Codes March 2026 and check it weekly. Using a code for 10 Battle Record S3s can save you hours of grinding.

Common Mistakes to Avoid In 2026

I’ve made plenty of mistakes in my time playing gacha RPGs, and Endfield is no different. Here are the pitfalls you need to watch out for:

1. Ignoring Equipment: In Endfield, weapons and armor play a bigger role than in the original Arknights. Leveling up an operator without upgrading their weapon is like putting a Ferrari engine in a go-kart. Balance your XP spending between Operator Levels and Equipment Upgrades.
2. Spending Endstone on Summons: Never use your primary currency (Endstone) on standard banners unless you are desperate. Save it for stamina refills. Stamina is the only limiting factor in how fast you can level. An operator you can’t level up is useless.
3. Neglecting the Support Unit: If the game features a “Support” system where you can borrow a friend’s high-level operator, use it! A borrowed Level 80 carry can drag your low-level team through stages that would otherwise be impossible, netting you huge XP rewards you couldn’t access otherwise.

Platform-Specific Tips

PC Players

If you are playing on PC, you have the advantage of macros. You can set up simple click macros to replay stages, though be careful not to violate the Terms of Service. Ensure your graphics drivers are updated to handle the 3D rendering of the Endfield sectors smoothly.

Mobile Players

Mobile players need to manage battery life and heat. Grinding for 3 hours straight can throttle your processor, causing lag and failed auto-battles. Consider using a mobile controller to reduce screen touch errors during complex manual stages.

FAQ’s

Here are some of the most common questions players ask about leveling up in Arknights: Endfield.

What is the maximum level for operators in Arknights: Endfield?

Currently, the max level is capped at Level 70 for Elite 1 and Level 90 for Elite 2. These caps may increase with future updates, so it’s best to keep a reserve of XP items.

How do I get Endstone fast?

The best way to get Endstone is by farming “The Fund Operation” or its equivalent in Endfield. Additionally, completing your daily commissions in the Endfield Industry and selling excess manufacturing materials provides a steady stream of income.

Should I level up all my operators?

No. Focus on building two solid teams of 6 operators each (12 total). One team for general content and one for specialized challenges. Leveling everyone will leave you with no resources to promote your best units.

Does the “Trust” system affect level up speed?

Indirectly, yes. Higher Trust makes your operators stronger, meaning they clear stages faster and take less damage. This reduces the need to retry stages, saving you Stamina.

Where can I find codes for free XP?

We maintain an updated list of active codes on our site. Check our Arknights: Endfield Codes page regularly to ensure you never miss out on free rewards.

Conclusion

Leveling up in Arknights: Endfield is a marathon, not a sprint. While the strategies in this guide will help you speed up the process, the game is designed to be played over time. Focus on building a balanced team, utilize the Endfield Industry to its fullest, and always keep an eye on your Stamina efficiency.

Remember, the meta changes constantly. What works today in March 2026 might shift in the next patch. Stay tuned to Ofzen and Computing for the latest updates, tier lists, and guides. Good luck, Doctor! The Endfield is waiting for you.

If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to check out our comparison of Genshin Impact vs. Arknights: Endfield to see how the two giants of the genre stack up.