GRYPHLINE announced today that the first major content expansion for its popular 3D Industrial RPG, Arknights: Endfield, will be available as a free download for all players starting March 12, 2026. Version 1.1, titled ‘Old Deep Water Dies, by Rising Tide It is Denied,’ features a wave of substantial additions and updates to the base experience, signifying GRYPHLINE’s commitment to listening to community feedback and delivering consistent, high-quality content iterations.
The first major update follows a launch window that has surpassed internal projections. As Producer Light Zhong noted:
“Arknights: Endfield’s global player count, playtime, and in-game activity levels have all greatly exceeded our expectations,’ and Version 1.1 serves as a direct response to the community’s rapid engagement.”
Watch the Old Deep Water Dies, by Rising Tide It is Denied Announcement Trailer
Version 1.1 introduces new content, player rewards, and community-driven optimizations. Notable features and changes include:
New Content:
Several additional operators will be added alongside an expansion of the evolving AIC system via the new hydro-industrialization system.
- New Operators:
- Tangtang (6-star Caster): Described as a “one-girl team,” Tangtang is specialized in AOE Cryo damage and support. Her Ultimate, DA CHIEF SEES YOU! introduces a powerful new tactical layer by immobilizing all enemies within its range – including bosses – allowing her squads to create decisive damage windows.
- Rossi (6-star Guard): The only operator currently capable of converting Arts Infliction on enemies into Vulnerability (defense break). This specialized mechanic positions her as a vital force multiplier for Physical-focused squads, as she shreds enemy defenses to facilitate massive damage output from the team’s primary carries.
- Hydro-industrialization:
- New tech: The Hydro Mining Rig allows players to mine Cuprium, a new industrial resource that uses water flow instead of electricity. Unlike existing facilities, Hydro Mining Rigs harness water flow to automate mineral collection, requiring no connection to the power grid.
- New logistics: New Conduits for long-distance liquid transport and Water Treatment Units for processing sewage.
- Forges of the Sky Expansion: Placement limit for Forges of the Sky increased to four units, significantly raising the production ceiling for endgame resources.
- World & Story Expansions:
- New Wuling area: Qingbo Stockade
- Story: The Endministrator can investigate the Qingbo Stockade, where tensions with Wuling City are boiling over due to the arrival of Nefarith and Ardashir.
Player Rewards & Progression:
In addition to the launch window offering of 135 free pulls, player rewards will now be supplemented by:
- New Beginner Support: After reaching specific milestones in Chapter 1, players will receive a new beginner mission reward totalling 10 Chartered Headhunting Permits. Endministrators who have already completed these requirements can claim their rewards directly from the event page upon the update.
- Sign-in Events: “Gently Flows Qingbo” and “Pearl of the Pack” (7-day logins) for limited-time permits.
- Battle Pass Update: The Protocol Pass now allows for periodic acquisition of Basic Headhunting Permits.
- Limited-time Activities:
- Exploration Day: Farming at Originium Science Park.
- Survival Training: Try a different take on combat using only Industrial Explosives!
- Systemic Rewards: AIC Quota acquisition has been expanded, with players now receiving Quotas for obtaining 4, 5, and 6-star operators for the first time. For operators acquired prior to the update, the corresponding Quotas will be distributed via in-game mail.
- Advanced Gear Optimization: The introduction of the Valley Multi-Line Engraving Kit – available through the Stock Redistribution system – allows players to create Essences with three customized stats. This provides a high-level path for Endministrators to optimize endgame weapon builds and reduce RNG friction.
Community-driven Optimizations:
Following launch feedback, Version 1.1 introduces sweeping improvements to the user experience, particularly for controller players.
- Construction Precision: The buffer range for power lines has been extended to 20m (100m total), and connection will no longer snap during dialogue or combat triggers. Controller users can also now move facilities by long-pressing a dedicated button.
- Exploration HUD: A new feature allows the minimap and game map to be accessed while using ziplines, improving navigation across the vertical terrain of Qingbo Stockade.
- Combat Ready: Operators now enter Protocol Spaces with maximum HP and Ultimate Energy. Additionally, the Red Flash enemy attack telegraphs have been re-tuned for better visibility during chaotic encounters.
The expansion of Talos-II will continue at an even larger scale in Version 1.2. The upcoming narrative arc will see the Endministrator join forces with Tianshi Zhuang to defend the Xiranite Dam against a sudden siege by Ardashir. This future update will introduce two new maps, an outpost, and a new fluid-based production system for the AIC Factory.
Arknights: Endfield is a free-to-play title with cross-platform progression and serves as the latest entry in the popular Arknights universe, a franchise that has exceeded 100 million downloads to date. This launch marks the first time the IP has expanded beyond mobile, bringing its signature strategic depth to console and PC. Arknights: Endfield introduces a new frontier storyline and a world built around exploration, real-time combat, and base-building. Players command squads of up to four Operators, combining skills, elemental synergies, and coordinated tactics across fast-paced encounters.
Arknights: Endfield leverages the latest graphical technologies, including native 120 FPS support, realistic snow-stepping, environmental puddle reflections, and more. Players can also toggle NVIDIA DLSS Super Resolution and Frame Generation independently. The title includes plug-and-play support on PC and mobile for both PlayStation (DualSense & DualShock) and Xbox controllers with haptic feedback for a premium, tactile experience.
Arknights: Endfield launched globally on PS5, PC (via the official launcher and Epic Games Store), and mobile devices (via Apple App Store and Google Play Store) on Jan. 22, 2026. It has been rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB. To learn more about the game visit the official website and X. For more information about GRYPHLINE, please visit the official company site.
About GRYPHLINE
GRYPHLINE is the global publishing brand of HYPERGRYPH, headquartered in Singapore, with branches across multiple countries and regions. Our mission is to bring unique and high-quality gaming experiences to players across the world. As the trusted global publishing partner of HYPERGRYPH, we are responsible for releasing titles including Arknights: Endfield, Ex Astris, and POPUCOM. We are also expanding into more areas of global publishing, launching the official player community SKPORT, and actively engaging in investments and IP licensing to grow our global business. More information can be found here on the official company site www.gryphline.com.
