Fans of Arknights: Endfield have been eagerly awaiting news, and the developers at Hypergryph have finally shared exciting details. The second closed beta test, often called CBT2, will officially begin on November 28, 2025. This test will be available for players on PC, iOS, and Android devices. Those interested can now
This upcoming beta test isn’t just a repeat of the first; it comes with a completely revamped main story. Players will experience new dialogue and cinematic scenes, and their choices will lead to different story paths, offering unique content based on how they play. This means every player’s journey through the story could be quite different.
A new region called Wuling is also being introduced. This area draws inspiration from traditional Chinese art and culture but blends it with futuristic science fiction elements. To enhance the gameplay experience, CBT2 will include a photo mode, allowing players to capture memorable moments. Additionally, a Crate Detector gadget will help players find hidden chests, and friendly characters will guide them to these valuable finds. Players will also be able to collect dropped items more easily. A new feature allows players to share and maintain structures like Ziplines with others, encouraging teamwork.
A total of 24 playable characters, known as Operators, will be available during CBT2. Nine of these are brand-new additions to the game. Among the new faces are powerful 6-Star Operators named Ardelia, Last Rite, and Pogranichnik. Joining them are the 5-Star character Alesh and four new 4-Star Operators: Estella, Fluorite, Catcher, Antal, and Akekuri.
The game’s core mechanics have also seen significant updates. The class system now includes Guard, Vanguard, Caster, Defender, Striker, and Supporter. Combat damage types have been expanded to include Physical, Heat, Electric, Cryo, and Nature. These damage types now interact in more complex ways, especially concerning Physical Status Effects.
Players can now use abilities like Lift or Knock Down to make enemies more vulnerable and staggered. Other abilities, such as Crush and Breach, can then use this vulnerability to deal extra damage or weaken enemies to physical attacks. These changes mean that many characters have been updated with new skills and even visual redesigns to fit the improved combat system.
Dodging has also been improved. Players can now dodge twice in quick succession. A new Perfect Dodge move not only reduces the stamina used but also helps restore Skill Points, making evasive maneuvers more rewarding.
Tougher enemies will now have Stagger Nodes, which are smaller weak points on their stagger bar. Hitting these nodes will briefly interrupt the enemy’s actions. Combat will also focus more on targeting specific enemy parts. Attacking different body parts will cause enemies to react differently, potentially blocking attacks completely or taking increased damage.
The factory system, known as the AIC System, is getting an upgrade with the Blueprint System. This will allow players to design and save their factory layouts, which can then be shared and copied by other players. CBT2 will also introduce the AIC Steward for easier base expansion and a more flexible BUS system that can be placed anywhere. The new Wuling region will also add liquid materials as a re
The Dijiang, which is the player’s spaceship, will feature a new Reception Room. This area will be a place for players to show off their accomplishments and collections. Players will also be able to visit the spaceships of their friends. Hypergryph also hinted at a new game mode called Etchspace Salvage, which sounds like a roguelike experience, accessible from the Reception Room.
On the technical side, all platforms will benefit from better controller support. Mobile players will have the ability to fully customize the on-screen user interface to their preferences.
Hypergryph also provided details on the gacha system, which is how players acquire new characters and items. CBT2 will feature the New Horizons banner, a special starter banner that guarantees a 6-Star Operator. There will also be Basic Headhunting and Chartered Headhunting banners. On these banners, players are guaranteed a 6-Star Operator every 80 pulls, and the featured Operator is guaranteed every 120 pulls. A planned feature where featured Operators would remain in the rotation for two banners after their own, giving players more chances to get them, will not be included in CBT2 but is planned for the future.
The Arsenal Exchange will return, allowing players to buy specific weapons directly or try their luck with the gacha system. A 6-Star weapon is guaranteed within four attempts, the featured weapon within eight, and another selected 6-Star weapon is guaranteed at ten attempts. After that, every eight attempts will guarantee a 6-Star weapon, with featured weapons guaranteed every 16 attempts.
Finally, Arknights: Endfield will include a battle pass system called Protocol Pass. This pass will allow players to earn enough premium currency to buy the next pass, along with other rewards. However, outside of China, no paid features will be active during this closed beta test.
