{"id":61693,"date":"2026-03-06T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T03:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/?p=61693"},"modified":"2026-03-06T09:58:39","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T00:58:39","slug":"arknights-endfields-factory-systems-will-diversify-rather-than-become-more-complex-developers-say-if-things-feel-difficult-theres-no-need-to-rush","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/interviews\/arknights-endfields-factory-systems-will-diversify-rather-than-become-more-complex-developers-say-if-things-feel-difficult-theres-no-need-to-rush\/","title":{"rendered":"Arknights: Endfield\u2019s factory systems will \u201cdiversify rather than become more complex,\u201d developers say. If\u00a0things feel difficult, \u201cthere\u2019s no need to rush\u201d\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

GRYPHLINE released Arknights: Endfield<\/strong> on January 22 for PC, PS5, and mobile. Somewhat unusually for a free-to-play game, it features robust factory building and automation gameplay, with players constructing facilities, processing resources, and manufacturing items in a system reminiscent of Factorio or Satisfactory. However, things can get pretty complex in Endfield, and depending on the player, the learning curve can feel a little steep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do the developers view these aspects of the game? How should players go about mastering them? And what mindset will help you if you\u2019re having trouble? We asked developer Hypergryph. Responding on behalf of the Arknights: Endfield\u2019s dev team were level designer RUA and lead planner Ryan, but we\u2019ll refer to them as \u201cthe development team\u201d hereafter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Arknights:<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u2014It\u2019s been some time since Arknights: Endfield was released. It appears to have had a strong launch, but how does the response feel so far?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Development Team:<\/strong> 
Thank you. We\u2019re very pleased to say that the game launched successfully. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since\u00a0release,\u00a0we\u2019ve\u00a0received\u00a0tremendous feedback\u00a0from players around the world, and\u00a0we\u2019re\u00a0sincerely grateful for everyone\u2019s support.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Based on what we’ve observed, many players have immersed themselves in exploration, combat, and factory building alike, each finding their own way to enjoy the game. Our data also shows average daily playtime and player retention figures that have significantly exceeded our initial expectations, and we consider this a reflection of players\u2019 enthusiasm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014That’s great news. How much time are players spending on combat, exploration and factory building respectively? I’m curious to know whether playtime is concentrated in any one area.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Development Team:<\/strong> 
Looking at the current data, during the early stages of the game, a higher proportion of playtime is spent on exploration and factory building, with combat slightly lower. As players progress further into the map, the proportion of time spent in combat increases. But even then, factory building and exploration continue to account for a significant portion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What particularly surprised us was the number of players who, from the very start of the game, would spend hours at a time immersed in building factories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Arknights:<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u2014I can definitely relate since I also get absorbed in setting up my production lines. On the other hand, some players seem to hit a wall when trying to figure out Endfield\u2019s factory building and automation systems. What message would you give to them?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Development Team:<\/strong> 
From its earliest stages of development, Endfield was designed so that even players who aren\u2019t well-versed with factory building mechanics could still enjoy it. There\u2019s absolutely no need to rush. We encourage you to take your time, learn gradually at your own pace, and explore the systems as you go. We’re confident you’ll discover and enjoy the unique appeal this title offers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For things you find particularly challenging, we also recommend consulting online guides for a little assistance. This should help you grasp the game’s mechanics more smoothly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014So the key is not to rush and to learn things one step at a time. I imagine there were some developers or testers on your team who also found the factory systems challenging at first but eventually got the hang of it. How did those team members go about mastering them?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Development Team:<\/strong> 
When it comes to the game designer team, most members have extensive gaming experience, so they were able to grasp the factory systems relatively quickly. That said, some members from other departments did initially struggle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, since we tested the game together as a team, those who were more proficient would regularly share tips and techniques, and anyone having trouble could ask more knowledgeable members for help. It felt a bit like gradually getting hooked on a game after being invited by your friends (laughs). Playing together with someone really does make it easier to get into the game. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014Learning from someone who understands does seem like a helpful idea. <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Development Team:<\/strong> 
While the in-game tutorials are considerable in number, they were carefully prepared for players who have never engaged with factory-style game systems before. By progressing through them properly, we believe players can learn everything they need to know to build their factories in Endfield. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Arknights:<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Arknights:<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re interested in even deeper gameplay, we also recommend looking up advanced players\u2019 strategies and Blueprints online, setting them up in your own world, and observing how they work. In fact, I myself have learned by copying others’ Blueprints. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014On that note, I wanted to ask something. Blueprint copying is very convenient, but I sometimes hesitate to use it because it feels like I\u2019m giving up on building things myself. Is it really okay to use blueprint copying?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Arknights:<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Development Team:<\/strong> 
There\u2019s absolutely no need to worry about that. The AIC (Automated Industry Complex) is extremely large in scale. It includes not only base building, but also placing power lines, deploying mining machines, setting up ziplines, and more. There are many different ways to enjoy it. And even if you use Blueprints to skip part of the process, you can always go back to researching and designing your own systems later on. The enjoyment of that process will be there whenever you want to revisit it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014Thanks, I feel like I\u2019ll be able to use other players’ Blueprints to my heart’s content after hearing that (laughs). By the way, will the factory systems keep growing more and more complex going forward?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Development Team:<\/strong> 
Endfield\u2019s factory systems are not designed around a linear increase in difficulty. As you\u2019ve seen in areas such as Valley IV and Wuling, industrial knowledge doesn\u2019t merely accumulate in a straightforward way. Instead, as the story and exploration progress, different directions of development emerge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In other words, rather than simply becoming more complex, the range of experiences is broadened by expanding in diverse directions. For example, even in Wuling, we plan to introduce new and interesting forms of factory gameplay in the future, so we hope players will look forward to trying them (laughs). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014Finally, could you share a message for players currently learning the ropes of Endfield\u2019s factory systems?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Development Team:<\/strong> 
Factory systems are truly fascinating! Through this game, we sincerely hope more players will learn these mechanisms and gradually come to enjoy them. We\u2019d love to see you all become Industrial Kings as soon as possible (laughs). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Endministrator, here is a summary on the Arknights: Endfield Dev Log for your convenience.

\u25bc\/\/ Resource Acquisition and Operator Progression Improvements
\u25bc\/\/ Interactions and Quality-of-Life Improvements
\u25bc\/\/ Combat Experience Improvements
\u25bc\/\/ AIC Factory Gameplay\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/2pzRyDrI6T<\/a><\/p>— Arknights: Endfield (@AKEndfield) March 1, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>