What to know
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S-tier operators like Laevatain and Ardelia define the meta with versatile DPS, debuffs, and team support.
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A-tier picks such as Ember and Endministrator offer reliable alternatives for physical and heat teams.
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B-tier units like Perlica and Snowshine shine in specific comps but need investment.
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C-tier operators like Estella are generally outclassed and best avoided for core teams.
Navigating the character roster in Arknights: Endfield requires balancing team synergy with individual operator power. With diverse kits ranging from elemental casters to defensive monoliths, choosing the right operators can significantly impact your ability to overcome difficult content.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Operators | 23+ in Version 1.0 |
| Top Elements | Heat, Cryo, Physical, Nature lead meta |
| Key Roles | Strikers (DPS), Supporters (buffs/debuffs), Defenders (tanks) |
| Reroll Targets | Laevatain, Ardelia, Pogranichnik |
| Game Launch | January 2026, ongoing balance updates |
Operators excelling in S tier
S-tier operators consistently top charts for their raw power and flexibility across PvE content. Aim for these in banners since they handle mob waves, bosses, and elemental reactions effortlessly.
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Ardellia: A six-star Nature Supporter who acts as a versatile healer and damage amplifier, reducing enemy resistances via corrosion.
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Gilberta: A six-star Nature Supporter essential for AOE teams due to her ability to group enemies into a central vortex.
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Levitane: A six-star Heat Striker specializing in AoE burst damage by managing melting flame stacks to ignore resistances.
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Lastight: A six-star Cryo Striker and elite single-target specialist who consumes cryo inflictions for massive damage.
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Pogy (Pug Renachnik): A six-star Physical Vanguard with high self-sustain, excelling in physical team compositions.
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Shiah: A five-star Cryo Supporter who acts as an enabler and “battery” for cryo teams, pairing perfectly with Lastight.
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Ivonne: A six-star Cryo Caster focused on triggering the solidification status for high DPS.
Strong A tier choices for your teams
A-tier operators fill gaps reliably, especially if you miss S-tier pulls. They excel as substitutes, with many accessible early or via free units.
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Antal: A four-star Electric Supporter who provides exceptional utility as a buffer and debuffer.
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Avia: A five-star Electric Striker known for high burst damage and pulling enemies in for AOE attacks.
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Akuri: A four-star Heat Vanguard who serves as an SP battery for the team.
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Ember: A six-star Heat Defender who acts as an “absolute menace,” combining high damage, staggering, and healing.
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Perilica: A five-star Electric Caster and arguably the best starter character for enabling electric damage.
Viable B tier fillers explained
B-tier suits niche roles or early-game fillers until you gear higher tiers. Invest lightly here for SP recovery or hybrid utility.
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Administrator: The six-star physical main character; strong, free, and worth long-term investment for physical teams.
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Arkite: A five-star Electric Vanguard and sub-DPS who helps with SP recovery.
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Chen Yu: A free five-star physical guard with strong stagger and interrupt abilities.
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Wolfgard: A five-star Heat Caster who functions as a solid DPS and enabler for characters like Levitane.
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Snowshine: A free five-star Cryo Defender acting as a tank and healer hybrid.
Bottom C tier operators to skip
C-tier lags due to being outclassed in utility and damage. Use only if your roster lacks alternatives.
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Alish: A Cryo Vanguard who is largely outclassed as an SP battery.
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Estella: Often cited as one of the weakest characters due to lack of utility.
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Fluorite: A Nature Caster who lacks the overall utility found in other similar operators.
How to build teams around top tiers
Start with one S-tier DPS, a supporter, and defender for balance. Match elements like Cryo (Shiah + Last Rite) or Heat (Wolfgard + Laevatain) for reactions.
Step 1: Assess your pulls
Review banners for S/A tiers; reroll if needed for Laevatain or Ardelia.
Step 2: Core comp setup
Pair DPS (e.g., Laevatain) with enabler (Pogranichnik) and tank (Ember).
Step 3: Add utility
Include Antal for elemental amps or Snowshine for sustain.
Step 4: Test in stages
Run Algorithmic Memories; swap based on enemy types.
Step 5: Upgrade priorities
Focus materials on mains; use stamina efficiently.
Prioritize S/A tiers to breeze through Version 1.0 challenges, but experiment with favorites for long-term fun. Meta shifts incoming with patches—adapt as you explore this sci-fi gacha world.
