- What to know
- Quest requirements and starting location
- Understanding the stabilizing rod mechanic
- How stabilization meters actually behave
- Handling arrays with multiple rods
- Step-by-step process for harmonizing an array of stabilizing rods
- Why players struggle with this quest
- Rewards from No Margin for Error quest
What to know
- No Margin for Error is a precision-based quest, not a combat one
- You must stabilize four separate rod arrays
- Jet Drones and Clean Water are mandatory
- Progress depends on keeping the stabilization bracket in the safe zone
In Arknights Endfield, some quests test your combat readiness, while others test your control and system awareness. No Margin for Error firmly belongs to the second category. This quest introduces a stabilization mechanic that looks simple at first but quickly punishes rushed or careless execution.
Your task is to harmonize four arrays of stabilizing rods located around Wuling City, specifically near Tianshi Fang Ze in the Residential area. Each array uses the same core mechanic, but mistakes compound quickly if you misunderstand how stabilization meters behave—especially when multiple rods activate at once.
This guide explains exactly how the system works, how to stabilize rods efficiently, and where to find all four arrays so you can complete the quest smoothly and claim the rewards.
Quest requirements and starting location
Before attempting the quest, make sure you meet all prerequisites. Without these, progress is impossible.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Quest name | No Margin for Error |
| Region | Wuling City |
| Area | Residential Area |
| Key location | Tianshi Fang Ze |
| Tools required | Jet Drones |
| Resource required | Clean Water supply |
Follow the quest markers to reach Tianshi Fang Ze. From there, the markers branch out to the four rod array locations.
Understanding the stabilizing rod mechanic
Each array consists of one or more stabilizing rods connected to a shared control system. When you interact with the rod console, the Jet Drone interface opens, allowing you to spray Clean Water onto the rods.
Spraying water does two things simultaneously:
- It fills the overall progress bar
- It pushes the stabilization bracket upward on the meter
The key is balance. Progress only advances when the rods are stable, and stability is defined by the yellow bracket remaining in the upper, safe portion of the meter.
If the bracket drops too low, progress slows or stops entirely.
How stabilization meters actually behave
The stabilization meter is not static. Over time, the yellow bracket naturally sinks downward, representing instability. Continuous or well-timed water application pushes it back up.
This creates a rhythm-based interaction. Spray too little, and the bracket drops. Spray too much too late, and you waste time recovering. Maintain consistent stabilization, and progress flows smoothly.
The quest name is literal: there is very little tolerance for error.
Handling arrays with multiple rods
Some arrays activate two or more rods at the same time, and this is where most players fail.
When multiple rods are active:
- Every rod must be stabilized simultaneously
- If even one rod’s bracket drops too low, progress pauses
- The progress bar only moves when all rods are in a stable range
This means you must split attention evenly, alternating water spray between rods to keep all brackets in the safe zone together.
Treat multi-rod arrays as a coordination check, not a speed challenge.
Step-by-step process for harmonizing an array of stabilizing rods
Step 1: Reach the array and interact with the rod console
Follow the quest marker to the array location and interact with the control point to activate the stabilization phase.
Step 2: Deploy the Jet Drone
Once activated, the Jet Drone interface opens, allowing you to spray Clean Water directly onto the rods.
Step 3: Stabilize before rushing progress
Focus first on pushing the yellow bracket into the upper portion of the meter. Do not rush progress early.
Step 4: Maintain bracket position while filling progress
Once stable, keep applying water in controlled bursts. Watch both the progress bar and the stabilization meter at the same time.
Step 5: Adjust when the bracket drops
As the bracket naturally lowers, redirect spray to bring it back up. Stability always comes before speed.
Step 6: Complete to 100%
Once the progress bar reaches 100%, the array is harmonized and marked complete on the Indicator Tower.
Why players struggle with this quest
The most common issue is tunnel vision. Players focus only on the progress bar and ignore the stabilization meter until it is too late. Another frequent mistake is trying to brute-force progress during multi-rod arrays instead of stabilizing all rods first.
Remember: progress is a reward for stability, not the goal itself.
Rewards from No Margin for Error quest
Completing all four arrays grants a solid mix of materials and progression items.
| Reward | Amount |
|---|---|
| Oroberyl | ×50 |
| Valley Stock Bill | ×4,050 |
| Protohedron | ×1 |
| Elementary Cognitive Carrier | ×5 |
| EXP | ×200 |
| Arms INSP Kit | ×9 |
These rewards make the quest well worth the effort, especially for mid-game progression and upgrade paths.
No Margin for Error is a lesson in patience and system mastery. Once you understand that stability controls progress, the quest becomes consistent rather than frustrating. Treat each array as a controlled operation, keep the yellow bracket high, and manage multiple rods evenly.
If you approach it calmly and methodically, this quest becomes one of the more satisfying technical challenges in Arknights: Endfield—precise, deliberate, and rewarding.
