What to know
- Event runs February 7–February 24, 2026 (server time).
- Unlock requires completing Chapter I Process II: Paving the Way.
- Daily camera missions unlock progressively across Day 1–5.
- Rewards include the “Carly’s Fairytale” portrait frame, Oroberyls, and Mark of Perseverance.
In Arknights Endfield, limited-time events often introduce experimental mechanics. “Carly’s Fairytale of the Valley” stands out by replacing combat objectives with structured photo challenges across Valley-IV. Instead of defeating enemies, you compose scenes that match storybook prompts.
The event is built around the in-game camera system. You travel to marked areas, assemble operators according to specific requirements, align them into required formations, and capture the image to complete each mission.
Event structure at a glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Carly’s Fairytale of the Valley |
| Type | Camera/Photo Challenge Event |
| Region | Valley-IV |
| Duration | Feb 7 – Feb 24, 2026 |
| Unlock Requirement | Chapter I Process II: Paving the Way |
| Progression Model | Daily mission unlocks |
| Main Rewards | Portrait Frame, Oroberyls, Mark of Perseverance |
You begin with two missions available early in the event, with one additional mission unlocking each day afterward until Day 5.
How the camera mission system works
Each mission sends you to a specific Valley-IV location. Upon entering the marked zone, the event interface activates the camera objective. From there, you must satisfy all listed conditions before taking the photo.
Conditions typically include:
- Including a specific operator (often Carly herself)
- Including operators of certain classes or factions
- Featuring environmental landmarks
- Arranging operators in a defined formation (Row, Square, Triangle, etc.)
Formation requirements are strict. The game checks positioning geometry, so spacing and alignment matter. If a condition fails, the objective will not clear even if everything else is correct.
Unlike combat events, progress depends entirely on preparation and positioning rather than DPS output.
Day 1 – Princess who Escaped to the Concrete Jungle
The first mission takes place in The Hub – Worker Dorms (Valley-IV). The theme frames Carly as a runaway princess arriving in the “concrete jungle.”
The photo must include Carly, at least one operator from the Endfield faction, and a minimum of three operators total. The formation requirement is Row, meaning your team must stand aligned horizontally.
Position Carly in the center, with two operators evenly spaced on either side to form a clean straight line. Avoid uneven elevation changes in the terrain, as slight height differences can break formation validation.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Worker Dorms – The Hub |
| Mandatory Operator | Carly |
| Faction Requirement | ≥1 Endfield |
| Minimum Operators | 3 |
| Formation | Row |
Completing this mission sets the tone for the storybook narrative and unlocks the next day’s progression at reset.
Day 2 – Very Very Very Tall Tower
Day 2 shifts the focus to vertical structures in The Hub – Hub Base Power Plant. The key environmental element is the Protocol Resonance Tower and its surrounding camp structures.
The photo must show the tower clearly in frame. At least one Caster operator must be present, with a minimum of three operators total arranged in a Square formation.
Square formation requires a balanced box shape. Stand two operators in front and two slightly behind to form clear corners. If using only three operators, position them in a triangular square approximation, but four ensures easier validation.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Hub Base Power Plant |
| Landmark | Protocol Resonance Tower |
| Operator Type | ≥1 Caster |
| Minimum Operators | 3 |
| Formation | Square |
Camera angle matters here. Step back enough to capture both your team and the tower without cropping the structure.
Day 3 – Castle Attacked by the Evil Caster
By Day 3, the event expands further into Valley-IV’s castle area. This unlocks through continued exploration and story progression.
The objective requires including the castle structure and visible enemy presence within the frame. You must include at least one Defender or Guard operator, alongside a minimum of three operators total.
The formation varies slightly depending on sub-region, but maintaining diagonal or offset spacing typically satisfies the validation system.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Valley-IV Castle Area |
| Landmark | Castle Structure |
| Operator Type | ≥1 Defender or Guard |
| Minimum Operators | 3 |
| Formation | Diagonal/Offset |
Ensure enemy silhouettes remain visible in the background without triggering combat that disrupts composition.
Day 4 – Super Big Robot
This mission moves toward the mechanical zones of Valley-IV, featuring the Super Crane and Brickyland Castle.
The objective requires both landmarks visible in frame. At least one operator must wield a Sword, and you must arrange a Triangle formation with a minimum of three operators.
For a clear triangle, place one operator slightly forward and two behind forming equal angles. Elevated terrain can help emphasize geometric clarity.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Mechanical Zone – Valley-IV |
| Landmarks | Super Crane & Brickyland Castle |
| Weapon Requirement | ≥1 Sword user |
| Minimum Operators | 3 |
| Formation | Triangle |
This is one of the more visually dramatic missions, combining industrial scale with fantasy elements.
Day 5 – It’s a Lung
The final Day 5 mission highlights the natural beauty of Valley-IV. The target is the mossy canyon formation nicknamed the “Lung of the Valley.”
You must capture the lush environment clearly in frame, include at least one Supporter or Striker, and arrange operators in a Vertical or Symmetric formation.
Vertical formation requires stacking operators in a clean top-to-bottom alignment. For symmetry, center your main operator and mirror two others on either side.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Mossy Valley Path / Canyon |
| Landmark | “Lung of the Valley” |
| Operator Type | ≥1 Supporter or Striker |
| Minimum Operators | 3 |
| Formation | Vertical or Symmetric |
Lighting conditions in the canyon may require slight repositioning to prevent environmental obstruction.
Reward progression and completion incentives
Completing all Day 1–5 missions contributes toward the event milestone track. Rewards accumulate as you clear each photo challenge.
| Reward Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Portrait Frame | Carly’s Fairytale |
| Oroberyls | Premium event currency |
| Mark of Perseverance | Special event item |
| Additional Cosmetics | Various unlockables |
The portrait frame serves as the primary visual prestige reward, while Oroberyls provide functional value.
Strategy for smooth completion
Progression unlocks daily after reset. If a mission does not appear, wait for the next day rather than searching endlessly.
Preparing operator presets ahead of time helps. Keep one Caster, one Defender/Guard, one Sword user, and one Supporter ready to swap quickly between days.
Formation validation is the most common issue. Step back and adjust spacing manually until alignment is clean.
Because the event relies on exploration, unlocking map areas in Valley-IV is essential. If certain locations remain inaccessible, continue advancing the main story.
Carly’s Fairytale of the Valley is ongoing
Carly’s Fairytale of the Valley transforms Valley-IV into a living storybook. Instead of combat intensity, the event emphasizes composition, teamwork, and environmental storytelling. Across five days, you move from urban dorms to towering structures, from castles under siege to mossy natural canyons.
By completing each daily camera mission between February 7 and February 24, 2026, you earn exclusive cosmetics and event currency while experiencing a different side of Arknights: Endfield’s world design.
If you approach it methodically—matching operator types, aligning formations carefully, and framing landmarks clearly—you can complete the full Day 1–5 track without difficulty and secure every reward.
