Arknights Gameplay

Arknights is a tower defense game that incorporates RPG-like progression and a narratively driven experience into the mix. Players take command of a team of Operators, deploying them on a grid-based field once enough Deployment Points have been gathered. These Deployment Points can be obtained through the skills of certain Operators or generated every second.

Each Operator possesses multiple passive skills and a selection of active skills. Lacking a complete Auto-play mode most mobile games possess, players must manually place Operators on the field and use their active skills during opportune moments for maximum impact.

Unlike other mobile games with RPG mechanics, every Operator in Arknights is strengthened in a mostly linear fashion. That is, players are encouraged to level them up to improve their base stats and skills. Specializing in specific roles is done by selecting between an Operator’s usable active skills, as well as by equipping them with modules to enhance specific skills even further.

The game features a gacha system, mainly used to obtain new Operators. Referred to as Headhunting, Arknights’ gacha has a 2% pull rate for the highest-rarity Operators. It also features both a spark system that rises per pull, allowing players to select a specific 6-star Operator upon gathering 300 or a 5-star at 75, and a soft-pity that starts at 50 pulls.

Arknights Story

Arknights is set in the world of Terra, which is plagued by natural disasters known as Catastrophes that leave behind a precious yet dangerous mineral called Originium. This substance is both a powerful energy source and the cause of a deadly disease called Oripathy, which infects those exposed to it. Infected individuals are often discriminated against and persecuted, leading to widespread social unrest.

The story begins with Rhodes Island, a pharmaceutical company and paramilitary organization, dedicated to researching Oripathy and aiding the infected. Led by the enigmatic Amiya, Rhodes Island embarks on a mission to rescue the Doctor, a key strategist and researcher, who has been missing and is crucial to their operations.

This mission marks the beginning of a fierce struggle against a powerful enemy. It also foreshadows the deeper conflicts that lie ahead, as Rhodes Island faces challenges that will test their ideals and resolve. As the lines between allies and enemies blur, the battles in Chernobog hint at the difficult choices and shifting alliances that will shape the future of Terra.

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Alfonso Majarucon

Writer of things from game, anime and manga reviews to news and webnovels. Hopelessly addicted to story-driven games, especially cross-platform ones. Favorite games include Punishing Gray Raven, Arknights, Limbus Company, Elden Ring, Touhou, Soul Nomad and the Disgaea series (except 3 and 6). Avid..