The follow-up to the hit game Arknights, called Arknights: Endfield, is set to drop in early 2026. Gryphline, the folks behind it, are bringing this 3D RPG to PC, PlayStation 5, iOS, and Android. Let’s break down how we got the release news, what the gameplay’s like, the addicting loop that keeps you hooked, and the latest peeks at events like Apple’s September 2025 showcase.

The Road to Confirmation: A Leaky Reveal at Apple's Glowtime Event

The early 2026 release date slipped out during Apple’s "It’s Glowtime" event on September 9, 2025, when they showed off the iPhone 17 lineup. A quick clip of Endfield running on the iPhone 17 Pro came with a tiny note about the release window. Apple tried to pull it back, but fans on X and Reddit were already buzzing. Gryphline stepped in soon after, confirming the date for all platforms and calming the storm.
  • The Apple event showed the game running smoothly on mobile, proving it’s built for phones.
  • Fans caught the "early 2026" text, sparking tons of online chatter.
  • Gryphline’s follow-up statement locked in the cross-platform launch.

Beyond Tower Defense: Endfield's Evolving Gameplay

Unlike the original Arknights tower defense setup, Endfield is a full-on 3D real-time strategy RPG set on the wild planet of Talos. You play as the Endministrator, leading operators through a ruined world packed with industrial vibes and dangerous creatures.
  • Combat: It’s real-time, focusing on smart positioning and operator teamwork, not just button-mashing.
  • Exploration: Roam open-world areas to grab resources and dig into the story.
  • Looks: Keeps the sharp Arknights art style with upgraded 3D visuals and a gritty feel.

Recent demos, like at ChinaJoy 2025, showed off tighter combat and smoother maps compared to early tests, making it a hot topic for mobile gaming fans.

The Addictive Gameplay Loop: Combat, Crafting, and Conquest

The heart of Endfield is a gameplay loop that ties everything together, keeping players coming back. It mixes combat, base management, and resource hunting in a way that feels rewarding without being a grind.

  • Explore: Head out to Talos to collect stuff like ores or artifacts, weighing risks for better loot.
  • Build: Manage a base with deep factory systems, upgrading gear and unlocking tech trees.
  • Fight: Use your upgraded team in strategic battles, earning resources to keep the cycle going.
  • Beta testers loved the base-building, calling it a simpler take on games like Factorio.

The gacha system for unlocking operators adds replay value, but the real-time strategy and base-building keep things fresh for long sessions or quick mobile gaming bursts.

Other Recent Reveals Building the Hype

Besides the Apple event, Endfield has been popping up at other shows, giving fans more to chew on.

  • Apple Event (Sep 9, 2025): A short clip showed the game running great on iPhone, hinting at mobile gaming polish.
  • ChinaJoy 2025: A 16-minute demo highlighted better combat and base systems.
  • Earlier Looks: A February 2025 trailer dove into story and operator dynamics.
  • Fans on YouTube and Reddit are geeking out, connecting the dots to the original Arknights lore.

Looking Ahead to Talos

With early 2026 on the horizon, Arknights: Endfield is shaping up to take the franchise to new heights with its real-time strategy and base-building depth. The Apple leak turned heads, and ongoing reveals keep the hype alive. Whether you’re a longtime Arknights fan or new to the series, expect more beta tests and trailers as the launch nears. Talos is calling.