On March 1, 2026, Hypergryph and GRYPHLINE hosted the Arknights: Endfield Version 1.1 Dev Log livestream, unveiling details for the first major post-launch update titled Old Deep Water Dies, by Rising Tide It is Denied. Set to launch on March 12, 2026, this patch introduces two new 6-star Operators, a new story chapter, fresh events, and extensive quality-of-life improvements addressing player feedback from launch.

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New Operators

Two powerful 6-star Operators make their debut, each headlining a limited banner phase.

  • Tangtang: 6★ Cryo Handcannon Caster. Specializes in AoE Cryo damage, applying Cryo Infliction and Arts Susceptibility. Her Ultimate creates a whirlpool for crowd control and can "stop time" in a large area to manipulate battle flow. Featured in Phase 1 banner River's Daughter (March 12 - 29).
  • Rossi: 6★ Physical Sword Guard. Hybrid DPS dealing Physical and Arts damage, applies Vulnerability stacks and Lift. Her combo skill gains bonus effects on perfect timing, and Ultimate delivers high Heat damage. Featured in Phase 2 banner Wolf Pearl (March 29 - April 14). Includes companion story The Red Knight.

Banners and Weapons

Each phase features a Operator banner and corresponding weapon banner:

PhaseOperator BannerWeapon BannerSignature Weapon
1 (Mar 12-29)River's Daughter (Tangtang)Budding AnewBrigand's Calling (Handcannon)
2 (Mar 29-Apr 14)Wolf Pearl (Rossi)Scarlet PearlLupine Scarlet (Sword)

Protocol Pass rewards include Homelonging (Handcannon) and Glorious Memory (Sword). 10 new gear sets are added for Operator strengthening, such as Swordmancer Gear Pack and LYNX Gear Pack.

Story and New Map

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Chapter 3 of the main story, Old Deep Water Dies by Rising Tide It is Denied, unfolds in the new explorable area Qingbo Stockade within Wuling. Investigate tensions involving key characters like Nefarith and Ardashir, featuring new enemies and a challenging boss. AIC expansion is enabled here, with updated Wuling AIC Plans increasing Forge of the Sky limit to 4 and adding tech for gear components.

Hydro-Industrialization System: New mechanics for mining Cuprium via Hydro Mining Rigs, Conduits for liquid transport, and Water Treatment Units.

Events

Event NameTypeStart Date
Quietly Flows the Spring / Gently Flows QingboSign-in (Tangtang)March 12
Supply: Exploration DayLimitedMarch 19
Cleanse and Rinse / Pearl of the PackLimited / Sign-in (Rossi)March 29
The Red KnightNarrativeMarch 29
Survival TrainingLimited (Tower Defense)April 9

Rewards and Free Pulls

  • Beginner's Chartered Tribute: 10 Chartered Headhunting Permits.
  • 7-day sign-ins: 5 permits each banner (total 20 limited pulls).
  • Broadcast Celebration Login: 1000 Oroberyls + materials via mail.
  • Extra AIC Quota (30x) for first-time 4★/5★/6★ recruits.
  • Battle Pass: More Basic Headhunting Permits and Oroberyls.
  • Events: Gacha currency, upgrade materials from challenges and puzzles.

QoL Improvements

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Resource Acquisition and Progression

  • More sources for Basic Headhunting Permits.
  • Simplified AIC Quota conversion; buy Valley Multi-Line Engraving Kit at V4 Stock Redistribution.

Interactions and UI/Exploration

  • Power lines: 20m buffer (max 100m), no interruption by dialogs.
  • Ziplines: Access minimap/world map while riding.
  • Top View: Esc/Caps Lock exit, increased zoom, controller hold-to-move facilities.
  • Map: Rare sites show material counts; tags for untriggered/mining spots.
  • Red dots reduced; mail cache for rares; quick stash for bottles.
  • Friend visits return to original spot; faster farming/fertilization.
  • Skip certain story dialogs once started; mission tags for new areas.

Combat Experience

  • Improved enemy attack telegraphs and effects.
  • Protocol Spaces: Start with max HP and Ultimate Energy.

AIC Factory

  • Quick-claim/auto-prod for Dijiang cabins/clues; remote Recycling Stations.
  • Build facilities outside Core AIC; optimized shared facility UI/management (deletable on map).