Arcane (real name Li Zhiyan) stands out as one of the most versatile 6-star operators in Arknights Endfield. As a Nature Caster who wields an Arts Unit, she excels at applying Nature Infliction, slowing enemies, and amplifying Nature and Cryo damage taken. Her kit shines through a unique dual-mode system driven by Intellect versus Will stats. This lets players switch her between a powerful main DPS and a high-value support role depending on gear and team needs.

Released in version 1.4, Arcane rewards thoughtful setup and payoff gameplay. She creates debuff windows that lead into massive AOE bursts while synergizing with Finishers and Final Strikes.

Skill Breakdown

Basic Attack: Artillery Interdiction

Arcane chains up to 5 sequences of Nature damage. Her Finisher (near a Staggered enemy) deals massive Nature damage and restores SP. Dive attacks from mid-air hit nearby foes. This attack forms the backbone of her Finisher loops during Ultimate windows.

Battle Skill: Jadecrushing Grid

Creates a grid that deals Nature damage and applies Nature Infliction.
  • INT mode (Intellect greater than or equal to Will): Higher personal damage.
  • WILL mode (Will greater than Intellect): Pulls in nearby enemies.

Use this to set up debuffs quickly.

Combo Skill: Yinglung Stance IV

Charges forward and deploys Tactical Doubles that apply Nature and Cryo Susceptibility while dealing damage. It also imposes Imprisonment (slow) on the target.

  • INT mode: Triggers extra damage if the target has Nature Infliction or multiple non-Nature stacks.
  • WILL mode: Applies additional Arts Infliction stacks.

The skill provides strong crowd control and damage amplification for the whole team.

Ultimate: Gloompurge

Summons a Gloompurger Array that deals initial Nature damage. Enemies hit by your Finishers or Final Strikes inside the array trigger bonus Cluster Strikes (up to 2 times). The skill then transforms into Gloompurge Arcana for a huge follow-up AOE blast.

  • INT mode: Applies Corrosion and grants Arts Amp.
  • WILL mode: Targets enemies with Arts Infliction to stack more of the same element.

This is her main burst tool and scales extremely well with proper setup.

Talents further boost her dual scaling and add effects like extended Corrosion or team Susceptibility.

Playstyle and Rotation

Arcane thrives on preparation. Typical flow:

  1. Apply Nature Infliction with Battle Skill.
  2. Cast Combo Skill to slow enemies and increase damage taken.
  3. Drop Ultimate on grouped or debuffed targets.
  4. Land Finishers/Final Strikes to trigger bonus array attacks.
  5. Close with the empowered Arcana blast.

Switch between modes by balancing Intellect and Will through weapons and gear. INT favors raw personal damage and Corrosion. WILL emphasizes grouping, extra stacks, and team support.

Skill Leveling Priority

Focus resources in this order for maximum impact:

Ultimate > Combo Skill > Battle Skill > Basic Attack

Best Weapons

Best-in-Slot (INT DPS focus)

Type 42: Solemn Phalanx
This signature weapon boosts Intellect, improves Ultimate energy gain, and enhances burst windows through Detonate effects. It perfectly complements her main damage role.

Strong Alternatives

  • Junction Point (6-star Arts Unit): Excellent Intellect boost and Ultimate efficiency. Great fallback if the BiS is unavailable.
  • Opus: Etch Figure (6-star Arts Unit): Prioritizes Will and provides team Arts damage bonuses after applying Nature Infliction. Ideal for support-oriented or reaction-heavy builds.

Choose weapons that tip the Intellect/Will balance toward your desired role.

Best Gear and Sets

Main DPS / INT Build (Hot Work Set)

  • Armor: Hot Work Exoskeleton
  • Gloves: Hot Work Gauntlets
  • Kit 1: Hot Work Pyrometer
  • Kit 2: Hot Work Power Cartridge

Set bonuses increase Arts Intensity and grant massive Nature damage after applying Corrosion. This maximizes her personal output during burst phases.

Support / WILL Build (Eternal Xiranite Set)

  • Armor: Eternal Xiranite Armor
  • Gloves: Eternal Xiranite Gloves
  • Kit 1: Eternal Xiranite Power Core
  • Kit 2: Eternal Xiranite Auxiliary Arm

This set focuses on team damage dealt buffs triggered by debuffs and provides solid HP for survivability while enabling strong grouping and stacking.

Stats Priority

Primary: Intellect (or Will depending on role)
Secondary: Nature DMG Bonus, Arts Intensity, Ultimate Gain Efficiency, ATK

For WILL builds, lean into Will scaling for stronger team Susceptibility and Infliction effects.

Strongest Team Compositions

Strong Main DPS Team

Arcane + Xaihi + Perlica + Gilberta
Xaihi provides healing on Final Strikes and Cryo/Nature Amp. Gilberta groups enemies and adds Susceptibility. Perlica boosts team ATK via Stanza effects.

Control and Burst Variant

Arcane + Xaihi + Perlica + Tangtang
Tangtang adds Cryo Infliction, slows, and Haste for excellent tempo control in AOE fights.

Support-Focused Comps

  • Arcane + Last Rite + Tangtang + Xaihi (boosts Last Rite’s Cryo burst with extra Inflictions and Cryo Susceptibility).
  • Arcane + Yvonne + Xaihi + Gilberta (feeds Yvonne’s Solidification with consistent stacks).

Key Tips for Success

  • Prioritize Infliction application before Combo and Ultimate for maximum value.
  • Use WILL mode when facing spread-out enemies for better grouping. Switch to INT for single-target or clustered burst.
  • Practice Finisher timing inside the Gloompurger Array to trigger multiple Cluster Strikes.
  • Gear and weapon choices are flexible early on. Test both modes once you have a few key pieces.
  • Her versatility makes her future-proof across different content types.

Arcane brings exciting depth to Arknights Endfield with her dual-role potential and strong Nature synergy. Whether you want a carry that melts groups or a supportive setup piece, she delivers when built correctly. Experiment with the Intellect/Will balance to find what fits your roster best.

Stay tuned for live server adjustments and new gear releases that may refine these recommendations further. Enjoy building your perfect Arcane!