Arknights: Endfield 1.1 Update – Zhuang Fangyi Banner, New F

Arknights: Endfield 1.1 Update – Zhuang Fangyi Banner, New F

Major Arknights: Endfield update brings Zhuang Fangyi banner, events, story and system changes for F2P and meta players.

Arknights: Endfield 1.1 Update – Zhuang Fangyi Banner, New Features, and Key Events

The latest Arknights: Endfield patch, At the Wake of Spring, marks a significant milestone for players across all servers. Version 1.1 launches on 2026-04-17 (Asia UTC+8) and 2026-04-16 (Americas/Europe UTC-5), delivering a wave of new content, headline banners, events, and systemic improvements that will shape accounts for months to come. If you’ve been waiting for new operators or more robust F2P rewards, this update demands your attention.

Full details, including banner phases and rollout times, are compiled below. For ongoing analysis, visit the dedicated Arknights: Endfield news hub.

At a Glance: What's In the 1.1 Update

  • New 6★ Operator: Zhuang Fangyi debuts as the headline character in the Thunder of Renewal banner
  • Banner Phases: Multiple rate-up banners and weapon issues (see tables below)
  • Story Content: Main missions up to Chapter II, plus new sides and explorations
  • Major Events: Daily sign-ins, task events, and F2P-friendly login bonuses
  • QoL/System Upgrades: Enhanced UI, inventory, AIC Factory increase, and more
  • Compensations: Up to Oroberyl ×1800 for maintenance and bug fixes

Banner Schedule & Details

Banner Overview Table

Banner/Event Start Date (Server) End Date (Server) Rate-up 6★ Notables
Thunder of Renewal Post-update 2026-05-22 11:59 Zhuang Fangyi Includes Rossi, Tangtang, others
Drifting Raft Issue (Weapon) Post-update After 3 banners Lone Barge (Arts Unit) Weapon banner
Fest of Brilliance Special Headhunt 2026-05-14 12:00 Pre-next update Laevatain, Gilberta, more Bond Quota bonus
Smelting Fire Issue (Weapon) 2026-05-14 12:00 Same as above Forgeborn Scathe (Sword) Weapon banner
Swift Walker Issue (Weapon) 2026-05-14 12:00 Same as above Delivery Guaranteed (Arts) Weapon banner
  • Pity/rate specifics: Not stated in official materials. Refer to the in-game banner menu for up-to-date rate and pity rules.
  • Trial available: Zhuang Fangyi can be trialed in Combat Drills for campaign rewards.

Read our 1.1 banner breakdown for sample pulls, meta context, and updated tier lists as data comes in.

Should You Pull Zhuang Fangyi or Save?

Zhuang Fangyi launches as the featured 6★ operator, with rate-ups on classic favorites like Rossi, Tangtang, Ember, and others. As with any first featured banner, this is designed for high engagement—and resource drain: F2P and low-spend players will want to carefully consider their Oroberyl savings, the other operators’ synergy with your current roster, and upcoming event tables before making large pulls.

Key considerations:
Zhuang Fangyi may appeal to meta or collection-driven accounts, but with multiple rate-up 6★ operators on the same banner, targeting specifically can be luck-dependent.
Weapon banners: Strong for account progression, but as always, F2P should prioritize operators unless their current loadout has severe bottlenecks.
Special Headhunting (Fest of Brilliance): Targeted options for Laevatain, Gilberta, and others, with bonus Bond Quota rewards for sustained pulls—best suited for players with deep reserves.
Banner overlap: Multiple banners overlap. If you are planning for future content, weigh compounded opportunity cost.

Guidance:
For strictly F2P accounts, focus on daily events and free pulls first. If Zhuang Fangyi’s kit directly solves a team gap, a limited dip is justified. Otherwise, plan around story, trial modes, and roadmap teasers flagged in the latest Endfield updates.

Events & Login Rewards Timetable

The 1.1 update introduces a suite of events catering to both new and veteran Endministrators:

Event Name Start End Core Rewards
Pristine Monthly Pass Tribute Post-update 2026-05-18 04:00 Oroberyl (total ×6000), boosters, permits
Operator Progression Booster Post-update Permanent Progression mats, INSP, T-Creds
Blitz of Verdance Sign-In Post-update 2026-05-22 11:59 5× Blitz of Verdance HH Permit
Subduer of the Blighted Sea Guide Post-update 2026-05-14 04:00 Oroberyls, Mark of Perseverance
Space Exploration "Etchings" 2026-04-24 12:00 Pre-next update Portrait frame, models, etc.
AIC Support: Palm-Top Savior 2026-04-28 12:00 2026-05-13 16:00 Fruity certs, mats, supplies
Sanity Supply (2 runs) 2026-05-07/29 (see details) Each for 1 week Sanity Usage Permits, boosters
Shimmering Moment Sign-In 2026-05-14 12:00 Pre-next update 5× Shimmering Moment HH Permit
Supply: Wuling Super Chef 2026-05-14 12:00 Pre-next update Oroberyls, stickers, mats
  • Claim windows: Event mails, especially for compensation and daily logins, expire with the next version update. Secure rewards promptly.

For in-depth coverage, see our event analysis and optimal routes.

System, QoL, and Crafting Changes

  1. Combat UI: Ultimate durations now clearly displayed; boss timers added to RE-Crisis encounters.
  2. AIC Factory: New plans, facilities, simulation missions, and level cap increases for the Wuling region. This broadens late-game farming and unlocks high-efficiency blueprint routes.
  3. Sanity Permit distributions: Additional sources now available (bundles, Protocol Pass, Monthly Pass), increasing F2P stamina for farming and event play. Retroactive compensation for previous Monthly Pass holders.
  4. Accessibility & Performance: Frame generation for select Androids; ray tracing support for the Main Pillar Office scene on iOS. Interface and controller remapping options further improved.
  5. Batch operations: Gear Assembly and OMV Dijiang features now support one-click bulk operations, cutting daily admin time.
  6. Other: Rewards claiming, navigation, material sourcing, and notifications all optimized for reduced friction.

Find expanded guides in our system & crafting section.

Pre-Patch To-Dos

  • Claim expiring Oroberyl/compensation before maintenance.
  • Finish main/side missions if aiming to unlock milestone missions and progression boosts.
  • Spend/convert daily stamina ahead of possible event lockouts.
  • Review Monthly Pass claims: especially given expanded Sanity Usage Permit compensation windows.

Day-1 Priorities After Update

  • Download and reinstall the game client. The update is mandatory on all platforms.
  • Claim all compensation and login rewards; monitor mailbox expiry.
  • Try Zhuang Fangyi in Combat Drills to test synergy before investing pulls.
  • Sign in daily for major event streaks—especially key for maximizing F2P progression.
  • Review new main and side content for milestone unlocks and early event rewards.

Unconfirmed – Subject to Change

No substantial rumors or unverified leaks regarding hidden mechanics, major reruns, or roadmap features are surfaced in official materials at patch launch. Always cross-check in-game patch notes and official Endfield news for the latest details.

Conclusion

Arknights: Endfield's "At the Wake of Spring" patch delivers new banners, events, and fundamental system tweaks—paving the way for both mid-game and long-term theorycrafting. Veteran and new players alike should leverage daily opportunities, log in consistently, and shape pulls according to both immediate meta shifts and your own roster goals. For continued coverage, keep an eye on latest Arknights: Endfield updates and deep-dives into events and operator rankings.