Combat System Basics

Master the combat mechanics

Written by David Kim Combat Systems Researcher

Arts vs Physical Damage

Arknights: Endfield features two distinct damage paradigms:

Arts Damage

Focuses on elemental attacks and status effects:

  • Heat → Combustion (Burn DoT)
  • Cryo → Solidification (Freeze/Slow)
  • Electric → Electrification (Chain damage)
  • Nature → Corrosion (Defense shred + DoT)

Physical Damage

Focuses on burst windows through status stacking:

  • Applies Vulnerable stacks (max 10)
  • Positioning effects: Lift and Knock Down
  • Finishers: Crush and Breach

Elemental Reactions

Combination Reaction Effect
Heat + Cryo Thermal Shock Large damage spike
Heat + Electric Overload AoE explosion
Cryo + Electric Superconductor Reduced resistance
Nature + Any Amplification Increases all damage

Stagger System

All enemies have a Stagger meter:

  • Build Stagger with heavy attacks (most efficient)
  • Great Sword users excel at Stagger
  • When meter fills, enemy is stunned for 5-8 seconds
  • Staggered enemies take 50% more damage
  • Perfect burst window for damage

Skill Point Management

Your 4-character squad shares 3 SP slots:

  • SP regenerates slowly over time
  • Fast generation: Perfect dodges, heavy attacks
  • Any character can use SP skills
  • Manage SP carefully for optimal rotations

Skill Types

  • Battle Skills (1 SP): Main damage abilities, 8-15 second cooldowns
  • Combo Skills (0 SP): Triggered by conditions, highest damage multipliers
  • Ultimate Skills: Builds through dealing/taking damage, devastating finishers

Combat Tips

  • Animation Canceling: After heavy attack connects, dodge or use skill to skip recovery
  • Character Swapping: You don't need to swap to use skills - press skill button while controlling main DPS
  • Team Synergy: Build teams around elemental reactions or physical status stacking