The launch of Arknights: Endfield on January 22, 2026 marks the beginning of an epic journey across Talos-II. But savvy Endministrators are already looking beyond the first banners: Which characters are coming next? How should you manage resources?
This guide compiles the officially confirmed 2026 roadmap, breaking down banner schedules, standard pool mechanics, and long-term resource strategies. Whether you’re free-to-play (F2P) or aiming to build the ultimate roster, this roadmap ensures your pulls are smart, efficient, and strategic.
Arknights: Endfield Launch Timeline — Confirmed 1.0 Schedule
The first banners and rate-up characters are confirmed from the official schedule. Here's what you need to know:
Version 1.0 Phase 1 — Laevatain (Jan 22–Feb 7, 2026)
Laevatain is the first 6★ operator featured on the launch banner.
After the rate-up period ends, Laevatain enters the standard operator pool, making it easier to obtain later.
Version 1.0 Phase 2 — Gilberta (Feb 7–Feb 24, 2026)
Gilberta is the second 6★ operator on the banner.
Like Laevatain, she will enter the standard pool after her banner concludes.
Version 1.0 Phase 3 — Yvonne (From Feb 24, 2026)
Yvonne’s banner begins immediately after Gilberta’s, forming the launch trio of limited 6★ operators.
Standard pool entry is expected after the banner ends.
Beginner & Permanent Banners
New Horizons Headhunting: Beginner banner with guaranteed 6★ operator within 40 pulls. Perfect for new players to start strong.
Basic Headhunting: Permanent standard banner; characters like Laevatain, Gilberta, and Yvonne enter after their rate-up periods.
Confirmed & Teased Future Characters
Tangtang — First Post-Launch Character Confirmed
Tangtang is officially teased for post-1.0 banners.
- Expected to be featured on a separate banner following the launch trio.
Developers have revealed silhouettes during livestreams, hinting at future 6★ operators.
No official release dates yet — consider these as community insights / developer teasers.
⚠️ Note: Always distinguish between confirmed operators and teased future characters to avoid misinformation.
Standard Pool vs Limited Banners — What You Need to Know
Limited Banner Operators: Available only during the rate-up period.
Standard Pool Operators: After the rate-up concludes, characters enter the permanent pool, making them obtainable anytime via standard pulls.
Why This Matters: You can delay pulling certain characters without missing out, conserving resources for truly limited collaboration units or upcoming banners.
Long-Term Resource & Pull Strategy
Prioritizing Early Limited Operators
Focus on one operator that complements your starting team.
Use free pulls efficiently; you don’t need all three launch operators immediately.
Saving for Future Banners & Teased Characters
Prioritize collaboration or “true limited” units, which may never enter the standard pool.
Plan resource usage to ensure you have enough to secure these high-priority operators when available.
Standard Banner Value Over Time
Once early 6★ operators enter the standard pool, free-to-play and casual players can acquire them later.
This reduces the pressure to exhaust resources on launch banners.
Beginner vs Permanent Banners
Beginner banners are best for guaranteed early 6★ operators.
Permanent standard banners should be used to fill roster gaps after confirmed operators are obtainable.
Example Pull Calendar — Launch to Spring 2026
| Date Range | Banner | Featured Character | Suggested Pull Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 22–Feb 7 | Phase 1 | Laevatain | Moderate–High |
| Feb 7–Feb 24 | Phase 2 | Gilberta | Moderate |
| Feb 24–TBA | Phase 3 | Yvonne | Contextual |
| Post-Launch | Tangtang | Tangtang (Teased) | Future Save |
FAQs
Will Laevatain, Gilberta & Yvonne return after their banners?
Yes, they enter the standard pool, allowing you to pull them later.
What’s the difference between New Horizons and Basic Headhunting?
New Horizons: Beginner banner with guaranteed 6★ operator.
Basic Headhunting: Permanent standard banner; pull limited operators after their rate-ups.
How long do Endfield banners last?
Phase 1: Jan 22–Feb 7
Phase 2: Feb 7–Feb 24
Phase 3: Feb 24 onward (until next banner begins)
How should F2P players plan their pulls?
Focus on one key operator per banner.
Use free pulls strategically.
Save resources for true limited units or collaboration events.
Conclusion
Success in Arknights: Endfield is about strategic planning, not rushing to pull every character. By understanding the confirmed roadmap, prioritizing free and beginner banner resources, and planning for future teased operators, you can:
Build a strong core team early
Conserve resources for high-priority operators
Navigate launch and post-launch banners efficiently
The frontier of Talos-II is vast. Those who plan, save, and strategize will dominate the battlefield for the entire 2026 Endfield journey.
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