Arknights: Endfield Base Building Guide — AIC Factory Automation & Layout Strategies Most Blogs Miss

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Arknights: Endfield isn’t just about combat and exploration — its Automated Industry Complex (AIC) factory system is one of the deepest and most rewarding features you’ll encounter. If you master it, you won’t just survive on Talos-II — you’ll dominate.

This guide breaks down everything from efficient early layouts, power grids, resource automation, blueprints, and regional optimization secrets you rarely see in other guides. We’re using confirmed mechanics and community-backed strategies to build something truly valuable.

🏭 What Is the AIC System — And Why It Matters

The AIC (Automated Industry Complex) is the heart of your progression in Endfield. It’s not a throwaway side feature — it’s where you:

  • Produce crafting materials and high-end gear

  • Automate resource gathering and processing

  • Power exploration tools like ziplines and bounce devices

  • Support outposts with supplies for extra rewards

This system runs 24/7, even when you’re offline — turning Talos-II into your personal industrial empire.

⚙️ AIC Core Loop — From Raw Ore to Advanced Gear

Your basic factory workflow looks like this:

  1. Mine ores using powered mining rigs

  2. Refine them into usable materials

  3. Route them via conveyors to processing facilities

  4. Pack finished gear into your depot

  5. Use or sell gear for outpost orders or operator upgrades

It sounds simple, but efficient routing and power balance make all the difference between a good factory and a great one.

πŸ“Œ Early Setup — The Foundation of Success

Arknights: Endfield Base Building Guide

πŸ’‘ Start With The Basics

The first thing you’ll unlock is the PAC (Protocol Anchor Core) — your central hub. From there:

  • Build mining rigs (escape portable rigs ASAP)

  • Connect refiners and packers with belts

  • Create a power grid with relay towers and pylons

Unlocking basic power and logistics tech first puts you ahead of the curve. Early upgrades should target:

  • Power distribution

  • Resourcing (mining & collection)

  • Basic processing automation

Combat or exploration tech, while fun, can wait until your factory is stable.

πŸ”Œ Power — Why It’s Your First Priority

Nothing works without power.

  • Start at the PAC, then place Relay Towers to extend reach

  • Use Electric Pylons to wirelessly power facilities

  • Put power infrastructure on high ground whenever possible

Terrain matters — taller ground gives better line-of-sight for tower connections. Overlooking this can bottleneck even the best production loops.

πŸŒ€ Logistics & Production Loops — Keep Items Moving

Factory belts are the backbone of your system. Early on:

  • Use short conveyor paths to reduce jams

  • Add splitters and control ports later for better routing

  • Always balance input and output — if your refinery waits for ore, add another mining rig instead of more belts

Efficient loops mean more materials with less manual intervention.

πŸ“˜ Blueprint System — Save, Share, Automate

Arknights: Endfield Base Building Guide — AIC Factory Blueprint

One of the most powerful tools in Endfield’s AIC is the Blueprint System:

  • Pre-made blueprints save you setup time

  • Batch mode lets you copy entire sections instantly

  • Community blueprints help you adopt proven layouts

There are even community-hosted blueprint hubs (e.g., Talos Pioneers) where builders share tested factory designs, giving you immediate access to optimized configurations.

PRO TIP: If you don’t enjoy complex design, start with a pre-crafted blueprint — they’re surprisingly efficient!

πŸ” Regional Development & Wuling Secrets

As you expand into new regions like Wuling and Jinlong, the AIC introduces region-specific mechanics:

  • Xiranite technology — new fluid-based systems that auto-connect power relays

  • Depot Bus Ports & Sections — create custom internal logistics hubs

  • Regional Stock Bills — earned by fulfilling outpost orders, used to unlock advanced regional features

These systems change how late-game factories are planned, and they’re often omitted from simple guides.

🧠 Advanced Optimization Tips (Community Tested)

Players in the Endfield community have identified deeper patterns:

πŸ”Ή Before Logging Off

Always…
✔ Top up raw materials
✔ Ensure depots have space
✔ Check that production lines aren’t blocked

This boosts offline production gains!

πŸ”Ή Belt Balance Matters More Than Speed

If your line stalls:

  • Add more mining rigs at the start

  • Avoid over-length belts — they slow throughput

🌱 Beyond Production — Exploration & Combat Support

Your AIC isn’t just factory work — it unlocks tools that help gameplay:

  • Ziplines and bounce devices improve traversal

  • Combat facilities can heal or damage in tactical scenarios

  • Outpost supplies generate certificates for progression items

These aspects tie the factory into the core gameplay loop — not just a background system.

πŸ‘‡ Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Ignoring power early — your whole factory stalls
❌ Over-building belts without routing logic — leads to jams
❌ Building in corrosion zones — damages generators
❌ Waiting to automate — slows progression later

🧰 Example Early Game Checklist

✔ Unlock AIC with main story
✔ Build PAC + basic power grid
✔ Set up mining loop (ore → refiner → depot)
✔ Add basic logistic splitters
✔ Switch to Electric Mining Rigs ASAP
✔ Start exploring blueprint templates

🧠 FAQ — Rapid Answers

Q: Do I have to use blueprints?
A: No — but they save tons of time and help with reliable setups.

Q: Is the AIC optional?
A: No — progression, gear, and outposts are tied to it.

Q: What’s the priority tech line early?
A: Power → Resourcing → Logistics → Processing.

🏁 Conclusion — From Builder to Industrialist

Arknights: Endfield’s AIC system is more than a mini-game — it’s the foundation of your progression and long-term strength. By focusing on power grids, efficient logistics, blueprints, and regional features, you’ll enjoy smoother progression, fewer bottlenecks, and the satisfaction of watching your factory grow into a self-sustaining industrial powerhouse.  

πŸ‘‰ Next recommended reads:

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