Arknights: Endfield 1.6 Preview – Si & Argent Flow, Banners, Events & Rewards
Arknights: Endfield Version 1.6, "Sanctuary of Ink," officially launches on October 15, 2026!
This major story update introduces the new region "Si's Painting" and two new 6-star Operators, Si and Argent Flow. Players can also look forward to Tangtang's rerun, the new Yuanyuan's Blazing Stoves management event, challenging combat content, and various quality-of-life improvements.
Si specializes in Cryo/Heat support and her unique Inksoul mechanic, while Argent Flow focuses on Electrification, Vulnerability, and Yin Thunder Marks, offering more team-building options for Electric and Physical teams.
Here's a quick breakdown of Version 1.6 banners, new Operator mechanics, events, free rewards, and pull recommendations to help Endministrators plan ahead.
Mine bits of Origeometry Bundle
$121.07
$148.94-$27.87Monthly Pass
$3.73
$4.99-$1.26Weekly Materials Bundle
$3.73
$4.99-$1.26Monthly Materials Bundle
$11.21
$14.99-$3.78
1. Arknights: Endfield 1.6 Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Version | 1.6 – Sanctuary of Ink (Core Chapter) |
| Release Date | October 15, 2026, after maintenance |
| Phase 1 Banner | 6-star Cryo Supporter Si, Oct 15 – Nov 5 |
| Phase 2 Banner | 6-star Electric Guard Argent Flow, starting Nov 5 |
| Rerun Banner | Tangtang, Oct 29 – Nov 19 |
| New Story | Sanctuary of Ink, featuring the new area Si's Painting |
| New 6-Star Weapons | Si's Jade Vessel and Argent Flow's Lunar Calling |
| New Events | All the Inky Hues, Yuanyuan's Blazing Stoves, Arena of Games, Carly's Verdant Anthology, Back to the Rustics |
| Permanent Updates | Umbral Monument: Forest Whispers, Delver of the Cryptic: Lingering Light Beyond the Painting, and new Echoes of War seasons |
| Other Updates | New Contingency Contract challenges, gear sets, Inkscroll Protocol Pass, AIC Factory improvements, and gameplay optimizations |
Version Highlights: Players looking to strengthen their Cryo or Heat teams should consider Si. If you're building a Physical or Electric hybrid team, saving your pulls for Argent Flow may be the better choice.
2. New 6-Star Operators
2.1 Si – 6-Star Cryo Supporter
Banner Period: October 15 – November 5
- Class: Supporter
- Element: Cryo
- Weapon Type: Greatsword
- Signature Weapon: Jade Vessel
- Role: Cryo/Heat damage buffs, Inksoul damage transfer, and AoE burst support
Si is a mysterious Operator connected to the Feranmuts, using the power of ink and painting to control the battlefield. Her unique Artful Intent and Inksoul mechanics create additional damage opportunities for her team.
Beyond providing damage buffs, Si can also contribute extra damage through Inksoul and her Combo Skill.
Should You Pull Si?
If you've already invested in Laevatain or Yvonne, Si is definitely worth considering. She offers damage buffs, elemental synergy, and additional damage, making her a valuable option for established Cryo and Heat teams.
However, if you haven't built a dedicated Cryo or Heat team yet, it's worth waiting for post-release testing before committing to her signature weapon.
2.2 Argent Flow – 6-Star Electric Guard
Banner Starts: November 5
- Class: Guard
- Element: Electric
- Weapon Type: Sword
- Signature Weapon: Lunar Calling
- Role: Electrification, Vulnerability, Sunderization, and mixed Physical/Electric damage
Argent Flow is a skilled fighter who uses lightning-based techniques and rides his warhorse, Nuli, into battle. His biggest strength lies in the synergy between Electrification and Vulnerability, allowing him to fit into both Electric and Physical teams.
Recommended Teams
| Team Type | Recommended Lineup |
|---|---|
| Physical Hybrid Team | Argent Flow + Chen Qianyu + Pogranichnik + Endministrator |
| Electric Burst Team | Argent Flow + Arcane + Gilberta + Antal |
Argent Flow is worth considering if you want to strengthen your Physical team, apply Vulnerability more consistently, or build around Electric burst damage.
If your main team focuses on Physical damage and lacks a suitable sub-DPS or damage support, Argent Flow could be a valuable addition. His actual performance will become clearer after official release testing.
2.3 Rerun Operator – Tangtang
Rerun Period: October 29 – November 19
Tangtang returns in the "Ancestral Spring Flows Anew" RE-Factor Headhunting banner, alongside her corresponding weapon issue. Her character EP will also receive an updated release.
Pull Recommendation: If you already have a strong Cryo DPS or want to complete a team featuring Si, Tangtang is worth considering. Players with limited resources should compare the value of Si and Tangtang before spending their pulls.
Planning to save up for the upcoming banners? Make sure to claim all available event rewards and calculate your remaining pulls first. You can also explore Arknights: Endfield Top Up options if you're looking for a convenient way to prepare additional resources. Whether you're free-to-play or planning to spend, always check your pity progress and set a budget before pulling for new Operators.
3. Version 1.6 Events and Activities
| Event | Type | Availability | Highlights & Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanctuary of Ink – Si's Painting | Main Story Exploration | Oct 15, after maintenance | Explore a new ink-painting-inspired region, experience the main story, and earn Oroberyls and upgrade materials. |
| All the Inky Hues | Version Guide Event | During Version 1.6 | Discover new version content and complete designated missions. |
| Back to the Rustics | Operator Story Event | With Argent Flow's release | Explore Argent Flow's backstory and earn event rewards. |
| Yuanyuan's Blazing Stoves | Management Event | During Version 1.6 | Manage Yuanyuan Manor, grow ingredients, raise animals, and prepare dishes. The mode will later become permanent. |
| Arena of Games | Combat Challenge | During Version 1.6 | Combine different card effects and combat strategies to achieve higher scores and earn rewards. |
| Carly's Verdant Anthology | Photography Event | During Version 1.6 | Complete photography objectives and missions to claim rewards. |
| Indigo Experimental Operation | Contingency Contract | Check in-game notices | Take on new challenge modifiers and difficulty conditions across different combat scenarios. |
| Contingency Readiness | Resource Preparation Event | Before Contingency Contract | Gather resources to prepare for upcoming high-difficulty challenges. |
| Umbral Monument: Forest Whispers | Permanent Challenge Update | After version update | New combat challenges and related content. |
| Delver of the Cryptic: Lingering Light Beyond the Painting | Exploration & Puzzles | After version update | Explore a new area and collect corresponding rewards. |
| Echoes of War – New Seasons | Seasonal Challenges | After version update | New seasonal challenge content and rewards. |
4. Version 1.6 Free Rewards and Bonuses
One of the biggest highlights of the Version 1.6 preview is the free 1,000 Oroberyls available through the New Version Guide webpage. These rewards must be claimed manually.
| Reward Source | How to Obtain | Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Sanctuary of Ink Version Guide | Log in to the official event webpage. | 1,000 Oroberyls, 10,000 T-Creds, 8 Basic Cognitive Carriers, and 4 Weapon Inspection Kits |
| Two Limited-Time Sign-In Events | Log in during the respective banner periods. | 5 banner-specific Headhunting Permits from each sign-in event |
| New Operator Trials | Complete Si and Argent Flow trial stages. | Trial mission rewards |
| New Main Story Exploration | Progress through Sanctuary of Ink. | Oroberyls, upgrade materials, and exploration rewards |
| Limited-Time Events | Complete Arena of Games, Back to the Rustics, and other events. | Event currency and character upgrade resources |
| Inkscroll Protocol Pass | Increase Protocol Pass levels. | Weapons, upgrade materials, and cosmetic rewards |
| Contingency Contract & Permanent Challenges | Complete designated objectives. | Rewards based on event rules |
5. Upcoming Operators and Future Content
The Version 1.6 preview also revealed several hints about future story developments.
5.1 Rhodes Island Operators
The preview included references and character hints related to Ceobe and Warfarin, suggesting more connections between the worlds of Arknights and Endfield.
However, character teasers should not be treated as official release announcements. Their exact release versions, classes, abilities, and banner schedules have not been confirmed.
5.2 Upcoming Regions
The preview also showcased several future locations and environments, suggesting that exploration across Talos-II will continue expanding in upcoming updates.
5.3 More AIC Factory Content
Future versions are expected to introduce additional industrial and reconstruction-related gameplay. Specific mechanics and requirements will depend on future official announcements.
Conclusion
Arknights: Endfield Version 1.6 – Sanctuary of Ink is more than just an update featuring two new 6-star Operators. It brings a major expansion across story content, team-building options, management activities, challenging combat modes, and gameplay improvements.
As for whether Si or Argent Flow is more worth pulling, the answer depends on your current roster and team requirements. Strengthening your existing core team is generally a better investment than blindly chasing both new 6-star Operators.
This article is based on the Version 1.6 Special Program and publicly available information. Final skill values, event schedules, and rewards are subject to official in-game announcements.
Follow Keygold for more Arknights: Endfield news, guides, and updates.
FAQ – Arknights: Endfield 1.6
Q1: Can Si be used as a main DPS?
Si is primarily a Cryo/Heat Supporter, providing damage buffs and additional damage through Artful Intent, Inksoul, and her Ultimate. She can contribute meaningful damage, but whether she works effectively as a dedicated main DPS will depend on her final skill multipliers and post-release testing.
Q2: Is Argent Flow only useful in Electric teams?
No. Besides dealing Electric damage, Argent Flow can support Physical teams through Electrification, Vulnerability, and Sunderization.
This makes him a potential option for both Electric and Physical team compositions.
Q3: Do Tangtang's rerun and Argent Flow's banner start on the same day?
Tangtang Rerun: October 29 – November 19.
Argent Flow Banner: Starts November 5.
Their start dates are different, so plan your pulls carefully if you're interested in both Operators.
Q4: What's included in the new story area, Si's Painting?
Si's Painting is the new exploration area introduced in Version 1.6's Core Chapter, Sanctuary of Ink. Inspired by traditional ink-wash landscapes, it features new story quests, exploration content, and rewards.
Specific high-difficulty challenges and additional rewards will be detailed in official in-game announcements.
Q5: Will Ceobe and Warfarin become playable in Version 1.7?
The preview has only provided hints about these characters. Their release in Version 1.7 has not been officially confirmed.
Players should wait for official announcements regarding their release schedules, classes, and abilities.