Arknights Beginner Guide: Mastering the Basics and Beyond
Welcome to the world of Arknights, a strategic gacha game that combines elements of tactics, RPG, and base-building. With its intricate gameplay, stunning visuals, and deep storyline, Arknights can be overwhelming for new players. This guide is designed to help you navigate the early stages of the game, understand its core mechanics, and set you on the path to becoming a skilled operator.
1. Understanding the Gameplay Basics
Arknights is a free-to-play game where you play as the leader of a paramilitary organization tasked with completing missions and managing resources. The game is divided into two main components: base operations and combat missions.
Base Operations: This is where you manage your operators (characters), upgrade your facilities, and produce resources. The base is your hub, and optimizing it is crucial for progressing in the game.
Combat Missions: These are turn-based strategy missions where you deploy operators to battle enemies. Each mission has specific objectives, such as defeating all enemies, rescuing hostages, or holding a position.
2. Early-Game Priorities
When you first start Arknights, it’s essential to focus on the following:
a. Complete the Tutorial
The game provides a detailed tutorial that introduces you to the basics of base management and combat. Do not skip the tutorial, as it rewards you with essential resources and operators.
b. Focus on Story Missions
Story missions are the best way to earn rewards, experience, and new operators. They also provide a gradual learning curve, introducing you to more complex mechanics as you progress.
c. Upgrade Your Base Facilities
Your base is the heart of your operations. Prioritize upgrading your Dormitory, Training Room, and Workshop to improve operator morale, training efficiency, and resource production.
3. Operator Recruitment and Development
Operators are the backbone of your team. Each operator has a unique role (e.g., vanguard, guard, sniper, caster, medic) and skill set. Here’s how to manage them effectively:
a. Recruit Operators Wisely
Use your initial resources to pull for operators during the pity system (a guaranteed 5-star operator after 10 pulls). Focus on obtaining versatile operators who can adapt to multiple scenarios.
Rookies are affordable and can be used to fill gaps in your early team.
b. Promote and Level Up Operators
Operators can be promoted using promotion materials, which increase their stats and unlock new skills.
Leveling up operators requires experience, which can be obtained through missions or training.
c. Equip and Enhance Gear
Operators can be equipped with gear (weapons, armor, etc.) to boost their performance. Enhance your gear regularly to keep up with mission difficulty.
4. Resource Management
Arknights has multiple resources, each with specific uses:
Stones: Used for recruiting operators and rolling on the gacha banner.
Materiel: Used for upgrading facilities and promoting operators.
Skystone: A premium currency that can be earned through missions or purchased with real money.
Gold: Used for daily operations, such as operator salaries and gear enhancement.
Tip: Avoid wasting stones on unnecessary pulls early on. Focus on building a well-rounded team before chasing specific operators.
5. Combat Strategy
Combat missions require careful planning. Here are some key tips:
a. Understand the Deployment Grid
Each mission has a grid where you can deploy operators. Position your operators based on their roles:
Vanguards are tanky and should be placed in the front to absorb damage.
Snipers and casters should be placed in the back to deal damage safely.
Medics should be positioned to heal your team effectively.
b. Use Skills Wisely
Operator skills can turn the tide of battle. Make sure to use them at the right moment, especially during boss fights or when your team is under pressure.
c. Retry and Learn
If you fail a mission, analyze what went wrong and adjust your strategy. *