The Arknights: Endfield Beta Test II experience: Surprising you in all the right ways

I recently had the chance to attend the Arknights: Endfield press event in Shanghai, China, this November, where I finally got to try the upcoming Beta Test II build. I had experienced the first beta previously, so going into this new one on PC, I was really curious to see what had changed.

And after spending time with it, thanks to the high-end PCs that were made available at the event, I can confidently say it feels like a completely different game in the best way possible. Sharing my thoughts in this article, so jumping right in.

The storyline adds depth with new cutscenes and choices, as Wuling shines

Let me begin with the most noticeable change: the story and presentation. The earlier beta had the potential to explore this intensely, and they did it. This time, the story feels connected and involving, with new cutscenes, dialogue animations, and smoother transitions that make everything flow better.

I loved the fact that the dialogue choices I made now lead to slightly different outcomes, which instantly makes the story feel more involved. I wanted to try out all the branches, and maybe after I finish writing this, I will jump back right in.

The new region, Wuling, is also a visual treat. It blends traditional Eastern architecture with futuristic design, and honestly, it’s one of those areas you just want to stop and look around in. It isn’t a completely open-world, but exploration is plenty. 

I found myself just wandering around, taking screenshots using the new Photo Mode, especially since the environment now reacts better to light and weather. More added features also include the Shared Facilities, Teammate Guidance, the Crate Detector, and Item Pickup functions, welcome additions for sure.

Combat is faster, smoother, and more cinematic with improved synergy between operators

Speaking about combat, genuine improvements here. Fast yet smooth fights, definitely impressive on PC too. The attention to detail here is what caught my attention. Sure, I would love to see how this will unfold on mobile too; the impressive PC performance does keep me excited.

The character system features operators, and the new synergy between operators adds more strategy than before. That includes every attack, movement, and combo, which looks refined, and the improved camera work during boss fights makes encounters look almost cinematic.

Something I’m really fond of is the music; it is so brilliantly delivered that sometimes it feels like a movie, and here’s why I feel the experience of Endfield should be on a bigger scale. The SFX were a big hit, and I’m sure you will like it once you test the beta yourself.

Another subtle but appreciated addition is the Reception Room and Friends System, where you can decorate your own space and visit others. It’s more of a chill feature, but it gives a nice break from combat and management.

Performance-wise, I can see there have been improvements. The developers clearly optimised the engine, be it the lighting, dynamic details, and touch controls, all felt smoother. I still need time to get used to the menu items, though; there is plenty to explore. I recommend that you have good enough specs in your PCs, because that’s where the fun is at.

Final Thoughts

Looking at the big picture, this beta test feels like a huge step forward for Arknights: Endfield. It doesn’t just fix old issues; it redefines what kind of game it wants to be. I will still stick to storytelling being at its best, and really, how everything unfolds.

I am writing this after a good share of my experience with this title, and I surely am now excited for the full release. The potential and hype this game had might be slowly inching toward being worth it, and it looks like the project will deliver what truly is a cinematic experience.

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