Arknights: Endfield is Hypergryph's 3D squad-based action RPG spinoff of the tower-defense original. Squad composition is the whole game — pick a damage core, add utility that opens up the AIC map you're running. This tier list covers all currently-obtainable 6-star operators.
Pull for a 6-star DPS anchor first (Attack-role), then a 6-star sustain (Vanguard or Medic-role). Skip 4-star pulls until you've cleared Contingency Contract once — the free operators can carry you there.
How we tier operators
Score axes: AIC map fit (do they carry Umbral Monument / Etchspace Salvage / Delver of the Cryptic?), squad synergy (do they enable your other operators?), weapon and gear pool (are their preferred sets rare?), and Contingency Contract clear rate.
Tier at a glance
| Operator | Role | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Perlica | Vanguard / Support | S |
| Endfield 6-star DPS anchors | Attack | S |
| Chen the Holungday | Guard | S |
| Wulfgard | Defender | A |
| Fournier | Medic | A |
| 5-star staples | Varies | B |
S-tier
Perlica is the flagship Vanguard — she generates squad energy fast enough to keep an S-tier DPS in perma-burst.
Chen the Holungday is the strongest Guard DPS at launch — one-shot potential on staggered elites.
A-tier
Wulfgard is the top Defender — his shield uptime makes AIC map runs safe even on Class 4 difficulties.
Fournier is the best Medic in the launch lineup — heals scale with squad energy, which pairs with Perlica.
Team frames for AIC maps
- Umbral Monument — Perlica + DPS + Wulfgard + Fournier.
- Etchspace Salvage — Chen + DPS + Defender + Support.
- Delver of the Cryptic — Two DPS + Perlica + Fournier.
Protocol Pass — the seasonal loop
Every season adds a Protocol Pass with free-track and premium-track rewards. Focus on the free track — the premium track's exclusive skin and cosmetics are optional.
For this guide we consulted the Game8 Arknights: Endfield wiki (operator list, AIC map roles, Protocol Pass), and community discussion on Reddit and player Discords.