Arknights: Endfield Earns Strong Review Scores, Redefining Action RPG with Advanced Base Building
Following its official launch on January 22, 2026, Arknights: Endfield, the latest title from Hypergryph, has received an overwhelmingly positive reception from media outlets worldwide. According to OpenCritic, the game currently holds an average score of 80, with 82 percent of critics recommending it. This marks a major milestone for the franchise as it successfully transitions from its tower defense roots into a full-scale action RPG experience on PlayStation 5, PC, and mobile platforms.
One of the most widely praised aspects across multiple reviews is the game’s unique gameplay design, which seamlessly combines fast-paced real-time combat with a surprisingly deep factory simulation and base construction system. CGMagazine awarded the game a high score of 9 out of 10, highlighting its expansive world design and complex automation mechanics that are rarely seen in the gacha genre. Reviewers noted that managing production lines and infrastructure becomes an addictive loop that meaningfully supports progression.
Visually, Arknights: Endfield continues Hypergryph’s reputation for high-quality art direction. Many international outlets praised the character designs and the environments on the planet Talos-II, citing their strong identity and atmospheric presentation. Even reviewers who scored the game at 8 out of 10, such as The GameSlayer, described the title as a significant leap forward in scale for the Arknights universe, delivering a sense of freshness and discovery through exploration-heavy gameplay.
That said, some critiques have been raised by certain publications. The Gamer, which rated the game 3 out of 5, pointed out that the early story pacing may feel slow for some players. Additionally, the character upgrade system still reflects familiar limitations of free-to-play models, requiring time and resource investment. However, many critics agree that these concerns are likely to be refined through future updates.
Combat has also been highlighted as a strong point, particularly the well-designed character synergy and visually striking effects. Boss encounters stand out by demanding both mechanical skill and thoughtful team composition, reinforcing the game’s strategic depth. Hardcore Gamer went as far as calling Arknights: Endfield one of the best examples of modern gacha-based action RPGs currently available.
In summary, Arknights: Endfield represents a confident and ambitious step forward for Hypergryph. With its innovative systems, expansive world, and challenging gameplay, the title offers a premium free-to-play experience that stands out in a crowded market. Players seeking deep mechanics and large-scale exploration should not miss this release, as it is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about games of 2026.
Source: OpenCritic
