From Tower Defense to Factory Builder: Arknights: Endfield’s Gamescom Trailer Reveals a New Identity

The highly anticipated spin-off of the hit mobile tower defense game, Arknights: Endfield, has once again surprised fans with a new trailer at Gamescom 2025. While previous trailers showcased its action-RPG combat and open-world exploration, this latest look at the game focuses on a brand new, and completely unexpected, gameplay mechanic: base-building and factory automation. The trailer, which highlighted the game’s AIC Facility mechanic, has drawn immediate comparisons to titles like Factorio and Satisfactory, signaling that developer Hypergryph is not content with simply making a traditional action-RPG.

This reveal is a massive pivot from the original Arknights, which is known for its intricate tower defense gameplay. Endfield has always been pitched as a real-time 3D RPG with strategic elements, but the new trailer solidifies that the game is a unique blend of genres. The inclusion of a robust base-building system, where players must manage resources, connect conveyor belts, and automate production, adds an entirely new layer of depth that sets it apart from competitors in the mobile and PC gacha market. This is a bold move by Hypergryph, as it aims to appeal to a wider audience, including fans of simulation and factory-building games, while still catering to the dedicated Arknights fanbase.

Building an Empire: The AIC Facility Mechanic

The AIC Facility is the core of Arknights: Endfield’s new gameplay loop. Players are tasked with exploring the hostile planet of Talos-II, where they must set up remote mining nodes to gather resources. These resources are then transported via custom zip lines and conveyor belts back to a central hub, where they can be processed and refined. The trailer showed a complex network of production lines, where players must manage electricity, input materials, and output products to craft new items and upgrade their base. This “factory must grow” mentality is a direct nod to Factorio, and it promises a deep, rewarding progression system that goes far beyond simple combat.

This base-building mechanic is not just a gimmick; it is fully integrated into the game’s progression. The resources you gather and the items you craft are essential for upgrading your characters, acquiring new equipment, and preparing for more challenging combat encounters. The developers have stated that their goal is to strike a 50:50 balance between the RPG and factory-building elements, allowing players to focus on whichever aspect they find more engaging. This flexible design choice is a smart move that could significantly boost the game’s LTV (Lifetime Value) and overall player retention, as it provides a new avenue for long-term engagement that is not solely reliant on combat and gacha mechanics.

• Hybrid Gameplay: The game seamlessly blends real-time action-RPG combat with a deep, strategic factory-building and resource management system.
• Strategic Exploration: Players must plan their exploration and resource gathering to efficiently build and expand their industrial complex.
• Dual Progression: Your combat prowess and your base’s production are intertwined, with each supporting the other to help you progress through the game’s story.

A Glimpse of the Future

The Gamescom trailer for Arknights: Endfield has generated a wave of excitement, but it also leaves us with one burning question: what about a release date? While many fans had speculated the game would launch sometime in 2025, the lack of a concrete date in the new trailer has led some to believe the game may not see a full release until 2026. However, the game’s polished state and its presence at major gaming events suggest that Hypergryph is close to the finish line and is gearing up for a strong global marketing push.

In a genre often criticized for its repetitive gameplay loops and aggressive monetization, Arknights: Endfield appears to be a refreshing outlier. By introducing a deep, engaging factory-building system, it offers a new kind of experience that goes beyond the typical gacha game. This ambitious fusion of genres could be a game-changer for the mobile and PC markets, and it solidifies Arknights: Endfield as one of the most exciting and innovative titles to watch out for. With a free-to-play model and a premium feel, it has the potential to become the next global sensation.