Welcome to the most comprehensive guide for Arknights Endfield’s upcoming banners and Chartered Headhunting schedule! As the game launches worldwide on January 22, 2026, understanding the banner rotation is crucial for planning your pulls and maximizing your resources. I’ve gathered all the confirmed information from official sources to help you make informed decisions about which operators to target.
Quick Reference: Complete Banner Schedule
| Banner Phase | Dates | Featured 6★ | Class/Element | Free Pulls Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Jan 22 – Feb 7, 2026 | Laevatain | Striker/Heat | 15 + 10 bonus pulls |
| Phase 2 | Feb 7 – Feb 24, 2026 | Gilberta | Support/Nature | 5 + 5 sign-in pulls |
| Phase 3 | Feb 24 – Until Update | Yvonne | Caster/Cryo | 5 + 5 sign-in pulls |
Understanding Endfield’s Gacha System
Arknights Endfield introduces a refined gacha system that differs from traditional mobile games. The game features three main types of banners: Chartered Headhunting (limited-time), New Horizons (beginner), and Basic Headhunting (permanent). Each system is designed to provide fair opportunities for both free-to-play and paying players.
Key Gacha Mechanics You Need to Know
- Pity System: Guaranteed 6★ operator within 80 pulls on Basic Headhunting
- Selector System: After 300 pulls, choose any standard 6★ operator
- Banner Duration: Each limited banner runs approximately 17 days
- Off-Rate Characters: Limited operators remain available in standard pool after their banner ends
Scars of the Forge (January 22 – February 7, 2026)
Featured Operator: Laevatain (6★ Striker)
Laevatain kicks off Endfield’s launch as the first limited 6★ operator. As a Heat-element Striker from Rhodes Island, she brings powerful combustion abilities to your team. Her skill allows her to detonate and apply burning effects to enemies, making her excellent for crowd control and sustained damage.
Why Pull for Laevatain:
- Top-tier damage dealer in current meta
- Unique combustion mechanics
- Sarkaz race with exclusive storyline content
- Free bonus 10-pull after 30 pulls (doesn’t count toward pity)
Banner Details:
- Start: January 22, 2026 at 9:00 AM (GMT+8)
- End: February 7, 2026 at 11:59 AM (Server Time)
- Off-Rate 6★: Gilberta, Yvonne
- Special Bonus: Free 10-pull after 30 pulls
The Floaty Messenger (February 7 – February 24, 2026)
Featured Operator: Gilberta (6★ Support)
Gilberta follows as the second limited operator, bringing Nature-element support capabilities. This Vulpo operator excels at gathering enemies with her skills, making her invaluable for team compositions that rely on area-of-effect attacks.
Why Pull for Gilberta:
- Essential support for team compositions
- Enemy gathering mechanics
- Nature element coverage
- Limited availability with future reruns uncertain
Banner Details:
- Start: February 7, 2026 at 12:00 PM (Server Time)
- End: February 24, 2026 at 11:59 AM (Server Time)
- Off-Rate 6★: Laevatain, Yvonne
- Special Feature: Messenger Express sign-in event provides 5 free pulls
Hues of Passion (February 24 – Until Version Update)
Featured Operator: Yvonne (6★ Caster)
Yvonne completes the launch celebration as the final limited operator. This Vouivre Caster wields Cryo element abilities, applying freezing effects to enemies through her skills. As an Endfield Industries operator, she brings unique mechanics tied to the game’s industrial theme.
Why Pull for Yvonne:
- Cryo element for status effects
- Strong casting capabilities
- Endfield Industries faction benefits
- Final launch celebration character
Banner Details:
- Start: February 24, 2026 at 12:00 PM (Server Time)
- End: Until next version update and maintenance
- Off-Rate 6★: Laevatain, Gilberta
- Special Feature: Spectral Splendor sign-in event provides 5 free pulls
Weapon Banners: Arsenal Issues
Alongside character banners, Endfield features three concurrent weapon banners:
Smelting Forge Issue
- Duration: January 22 – Until version update
- Guarantee: 6★ weapon within 4 issues
- Rate-Up: Guaranteed within 8 issues
- Note: Each issue provides 10 weapons at once
Express Delivery Issue
- Duration: January 22 – Until version update
- Special: 10th issue gives selector crate for non-rate-up 6★ weapon
- Purchase Option: Arsenal Tickets can be bought with Origeometries
Graffiti Issue
- Duration: January 22 – Until version update
- Mechanics: Same guarantee system as other issues
- Strategy: Plan pulls based on your main characters’ signature weapons
Permanent Banners Overview
New Horizons Headhunting (Beginner Banner)
Perfect for new players, this banner guarantees a 6★ operator within 40 pulls. You can earn 4 New Horizons HH-10xPermits through the New Horizons beginner event by completing main missions.
Featured Characters:
- Ardelia (Nature, Supporter)
- Ember (Heat, Defender)
- Last Rite (Cryo Striker)
- Lifeng (Physical, Guard)
- Pogranichnik (Physical, Vanguard)
Special Bonus: Guarantees one 6★ operator and includes a bonus 6★ weapon of choice.
Basic Headhunting (Standard Banner)
The permanent banner featuring all standard 6★ operators with a generous pity system:
- 80 Pull Guarantee: Guaranteed 6★ operator
- 300 Pull Selector: Choose any standard 6★ operator
- Standard Pool: Includes all permanent 6★ operators
- Strategy: Save for selectors if you don’t get your desired character
Free Pulls and Release Celebration Rewards
Hypergryph is offering unprecedented generosity for the launch celebration:
Total Free Pulls Breakdown:
- 60 Standard Pulls: From various launch events
- 40 New Horizons Pulls: From beginner events
- 47 Limited Banner Pulls:
- 22 general limited pulls
- 15 bonus pulls on Laevatain’s banner
- 5 bonus pulls on Gilberta’s banner
- 5 bonus pulls on Yvonne’s banner
Additional Free Rewards:
- 3 Free 6★ Weapons: Including Ardelia’s signature weapon
- Release Codes: RETURNOFALL and ALLFIELD
- Pre-Registration Rewards: Snowshine (5★), Finishing Call (5★ weapon)
Regional Release Times
| Region | Release Date | Release Time |
|---|---|---|
| North America (PST) | January 21, 2026 | 5:00 PM |
| North America (EST) | January 21, 2026 | 8:00 PM |
| Europe (GMT) | January 22, 2026 | 1:00 AM |
| Europe (CET) | January 22, 2026 | 2:00 AM |
| Asia (GMT+8) | January 22, 2026 | 9:00 AM |
| Japan/Korea (UTC+9) | January 22, 2026 | 10:00 AM |
Event Schedule and Additional Rewards
Launch Events
- Firewalker’s Trail (Jan 22 – Feb 7): 5 free Laevatain banner pulls
- Messenger Express (Feb 7-24): 5 free Gilberta banner pulls
- Spectral Splendor (Feb 24 – Update): 5 free Yvonne banner pulls
Web Events
- Final Prep Orders (Jan 7 – Feb 5): Guaranteed 5★ weapon on 10th draw
- Voyage to the Stars (Jan 16 – Mar 4): Get your name engraved on space-bound Originium
Upcoming Characters and Future Banners
Based on official teasers and the 1.0 Livestream, expect these characters in future updates:
Confirmed Upcoming Operators:
- Tangtang: Teased during livestream, likely next limited banner
- Mi Fu: Shown in future operator preview
- Zhuang Fangyi: Part of upcoming character wave
- Rossi: Featured in teaser materials
- 3 Mystery Characters: Silhouettes shown but not revealed
Future Banner Predictions:
- Version 1.1: Expected late March/early April 2026
- New Maps: Wuling region expansions planned
- Collaboration Events: Thailand, Indonesia, Brazil, and US collaborations confirmed
Pull Strategy and Resource Management
For Free-to-Play Players:
- Focus on one limited operator per phase
- Complete all sign-in events for free pulls
- Save Standard Pulls for selector system
- Utilize New Horizons banner for guaranteed 6★
For Spending Players:
- Target signature weapons alongside characters
- Consider 30-pull bonus on Laevatain’s banner
- Plan for 300-pull selector on standard banner
- Budget for Arsenal Issues if targeting specific weapons
FAQ’s
Q: How long do I have to decide on pulling for each banner?
A: Each limited banner runs approximately 17 days. Laevatain’s banner ends February 7, Gilberta’s ends February 24, and Yvonne’s runs until the next version update.
Q: Can I get limited operators outside their featured banners?
A: Yes, after their banner ends, limited operators enter the standard pool but at much lower rates (estimated 0.3% vs 2% rate-up).
Q: Should I pull on weapon banners or character banners?
A: Prioritize character banners first. Weapons are important but characters have greater impact on team composition and gameplay.
Q: What happens if I lose my 50/50 on a limited banner?
A: You’ll receive one of the off-rate 6★ operators (Laevatain, Gilberta, or Yvonne depending on the phase), which are still valuable limited characters.
Q: How do the free 10-pull bonuses work?
A: Laevatain’s banner gives a free 10-pull after 30 pulls, but these don’t count toward your pity counter for the guaranteed 6★.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Pulls
- Pre-download the game on January 20 to start immediately
- Complete beginner events first for guaranteed 6★ operator
- Save launch codes (RETURNOFALL, ALLFIELD) for maximum value
- Join official Discord for real-time updates and potential additional codes
- Plan your pulls based on team composition needs rather than just rarity
Final Thoughts
Arknights Endfield’s launch banner schedule offers exceptional value with 147 total free pulls across all banner types. Whether you’re targeting Laevatain’s damage, Gilberta’s support, or Yvonne’s cryo capabilities, there’s ample opportunity to build your dream team without spending.
Related Resources
For more gacha game strategies and guides, check out our comprehensive guides on how gacha mechanics work in other games and banner prediction strategies.
