Arknights Endfield tier list: the best characters to prioritize upgrading

In Arknights Endfield, choosing the right characters is one of the most important factors for progressing efficiently. With an ever-expanding roster and very clearly defined roles, not all operators offer the same value, especially when it comes to long-term efficiency. This tier list is designed to help you identify the best characters to invest in, taking into account raw power, team utility, synergies, and their real impact in PvE content.

S-Tier characters clearly dominate the current meta. Yvonne is the benchmark Cryo DPS, capable of dealing massive damage while fully benefiting from elemental synergies. Gilberta is almost mandatory in any Cryo team thanks to her crowd control, enemy grouping, and damage buffs. Xaihi provides tremendous value with his healing, amplifications, and ability to speed up ultimate rotations. Alesh, meanwhile, is one of the best batteries in the game, allowing the entire team to play faster and more aggressively. Estella rounds out this top tier with excellent management of status effects and elemental reactions.

Just below them are the A-Tier characters, who are very strong but slightly more dependent on team composition or specific situations. Fluorite remains a reliable pick for status effects and damage over time. Akekuri is an excellent buffer for physical-focused teams. Snowshine offers solid protection along with useful Cryo utility, while Endministrator stands out for his versatility and ability to adapt to multiple team archetypes.

B-Tier characters are far from weak, but they tend to shine mainly in specific scenarios. Brisage, for example, can be very effective against certain enemies or in niche compositions, but requires more planning and synergy to truly pay off. These picks are often more about comfort or personal preference rather than absolute priorities.

Finally, C-Tier characters are generally replaceable. They can work in well-thought-out teams or for secondary content, but they don’t provide enough impact to justify heavy investment when you’re just starting out or aiming to optimize your progression.

In practical terms, if you want to progress quickly and avoid wasting resources, focus first on building a strong Cryo core with Yvonne, Gilberta, Xaihi, and Alesh. This foundation will let you handle the vast majority of the game’s content in Arknights Endfield, after which you can branch out into alternative compositions based on your pulls and personal playstyle.