Arknights

Arknights is a free-to-play 2D mobile strategy RPG that blends tower defense fundamentals with squad building and character collection. You deploy Operators onto a grid, hold key lanes, and manage ability timings to survive tough enemy waves, then return to a base system that steadily produces resources for upgrades and recruitment.

Publisher: Yostar
Playerbase: High
Type: Mobile strategy RPG
Release Date (Global): January 16, 2020
Pros: +Huge roster of Operators to collect and build around. +Thoughtful, tactical tower defense encounters. +Stages stay demanding and rewarding. +Low rarity units can meaningfully contribute. +Friendly to free-to-play progression.
Cons: -Energy and materials can cap longer play sessions.

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Overview

Arknights Overview

Arknights is a free-to-play 2D fantasy strategy title for iOS and Android. You step into the role of the Doctor, a commander who wakes up with missing memories in a world threatened by a dangerous infection. From there, the game revolves around pushing through story missions and events by solving compact, puzzle-like combat maps built around tower defense rules.

In battle, you deploy Operators onto a grid to block routes, control space, and protect key objectives. Units cost deployment points, have distinct attack ranges and roles, and often bring skills that must be activated at the right moment, whether that is to burst down a priority target, stabilize a lane, or survive a boss mechanic. The result is a strategy loop that rewards planning and adaptation more than raw stats, especially on harder stages.

Outside of combat, Arknights leans into collection and long-term account growth. Operators are obtained through a gacha system that is notably forgiving compared to many mobile RPGs, largely because lower rarity characters remain relevant and efficient for a wide range of content. Progress is also supported by a base management layer where you assign Operators to facilities, generate materials over time, and keep your upgrade pipeline moving even when you are not actively playing.

Arknights Key Features:

  • Tower Defense Gameplay – tactical, lane-based battles where Operators function as your defensive lineup on a grid.
  • Generous Gacha System – roster building feels less punishing thanks to useful low rarity pulls and a steady cadence of events.
  • Variety of Characters – assemble squads from many roles and specialties, such as Vanguard, Defender, Caster, and more.
  • Base Building – expand and manage a base that produces resources passively while Operators work offline.
  • Fully Voice Acted – full Japanese voice work helps carry the narrative scenes and character moments.

Arknights Screenshots

Arknights Featured Video

Arknights Official Concept Trailer 1

Full Review

Arknights Review

Coming soon!

System Requirements

Arknights System Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

Operating System: Android 4.1 and later, iOS 9.0 and later

Music

Arknights Music & Soundtrack

Coming Soon…

Additional Info

Arknights Additional Information

Developer: Hypergryph
Publisher: Yostar

Release Date (China): April 30, 2019
Release Date (Global): January 16, 2020

Development History / Background:

Arknights is developed by Hypergryph, a Shanghai-based Chinese developer, and published by Yostar, a Chinese developer and publisher also associated with titles like Azur Lane, Mahjong Soul, and Nekoparaiten. It first launched in China on April 30, 2019, then arrived globally in English on January 16, 2020 for both Android and iOS. Since release, it has remained a strong performer in Asian mobile markets and maintains an active, dedicated audience in Western regions as well.