DELVER OF THE CRYPTIC RELEASE: FEB 24, 2026 | TALOS HUB
As Arknights: Endfield continues to expand its content, the Delver of the Cryptic update brings an exciting new permanent puzzle-based challenge mode. Publisher GRYPHLINE has shared details about what players can expect from this new addition.
With competitors like Genshin Impact, Wuthering Waves, and Where Winds Meet already established in the gacha genre, Arknights: Endfield is stepping up its game with solid permanent content to keep players engaged long-term.
What Is Delver of the Cryptic?
Delver of the Cryptic is a permanent, puzzle-based challenge mode designed to reward players for exploring and solving spatial puzzles. It offers repeatable rewards to keep progression meaningful over time.
The mode centers on navigating different spatial sets—similar in structure to the existing Etchspace Salvage. Within these areas, players encounter Protocol Spaces, which are repeatable challenges scattered across the Talos-2 moon.
These Protocol Spaces vary significantly:
- Some focus on puzzle-solving and environmental exploration
- Others lean more heavily into combat scenarios with distinct mechanics and objectives
The main goal? Clear all Protocol Spaces within a specific spatial set to earn valuable rewards, most notably Oroberyls—the premium currency used in the game’s gacha system to recruit new operators.
Rewards and Perfect Completion
First-time clear rewards include Oroberyls, Credits, and upgrade materials for each Protocol Space tier
Each Protocol Space offers substantial first-clear rewards displayed in a tiered system. As shown in the reward interface above, completing different tiers rewards you with:
- Oroberyls (200 per first clear on certain tiers)
- Credits (up to 20K)
- Upgrade Materials including Circuit Boards, Crystallized Materials, and Compact Scripts
Achieve perfect completion by opening all storage crates and completing bonus goals
Some Cryptic First Revealed Protocol Spaces feature:
- Storage Crates: Hidden throughout the area containing bonus materials
- Bonus Goals: Optional objectives that offer additional rewards when completed
To achieve Perfect Completion, you must open all storage crates and/or fulfill all bonus goals. This guarantees maximum rewards per run and is essential for efficient farming.
Available Protocol Space Challenges
Various Protocol Space challenges with their respective rewards and completion progress
The Delver of the Cryptic includes multiple challenge types across different spatial sets. Available challenges include:
- Pressure Sensitive - Standard puzzle-focused challenge
- Crane Support - Logistics and spatial reasoning puzzles
- Ride the Wind - Exploration-based with bonus rewards
- Industrial Labyrinth - Complex multi-room puzzle layouts
- Heat Interception - Combat and puzzle hybrid encounters
Each challenge shows its completion status (e.g., 0/3 stars) and offers first-clear bonuses marked with yellow 1st tags. Some challenges like Ride the Wind and Heat Interception offer additional Bonus rewards for completing extra objectives.
Release Date
Delver of the Cryptic is scheduled for February 24, 2026, aligning with the game’s official “Zeroth Directive” version update.
How to Unlock
There’s no specific prerequisite to unlock Delver of the Cryptic. However, you will need access to Protocol Space challenges, which become available fairly early in the main story.
The game features a helpful notification system:
- New regional development terminals and nodes (including Protocol Spaces) trigger notifications under Map → Mission Reminder → Key Mission
- Once unlocked, Protocol Space locations appear directly on your map for easy navigation
Tips and Tricks
1. Full Clears for Max Rewards
Clear every Protocol Space within a spatial set (not just individual stages) to obtain the best rewards.
2. Prepare for Variety
Since the mode mixes combat with puzzles, ensure your team is versatile enough to handle both traditional encounters and exploration-based mechanics.
3. Monitor Map Reminders
Regularly check the Key Mission tab to track new Protocol Spaces or spatial sets as you progress through the story.
4. Permanent Content
Since this is a permanent mode, you can complete it at your own pace while reliably farming for Oroberyls.
Summary
Delver of the Cryptic marks Arknights: Endfield’s entry into puzzle-based permanent content. Whether you’re a puzzle enthusiast or just looking for a reliable Oroberyl farming route, this mode offers something for everyone. Clear all Protocol Spaces in each spatial set to maximize your rewards and build your operator collection!