AIC FACTORY ADVANCED

Power Distribution, Production Chains, Sandleaf Loops & Wuling Mechanics

Last updated: 2026-02-01

* TL;DR - Key Points

* Electricity chains from your PAC → Relay Towers (80m) → Electric Pylons (30m wireless)
* Open the Database tab before placing a single machine -- it maps every production chain for you
* Thermal Banks scale your power -- feed them Batteries instead of raw Originium Ore for massive efficiency gains
* The infinite Sandleaf loop (Seed-Picker → Planter → Shredder) underpins all late-game crafting
* Protocol Stashes teleport items straight to your Depot -- skip the long belt runs
* Depot Buses create shared resource highways across your entire AIC
* In Wuling, Depot Buses place freely and Xiranite Pylons wire themselves automatically
* Tearing down buildings costs nothing. Rebuild as often as you want.

How Power Flows

Endfield doesn't give you a global energy pool. Every building draws electricity through a physical chain that starts at your hub and extends outward, piece by piece. If the chain breaks, everything downstream goes dark.

The Power Chain

Your PAC (Protocol Automation-Core) sits at the center of everything. It produces around 200 base power -- enough to keep a handful of machines running, nowhere near enough for a real operation. From the PAC, power extends through two structure types:

Relay Towers -- Long-range backbone structures. Each one connects up to 80 meters from the previous tower or the PAC itself. Note that the game tracks your walking distance while placing, not the straight-line gap. Jumping adds vertical distance to the counter, so walk a flat, direct path to squeeze out maximum range.

Electric Pylons -- Short-range wireless distributors. Any building within 30 meters of a Pylon receives power automatically. Pylons pull their energy from nearby Relay Towers and spread it to the surrounding area.

Watch Community Relay Tower Videos

Pylon Relaying (Research Unlock)

Once you research the Pylon Relaying node in Basic AIC II (requires 250 power generation), Electric Pylons gain the ability to pass power forward to other Pylons. They essentially become miniature Relay Towers, dramatically simplifying your grid layout. This is one of the most impactful quality-of-life unlocks in the entire tech tree.

Sub-PACs & Remote Power

Outpost areas usually have their own Sub-PACs providing local energy. However, some locations -- the Aburrey Quarry being the most notorious -- lack a Sub-PAC entirely. Powering buildings there requires an unbroken Relay Tower chain all the way from the Hub PAC. These chains work across region borders as long as every link stays within range.

Reverse Building Trick

Spotted a distant location that needs power? Drop unpowered Relay Towers working backward from the target toward your existing grid. The moment the final tower connects to a powered structure, the entire chain activates at once. Useful for reaching ancient machinery and gates scattered across the overworld.

Thermal Banks & Power Scaling

Your PAC's 200 base power runs out fast. Thermal Banks are the answer -- fuel-burning generators that raise the total power available across your grid. The fuel you choose makes an enormous difference in how efficiently they run.

Fuel Efficiency Comparison

Fuel	Power Output	Duration	Relative Value
Originium Ore	50	8s	Baseline
LC Valley Battery	220	40s	~4.4x
SC Valley Battery	420	40s	~8.4x
HC Valley Battery	1,100	40s	~22x

To put this in perspective: sustaining 200 power for 40 seconds on raw Originium Ore burns 20 units across four separate banks. Converting just 10 Originium Ore into a single LC Valley Battery delivers 440 power over the same window from only two banks. The gap widens dramatically at higher tiers.

Early Game

Burn Originium Ore directly. Amethyst is too scarce to divert into battery production this early -- you need it for gear, buildings, and capsules.

Mid Game

Shift to LC Valley Batteries as soon as production stabilizes. Running 4-8 Thermal Banks on LC fuel covers most mid-game power needs comfortably.

Late Game

SC Batteries halve your bank count. HC Valley Batteries at 1,100 power each are the endgame target -- a small cluster can run a massive operation.

Pro Tip: Backup Power

Always keep one standalone Thermal Bank connected to a dedicated Originium Ore miner. If your battery supply line ever stalls, this trickle of raw power keeps the rest of the factory alive while you diagnose the problem. Without it, a single bottleneck can cascade into a total blackout.

Early Game Factory (Amethyst Era)

Early on, Amethyst gates nearly everything you want to build. Every recipe, every upgrade, every building seems to demand it. Managing this bottleneck is what separates smooth early progression from a frustrating crawl.

First Production Lines (Priority Order)

1. LC Valley Batteries -- Amethyst Fiber + Originium Powder. These fuel your Thermal Banks, which unlock everything else by scaling your power capacity.
2. Buckflower Capsules -- Amethyst Fiber + Buckflower Powder. Solid consumables that keep your team alive in harder content.
3. Industrial Explosives -- Amethyst Fiber + Echotin Powder. Required for various mid-game crafting recipes.

Key Early Actions

Secure mining nodes -- Drop Electric Mining Rigs on Originium Ore and Amethyst Ore deposits. These rigs auto-deliver mined resources to your Depot without any belt connections required.

Start planting -- Build a Seed-Picking Unit and Planting Unit for Buckflower and Echotin. This self-sustaining loop continuously feeds your capsule and explosive production lines.

Craft green gear early -- Even low-rarity equipment from Originium and Amethyst provides a noticeable combat boost while you level up.

Stockpile Amethyst Parts -- Many later buildings and machines consume Amethyst Parts. Build a surplus whenever your lines have spare throughput.

Tech Tree Priority (Early)

1. Mining I → Portable Originium Rigs (no power needed)
2. Mining II → Electric Mining Rigs (belt-free Depot delivery)
3. Material Molding → Processed materials for crafting
4. Solid Filling → Capsule and explosive production

Buck Capsule C: Your First Passive Income

Once Buckflower Powder and Amethyst Bottles are flowing, combine them in a Filling Unit to produce Buck Capsule C. Sell these at Valley IV outposts for Stock Bills -- your first source of factory-driven income. It's a small revenue stream, but it compounds as your production scales.

Mid-Game Transition (Ferrium Era)

Researching Mining III unlocks the Electric Mining Rig Mk II, which gives you access to Ferrium Ore -- a significant material tier jump that opens up blue-rarity gear and better batteries.

Priority Items

Ferrium Components

Crafting material for Level 36 blue-rarity gear -- your first real equipment upgrade.

Buck Capsule B

Higher-value trade item than Capsule C. Better Stock Bill returns per unit.

SC Valley Batteries

Ferrium Parts replace Amethyst Parts. 420 power per battery -- nearly double the LC variant.

The Power Snowball

Mid-game is where the factory begins compounding on itself. More batteries feed more Thermal Banks, which generate more power, which runs more production lines, which produce more batteries. Once this cycle reaches critical mass, your factory scales with minimal hands-on intervention. Getting this loop spinning is the single most important mid-game milestone.

Pro Tip: Duplicate Lines, Don't Extend Them

When you unlock additional Ferrium nodes on the map, resist the urge to feed everything into one long chain. Instead, build complete parallel production lines. Multiple independent lines are more resilient -- if one clogs, the others keep running. They're also far easier to troubleshoot than a single sprawling chain.

The Sandleaf Powder Loop

Sandleaf Powder is the backbone of late-game crafting. Virtually every endgame recipe calls for it, and you'll need a continuous, high-volume supply once your factory is fully operational. The good news: you can set up an infinite, self-sustaining production loop.

Getting Started

Location
Power Plateau, in the Plateau Trunkway sub-area of Valley IV

Access
Authority Level 34, after progressing through the main story

Nodes
17 Sandleaf plants scattered across the area -- you only need one to start the loop

The Infinite Loop (Step by Step)

Step 1: Unlock Planting

Research the Planting node in Basic AIC II (Processing tree). Costs 1 Basic AIC Index. This gives you the Seed-Picking Unit and Planting Unit.

Step 2: Build the Loop

1. Place a Seed-Picking Unit and load a single Sandleaf into it
2. Belt its output to a Planting Unit
3. The Planting Unit has two output ports:

Output 1 -- Loops back to the Seed-Picking Unit. This recycles the plant for continuous re-seeding.

Output 2 -- Sends Sandleaf forward to your processing stage.

Step 3: Process into Powder

Route Output 2 to a Shredding Unit. Each Sandleaf converts into 3 Sandleaf Powder.

Critical: Use ALL THREE output ports on the Shredder.

The machine produces 3 items simultaneously. If any port is left unconnected, the Shredder backs up instantly and halts the entire chain. Run a separate belt from each port to a Protocol Stash.

Step 4: Store and Distribute

Connect each Shredder output to a Protocol Stash. Items transfer automatically to your Depot. The loop is now self-sustaining -- no further input required.

Scaling with the Automation-Core

For maximum throughput, route Sandleaf Powder through the Automation-Core, which supports up to 9 output streams in a compact footprint. This frees your Depot Buses for other production lines and keeps the Sandleaf farm self-contained. The whole setup fits in a small corner of your AIC and requires zero external input once primed.

What to Craft Next

Once Sandleaf Powder is flowing reliably, direct it toward:

* Cryston Components -- Advanced crafting material for endgame recipes
* Buck Capsule A -- Highest-value Stock Bill trade item
* HC Valley Batteries -- 1,100 power per bank, the ultimate fuel source

Protocol Stash & Depot Bus Logistics

A handful of production lines are manageable with direct belt connections. But as your factory grows, logistics becomes the real puzzle. Two systems solve it: instant-teleport Stashes and shared-bus highways.

Protocol Stash

Unlocked by researching the Field Stash Node in the Exploration Tree (Basic II Tier). When powered, a Protocol Stash teleports items to your Depot automatically every 10 seconds.

Instead of snaking long Transport Belts back to your Automation-Core, drop a Stash next to any production building and items vanish straight to storage. This keeps layouts compact and eliminates belt congestion.

Best for: Collecting output from remote lines, handling multi-output machines (one Stash per Shredder port), clearing overflow from any AIC area.

Easy Stash

A lighter variant unlocked via Protocol Transfer Technology. Provides remote Depot access in the field at low cost (just Amethyst Parts), but requires power. Intended for exploration logistics, not factory production.

Depot Bus

Unlocked through the AIC Steward quest line (Authority Level 15+). This is the mid-game inflection point for factory logistics.

How it works: Depot Bus Sections form a physical highway in your Core AIC Area. Each Section connects to a Depot Bus Port or another active Section. Attach Loaders to push items onto the bus and Unloaders to pull them off.

The bus creates a shared resource layer. Any Loader anywhere on the bus can push items in, and any Unloader anywhere can pull them out. This eliminates the need for direct belt links between distant buildings -- a massive layout simplification.

Valley IV

Depot Bus positions are fixed -- you design your factory around pre-determined locations.

Wuling

Depot Bus Sections place freely anywhere in your AIC. Far more layout flexibility.

Logistics Rule of Thumb

* Use Protocol Stash for pushing items into the Depot (finished goods, overflow)
* Use Depot Bus for pulling items out of the Depot (raw materials, inputs)
* Place multiple Stashes on high-output machines to keep throughput smooth
* Split complex late-game recipes across multiple AICs, connected via Stash and Bus

Wuling Region Mechanics

Reaching Wuling introduces a new material tier, new power infrastructure, and more flexible building options. It's essentially a fresh start with better tools.

Xiranite

Wuling's signature resource, produced exclusively at the Forge of the Sky -- a regional facility that only exists in Wuling AICs.

Hard limit: You can only build 2 Forges of the Sky total across all your Wuling AICs.

If one Forge is dedicated to LC Wuling Batteries, the other is your only slot for Xiranite Components. Plan your recipes carefully before committing.

Workaround: Transfer raw Xiranite to a Valley IV AIC for Component crafting, or ship finished batteries to Wuling to free a Forge slot.

Priority Wuling Crafts

1. Xiranite -- Base material for all Wuling production
2. Xiranite Components -- Used in Wuling buildings and advanced recipes
3. LC Wuling Batteries -- Local power source for Wuling Thermal Banks
4. Yazhen Syringe C -- Advanced consumable

Automatic Power Connections

Wuling replaces manual cabling with Xiranite Pylons and Xiranite Relays. These structures automatically detect and connect to the PAC and each other within range -- no interaction needed. It's a significant convenience upgrade over Valley IV's manual wiring process.

Bootstrap Power Strategy

Arriving in Wuling with no local battery production? Two options: transfer Valley IV batteries to a Thermal Bank, or run a temporary Originium Ore-powered bank until LC Wuling Batteries come online.

Free-Placement Depot Bus

Unlike Valley IV's fixed positions, Wuling lets you place Depot Bus Sections and Ports anywhere in your AIC. Design tighter, more efficient layouts without being constrained by pre-set infrastructure.

Split Complex Recipes Across AICs

Wuling recipes tend to have more intermediate steps than Valley IV's. Rather than cramming everything into one crowded AIC, spread production across multiple sites. Use Protocol Stashes to shuttle intermediate materials between them -- it keeps each individual AIC clean and maintainable.

AIC Tech Tree Priority

AIC Index -- collected from Protocol Dataloggers (the glowing orbs marked with paperclip icons on your map) -- is limited. Each research node costs Index, so the order you unlock them matters.

#	Research Node	Why It's Priority
1	Mining I → II	Core resource gathering. Electric Mining Rig delivers ore to Depot automatically.
2	Material Molding	Unlocks all processed materials. Required for most crafting recipes.
3	Solid Filling	Capsules and explosives for consumables and mid-game crafting.
4	Mining III (Mk II Rig)	Ferrium and Cuprium access. The gate to mid-game progression.
5	Planting	Infinite loop farms for Sandleaf, Buckflower, Echotin. Non-negotiable for late game.
6	Thermal Bank	Scale power output beyond the PAC's 200 base. Factory can't grow without it.
7	Protocol Stash	Instant Depot teleport for outputs. Eliminates belt spaghetti.
8	Pylon Relaying	Pylons gain transmission. Simplifies power grid layout dramatically.
9	Depot Bus	Shared resource highways across the entire AIC. Mid-game logistics unlock.
10	Splitters & Belt Bridges	Split belt paths and cross them without interference. Layout efficiency.
11	Combat Towers	Sentry, Beam, Surge towers defend your AIC from raids.

Finding AIC Index

Protocol Dataloggers are scattered across the map as glowing collectible orbs. Look for the paperclip-shaped markers on your map, or open any locked research node and click the icon next to the cost -- it highlights the nearest available Datalogger. Pick these up regularly as you explore new areas; skipping them directly limits which nodes you can unlock.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

1. Skipping the Factory Entirely

The single biggest mistake players make in Endfield. Your factory produces resources 24/7 -- even while you're offline. This passive output is the strongest progression multiplier in the game. Ignoring it means you're leaving free progression on the table every hour.

2. Overloading the Power Grid

When total machine consumption exceeds your generation capacity, the entire factory shuts down -- not just the last building you placed. Always check your power headroom before adding new machines. A running factory is worth more than an ambitious but dead one.

3. Ignoring Clogged Belts

If a belt clogs right after setup, the issue is almost always downstream -- the receiving machine's output is full, which backs up the entire chain. Add more output connections or route overflow to a Protocol Stash. For Shredders specifically: always connect all three output ports. The machine outputs 3 items per cycle, and unused ports cause instant jams.

4. Building Without the Database Tab

The in-game Database tab displays the full production chain for every item -- every intermediate step from raw materials to finished product. Placing buildings without checking this first leads to missing steps, wasted layouts, and frustrating teardowns. Review the chain before you build.

5. Placing Buildings in 3D View

Switch to Top View (Stash Mode) when laying out buildings and belts. The overhead perspective makes alignment straightforward and keeps your factory organized. Placing things from the default 3D camera leads to messy layouts that are painful to debug later.

6. Burning Amethyst on Early Batteries

Amethyst is scarce in the early game and needed for gear, buildings, and consumables. Don't divert it into battery production yet -- fuel Thermal Banks with raw Originium Ore until you have a comfortable Amethyst surplus.

7. Ignoring Protocol Dataloggers

Free AIC Index is sitting on the map in the form of glowing Datalogger orbs. Every one you walk past is a research node you can't unlock. Check the paperclip markers whenever you explore a new area.

8. Being Afraid to Delete

Demolishing and rebuilding is completely free in Endfield. There's zero material cost, zero penalty. If your layout is messy, tear it down and rebuild it better. Experimentation is how you learn what works -- don't let a bad factory linger because you're worried about losing progress.

Quick Reference Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

How does power distribution work in Arknights: Endfield?

Power originates at your PAC (Protocol Automation-Core) which provides roughly 200 base power. From there it travels through Relay Towers (80m range) to Electric Pylons (30m wireless radius). Thermal Banks burn fuel like Batteries to generate additional power beyond the PAC's base limit. Researching Pylon Relaying in Basic AIC II lets Pylons transmit power forward like mini Relay Towers.

How do you set up the infinite Sandleaf Powder loop in Arknights: Endfield?

Place a Seed-Picking Unit loaded with 1 Sandleaf, connect it to a Planting Unit via belt. Route one Planting Unit output back to the Seed-Picker (for re-seeding) and the other to a Shredding Unit. The Shredder converts 1 Sandleaf into 3 Sandleaf Powder. You must use all three Shredder output ports to prevent clogs, routing each to a Protocol Stash for automatic Depot transfer.

What is the Depot Bus in Arknights: Endfield?

The Depot Bus is a shared logistics system unlocked through the AIC Steward quest. It creates a resource highway using Bus Sections, Ports, Loaders, and Unloaders. Any Loader can push items onto the bus, and any Unloader can pull them off, across your entire AIC. In Valley IV locations are fixed, but in Wuling you can place Bus Sections freely anywhere.

How does the factory work in the Wuling region of Arknights: Endfield?

Wuling introduces Xiranite as its signature material, produced at the Forge of the Sky (max 2 total across all Wuling AICs). Xiranite Pylons and Relays auto-connect to the PAC and each other within range, eliminating manual wiring. Depot Buses can be placed freely unlike Valley IV's fixed positions. Bootstrap power with Valley IV batteries until local LC Wuling Battery production is running.