Weapon EXP Protocol Complete Guide
Weapon EXP Materials Farming - Arts Reactions and DMG Reduction
Last updated: 2026-02-09
Complete guide to Weapon EXP Protocol Space in Arknights: Endfield with 5 stages, Arts Reactions mechanics (bonus damage + vulnerability), DMG Reduction removal through Arts, team compositions, and sanity-efficient weapon EXP material farming.
* TL;DR - Key Points
- * Best early EXP: Stage 1-2 - 40-50 Sanity for early game weapon materials
- * Best material density: Stage 4-5 - 70-80 Sanity for late game weapon EXP
- * Lv 1-2 Mechanic: Arts Reactions deal more DMG and inflict temporary DMG debuff
- * Lv 3+ Mechanic: Enemies have DMG Reduction. Arts Inflictions/Reactions can remove it
- * Location: The Hub - accessible mid-game (Authority Level 25+)
- * Primary rewards: Weapon EXP materials
Contents
What is Weapon EXP Protocol Space?
Weapon EXP Protocol Space is a combat challenge mode located in The Hub that rewards weapon EXP materials for upgrading weapons. It features unique mechanics centered around Arts Reactions and enemy DMG Reduction.
Critical: Arts Operators Mandatory
Stage 3+ features enemies with DMG Reduction that can only be removed through Arts Inflictions or Arts Reactions. Pure Physical teams will struggle significantly. Bring Arts-based operators.
Level 1-2 Mechanic: Arts Reactions Bonus
Mechanic: Arts Reactions deal more DMG to enemies and inflict temporary debuff that causes them to suffer more DMG.
What This Means
- • Arts-based attacks deal increased damage through reaction mechanics
- • Successful Arts Reactions apply temporary vulnerability debuff
- • Vulnerability increases damage taken from subsequent attacks
How to Exploit
- • Build team with Arts-based operators
- • Prioritize triggering Arts Reactions
- • Chain attacks after successful reactions for vulnerability bonus
- • Consider element combinations for optimal reaction triggers
Level 3+ Mechanic: DMG Reduction Removal
Mechanic: Enemies have DMG Reduction. Arts Inflictions and/or Arts Reactions can remove enemies' DMG Reduction. Arts Reactions can inflict temporary debuff making enemies take more DMG.
Critical: DMG Removal Essential
Enemies in Stage 3+ have DMG Reduction that significantly reduces ALL damage. You must use Arts Inflictions (applying elemental status) or trigger Arts Reactions to remove this DMG Reduction before effective damage is possible. Physical-only teams fail here.
Stage-by-Stage Walkthroughs
Stage 1 (40 Sanity) - Easy-Medium
Mechanic: Lv 1-2: Arts Reactions bonus active
Basic enemies with moderate HP. 2-3 waves.
Strategy: Build Arts-focused team. Trigger Arts Reactions. Chain attacks for vulnerability bonus.
Pro Tip:
Excellent Sanity efficiency. Build Arts-focused team with consistent reaction triggers. Vulnerability debuff significantly increases damage output.
Stage 2 (50 Sanity) - Medium
Mechanic: Lv 1-2: Arts Reactions bonus active
Higher HP enemies benefit more from vulnerability.
When to Move: When Stage 1 clears are under 2 minutes and Arts application consistent.
Stage 3 (60 Sanity) - Medium-Hard
Mechanic: Lv 3+: DMG Reduction requires removal via Arts
High HP enemies with DMG Reduction. 3 waves.
Strategy: Arts operators mandatory. Remove DMG Reduction before dealing damage. Use vulnerability after removal.
Stage 4 (70 Sanity) - Hard
Mechanic: Lv 3+: DMG Removal active and stronger
Recommended: Operators Level 40+, E1 promoted team
Strategy: Strong Arts team required. Consistent DMG Reduction removal essential. E1 promoted team recommended.
Stage 5 (80 Sanity) - Very Hard
Mechanic: Lv 3+: DMG Removal at maximum
Recommended: Operators Level 60+, E2-E3 promoted team
Strategy: Endgame content. Max Arts frequency mandatory. Perfect DMG Reduction removal essential. Highest weapon material density.
Team Composition Guide
| Slot | Role | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Main DPS | Arts-based operators |
| 2 | Arts Specialist | Arts Infliction/Reaction specialists |
| 3 | Support | Healer or buffer operator |
| 4 | Tank/Support | High DEF/HP or additional Arts |
Critical: Arts Mandatory for Stage 3+
The DMG Reduction mechanic demands Arts-based teams. Physical-only teams fail at Stage 3+. Build around operators with high Arts frequency and Infliction capabilities. Removing DMG Reduction is essential - Physical damage is ineffective against DMG-Reduced enemies.
When to Farm Weapon EXP
| Authority Level | Recommended Stage | Runs Per Day |
|---|---|---|
| 25-30 | Stage 1 | 2-3 |
| 30-40 | Stage 2 | 2-2 |
| 40-50 | Stage 3-4 | 1-2 |
| 50+ | Stage 4-5 | 1-2 |
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
1. Not using Arts operators
Problem: Bringing Physical team to Protocol Space with DMG Reduction. Fix: Arts operators mandatory for Stage 3+. Physical damage ineffective against DMG-Reduced enemies.
2. Ignoring DMG Reduction
Problem: Attacking without removing DMG Reduction first. Fix: Use Arts Inflictions/Reactions to remove DMG Reduction before dealing damage. Essential for Stage 3+.
3. Not triggering Arts Reactions
Problem: Using single-element Arts only. Fix: Use elemental combinations to trigger Arts Reactions. Bonus damage and vulnerability debuff essential.
Quick Reference Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key mechanics in Weapon EXP Protocol?
Level 1-2: Arts Reactions deal more damage and inflict vulnerability debuff. Level 3+: Enemies have DMG Reduction. Arts Inflictions and Reactions can remove DMG Reduction.
Do I need Arts operators for Weapon EXP Protocol?
Absolutely. Stage 3+ features enemies with DMG Reduction that can only be removed by Arts Inflictions/Reactions. Physical-only teams will struggle significantly at higher stages.
When should I start farming Weapon EXP Protocol?
Start around Authority Level 25+ with Stage 1-2. Progress to Stage 3+ when you have Arts-based operators and reach Authority Level 35+.
What rewards do Weapon EXP Protocol stages provide?
Stages reward Weapon EXP materials for weapon leveling. Higher stages provide better material density and higher-tier materials but require stronger teams.
How do I remove DMG Reduction in Stage 3+?
Use Arts Inflictions (applying elemental status effects) or trigger Arts Reactions. Both can remove enemies' DMG Reduction, allowing effective damage.