# Weapon EXP Protocol 2026 - Walkthrough

> Arknights Endfield Weapon EXP Protocol Space guide. Arts Reactions mechanics, weapon EXP material farming, and Arts-based operator recommendations.

Source: https://endfieldhub.org/guides/weapon-exp-protocol
Published: 2026-02-09
Updated: 2026-02-09

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.