DIRECT TOP-UP
CARDArknights: Endfield 1.4 "Into the Abyss" Double 6-Star Dilemma: Physical DPS "Jue" vs Electro Support "Linuo" – Who Should You Pull First?
Two six-star Operators split between the first and second half: ask yourself whether you lack a main DPS or a complete system
It’s finally here! Version 1.4, “Into the Abyss,” officially launches on July 16. Besides the story update, this is also Endfield’s half-anniversary celebration, so of course there will be plenty of goodies. From the official PV, it is easy to see how much effort the team has put in: this update brings two brand-new six-star Operators at once, with “Jue” (Li Zhiyan) in the first half and “Lino” in the second half.
For players, getting two featured characters at once is always bittersweet. The good news: double the excitement. The bad news: you may have no idea which one to choose.
The bigger issue this time is that the two characters have completely different roles, and their banners do not share pity. With limited resources, who should you pull first? There is no universal answer—it depends entirely on what your roster is missing most.
Here is the simple version: if your Physical team lacks a major carry, go for “Jue”; if your Electric team is already taking shape, add “Lino.” Based on past experience, main DPS characters usually stay relevant longer than supports, so if both of your teams are lacking, the recommendation is still to secure the first-half Operator, “Jue,” first.
To help everyone make a clearer decision, let’s take a closer look at the characters in this update!
“Jue” (Li Zhiyan) — Physical core vs. Electric support
As the first dual-form Caster, Jue is undoubtedly a Physical main DPS. Li Zhiyan is also the captain of the Yinglong Special Service action team and a key figure in the main story. In Version 1.2, she had a major highlight moment when she directly confronted Adashir. The biggest selling point of her combat kit is dual-form switching: at range, she controls three large flying swords for AoE strikes; up close, she transforms them into a one-handed sword for agile slashes. These two output modes can be switched depending on the combat situation, rather than being locked after a single transformation.
In-depth skill breakdown:
According to the official Operator showcase, her combat system revolves around “floating cannon-type devices,” and her skill names carry a strong traditional flavor:
Basic Attack: Heavy Fire Interception — controls floating cannons for ranged attacks and can switch to sword form for close-range slashes;
Combat Skill: Pushing Jade Grid — her core long-range AoE attack skill, where the floating cannons transform into sword-like forms and strike enemies at high speed;
Link Skill: Yinglong Form IV — its trigger conditions are tied to dual-form switching. The Wisdom form focuses on high-frequency skill links for pure Arts burst, while the Intent form focuses on grouping enemies and applying AoE Arts attachment;
Ultimate: Break the Gloom — a burst damage tool that synergizes with special effects targeting Transdomain energy;
Dual-form switching mechanic: her floating cannon attacks have extremely strong interference and destruction effects against Transdomain energy, which directly echoes the story’s need to deal with Adashir. Her two output modes can be switched according to the battlefield—controlling three large flying swords from range for AoE attacks, or transforming them into a one-handed sword for agile melee strikes.
After going through a lot of community discussion, the general view is that Li Zhiyan’s two forms correspond to two tactical styles: “Array Jue · Wisdom” focuses on high-frequency skills and AoE corrosion damage, making it suitable for sustained on-field DPS; “Array Jue · Intent” leans toward grouping, control, and AoE Arts attachment, giving her a degree of support flexibility. This design, where she can both deal damage and provide utility, makes her more versatile than a traditional pure DPS character. As some preview analyses have pointed out, she applies Arts attachment faster than both “Brother Jie” characters and also has excellent grouping capability.
Cultural flavor also adds to her appeal: the codename “Jue” carries the Taoist meaning of “wielding a sword to slay demons and evil.” Her combat style also reflects the ideas of “purifying” and “dispersing” Transdomain power, which fits perfectly with the story’s theme of fighting Transdomain threats.
Should you pull? If your Physical team is still relying on temporary characters to hold the line, “Jue” has very high priority. Multiple analyses position her as the “core Physical DPS of the version,” and given that she has canonically fought Adashir head-on, her strength is unlikely to disappoint.
Lino — Electric healer support and system enabler
Lino is a rising idol from the Ring-Tower Chamber of Commerce, a celebrity known as the “Morning Star of Lavandorma.” Her appearance alone has already won over plenty of fans. On top of that, she is also an Electric support Operator from the Sarkaz, specifically the Whipheart Demon race. This dual identity shows that the developers really know how to create contrast.
In-depth skill mechanics breakdown based on the official livestream demo:
Combat Skill — enters “Singing Stance”:
After using her Combat Skill, she enters Singing Stance and provides an ATK boost to the whole team;
Heals friendly units within range every 3 seconds and attacks enemies about once every 10 seconds;
In this stance, she cannot perform basic attacks, while the SP cost of her Combat Skill is significantly reduced;
The Singing Stance field slowly follows the controlled character—even when Lino is off-field, the field automatically follows, greatly lowering the positioning requirement;
Link Skill — trigger conditions and effects:
During Singing Stance, it triggers automatically when the team applies or consumes elemental reactions on enemies;
Deals Electric damage, heals the controlled character, and restores Ultimate energy for Lino;
After triggering, Electric Operators can recover a small amount of SP when using Combat Skills;
Ultimate — enters “Heavenly Voice Stance”:
After release, she enters Heavenly Voice Stance and provides team-wide healing;
Grants Electric and Nature damage bonuses;
Forcibly applies the “Conductive” status to enemies and continuously deals damage;
Her combat style combines “stage idol elements with heavy mecha aesthetics”—she can transform into a mecha during battle, offering both ranged output and team buffs. This strong contrast has sparked plenty of discussion in the community. Some find it cool, while others feel it breaks immersion, but overall expectations remain high.
Here is another interesting behind-the-scenes detail: Lino’s Japanese voice actress, Riko Sasaki, also voices Uika Misumi, the collaboration Operator from Arknights x BanG Dream! Ave Mujica. Her story event title, “Like a Shooting Star,” also happens to be a line from the chorus of her own song “Kimi to Boku no Hoshi.” This Easter-egg-like crossover is a huge bonus for fans.
Should you pull? Lino is widely regarded as a powerful piece for Electric teams, offering clear upgrades to Electric Operators, especially Zhuang Fangyi. Her Link Skill mechanics and Electric SP recovery make Electric team rotations much smoother. However, if your Electric system is not yet established, her value will be discounted. In short: she is not here to save a weak team; she is here to make a strong team even stronger.
Half-anniversary rewards overview: plenty of resources, but do not expect a free six-star
As a half-anniversary celebration, Version 1.4 does offer a rich lineup of rewards. Take a look below ↓↓↓
Orundum-like premium currency: version events will provide over 5,000 in total, including login bonuses, scratch cards, and more
Free six-star weapon: participate in celebration events to receive the six-star weapon “Gaze Afar” (one-handed sword)
Pull resources: free-to-play players can obtain around 120 pulls in total during the version
About the rumor of a “free half-anniversary character”: although the Arknights series has a tradition of giving out six-star units during half-anniversaries, the official team has not confirmed that either “Jue” or “Lino” will be given away. The community previously speculated that Li Zhiyan might be free, but the official preview has already debunked this. It is better to keep expectations low and treat the rewards as extra pull resources rather than a guarantee for a free character.
Other Version content at a glance
New areas “Yinglong Pass” + “Northern Forbidden Zone”: Version 1.4, “Into the Abyss,” will open two brand-new main story maps at once—Yinglong Pass and the Northern Forbidden Zone. Yinglong Pass is the only route connecting Wuling with the Northern Forbidden Zone and is being reopened for the first time in ten years. Its map design blends “wuxia spirit” and “mechanism arts,” consisting of multiple small islands. Players must explore along ink-trace paths created by the Feranmut agent “Si,” light altars to charge the “Balepair Tower,” and complete the final enhancement of the “Pivot Soil Instrument.” The Northern Forbidden Zone is the homeland that the people of Wuling lost ten years ago. It has now been completely swallowed by “Corrosion Miasma,” presenting a bleak wasteland of despair and serving as the true climax stage of the main story. These two maps mark the coming finale of the Wuling chapter and are also key scenes where “Jue” fights alongside the Administrator and where the mysterious Feranmut agent “Si” makes its first appearance. Whether you are here for story or exploration, there is plenty to look forward to.
Main story progress: “Chapter 2 - Progress VI - Before the Afterglow” will open. Players must first complete “Chapter 1 - Progress II - End of Repair” to unlock the Wuling region
New gameplay: the new permanent challenge series “Seeing the Hollow in the Mountains” for “Shadow Monument,” rotating stages for “Reminiscence Season” and “Rong’an Season,” and the fun event “Root Garment Wonderland”
Optimization: the PS5 Pro version will receive a PSSR technology upgrade, improving distant buildings, vegetation layering, and texture detail
After Version 1.4 launches on July 16, first evaluate your roster’s weaknesses. If you lack a main DPS, go for “Jue.” If your Electric system is already established, wait for “Lino.” The half-anniversary rewards are generous, but banner pity does not carry over, so do not get too greedy with resource allocation. If you are still unsure, you can wait until the second-half banner opens and check practical reviews before deciding. Characters will come around, but once resources are spent, they are gone.
How should you top up on the Global server? Kardz recharge experience overview
Speaking of resource planning, although Version 1.4 gives out plenty of rewards, trying to pull both six-stars with free resources alone may still be tight. Players on the Global or Hong Kong/Taiwan servers probably know how troublesome the official top-up process can be when it involves credit card binding. At times like this, using a reliable top-up platform can save a lot of hassle.
As a well-reviewed professional platform, Kardz has several practical advantages often mentioned by returning customers:
The price is indeed lower than official channels. With platform discounts plus newcomer benefits or summer events, the overall price can be nearly 30% cheaper than official top-up routes. The large monthly pass, also known as the Protocol Custom Pass, also has strong discounts, so players with a higher budget can consider prioritizing it. If you plan to keep both the monthly pass and large monthly pass active, you can save the price of a meal over a few months.
Delivery is genuinely fast. Top-up service packages are usually completed within 15–30 minutes after payment, while direct recharge packages are even faster. Although the official estimate says 15 minutes, most returning users report that it usually feels no longer than that. One user even topped up late at night and still received an instant customer service reply, which is quite rare among top-up platforms.
As a professional service, Kardz customer support is available for long hours, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 midnight every day, unlike some platforms where messages go unanswered for ages. If a Google account login requires a backup verification code, Kardz support can also guide you through the process in real time.
However, there are a few things you should pay attention to:
Always check the “Global server” label carefully, as Taiwan server and Global server accounts are not interchangeable!
Do not log into the game during the recharge process, or the order may get stuck!
Remember to change your password after the top-up, especially for assisted top-up packages. Kardz will not misuse customers’ personal information, but it is still recommended to set a temporary password or change your account credentials afterward to protect your account security.
If this is your first time using the service, start with the smallest amount to test the process. For example, top up a monthly pass first, confirm that delivery works smoothly, and then place a larger order. Playing it safe is never a bad idea.
If you also play on the Global server and do not want to deal with the official recharge process, you can check out Kardz. Search for “Arknights: Endfield” on the official site to find the product page, or simply click the product below to place an order!
-2a715a59b9ac4d34bbed497d36983382.png?x-oss-process=image/resize,m_fill,h_160,w_120/format,webp)
