Arknights: Endfield Factory Layout & Production Guide – Maximize Stock Bills

30-Second Quick-Start (TL;DR)

• Progress through Act 1 of Chapter 1 until you unlock the tech tree (around account level 10–11).
• Unlock these tech tree nodes in order: Material Molding → Solid Filling → Planting Unit; Parts Fitting → Packaging Tech; Power (for increased capacity); Protocol Stash (optional but recommended for space efficiency).
• Build a self-feeding planting system first: Seed Picking Unit feeds two Planting Units, which loop one seed back to the Seed Picking Unit, with surplus buckflower and echotin sent to Protocol Stash.
• Set up three core production lines in this order: Batteries (amethyst fiber + originium powder), Buckflower Capsules (amethyst fiber + buckflower powder), Industrial Explosives (amethyst fiber + echotin powder).
• Match production ratios: If a machine produces one item every 2 seconds but you need two per batch, add a second machine to the input line.
• Link all outputs to Protocol Stash, then to Automation Core so items auto-collect while you’re offline.
• Sell produced items at the Outpost trading system for Stock Bills, which unlock operator progression, gifts, equipment crafting, and system upgrades.
• Biggest Mistake to Avoid: Ignoring the factory system entirely. Passive production while you sleep or play other content is the single biggest progression multiplier in the game.

What This Guide Helps You Do

This guide teaches you how to design and build efficient production lines in Arknights: Endfield’s factory system so you generate Stock Bills passively—the universal currency that unlocks operator gear, gifts, shop items, system upgrades, and more. Without factory automation, you’re manually crafting resources and leaving free progression on the table.

Best for: Players who’ve finished Act 1 of Chapter 1 and unlocked the tech tree; anyone frustrated by slow progression or confused by production chains; players who want to optimize their factory layout without wasting materials.

Requirements & Prep

Before You Start

• Account Level 10–11 minimum: You must complete Act 1 of Chapter 1 and defeat the first boss to unlock the tech tree.
• Tech Tree Unlocked: Confirm the tech tree is available in your menu before attempting any production lines.
• Gathered Materials: You should have at least some Buckflower and Echotin from exploration. These are the seeds for your self-feeding loops.
• Basic Automation Core: This is your default item collection hub; you unlock it automatically as part of story progression.

Tech Tree Nodes You Must Unlock First (in suggested order)

1. Material Molding — prerequisite for Solid Filling
2. Solid Filling — prerequisite for Planting Unit
3. Planting Unit — unlocks the Seed Picking Unit and Planting Unit machines
4. Parts Fitting — prerequisite for Packaging Tech
5. Packaging Tech — unlocks Packaging Unit (needed for batteries, capsules, explosives)
6. Power — increases your factory’s maximum power capacity (mandatory as you add more machines)
7. Protocol Stash (Quality of Life) — compact storage and auto-return to Automation Core; not required but saves massive space

Optional but Helpful

• Blueprints: Once you’ve built a production line you like, select all machines and create a blueprint to save the layout. You can share blueprints with other players (though they’re server-locked, so American server players may need to rebuild designs from scratch).
• Database Search: Use the in-game database to search any item name (e.g., “Battery”) and pin production chains to your screen for reference while building.

Route Overview

The factory system is a passive production loop. You build it once, power it, and it runs forever—even when you’re offline. Here’s the full progression:

1. Unlock the tech tree and purchase the core nodes listed above.
2. Build a self-feeding planting system that produces Buckflower and Echotin seeds indefinitely without draining your gathered stockpile.
3. Set up three primary production lines:
   • Batteries (for power and Stock Bills)
   • Buckflower Capsules (for the early Outpost and Stock Bills)
   • Industrial Explosives (for exploration and Stock Bills)
4. Link all outputs to the Automation Core via Protocol Stash (or direct transport belts if you prefer).
5. Sell finished items at the Outpost trading system for Stock Bills.
6. Spend Stock Bills on: Operator gear, trust gifts, shop items, and system upgrades (like expanding your factory area).

The key insight: Complexity = Higher Value. Raw ore sells for almost nothing; refined powder sells for more; finished items (batteries, capsules, explosives) sell for the most Stock Bills. That’s why automation is worth the setup cost.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Phase 1: Understanding Production Chains

Step: Learn to read a production chain in the database

Before you build anything, you need to understand how items are made. Every production line follows a chain: raw material → processed material → final product.

How to do it:

1. Open the database and search for an item (e.g., “Component” or “Battery”).
2. Select “View Details” and you’ll see the full production chain laid out visually.
3. Pin this to your screen so you can reference it while building.
4. Read the chain line by line: note which machine each step uses, what inputs it needs, and how many of each.

Why it matters: If you skip this step, you’ll build mismatched production ratios and create bottlenecks (machines waiting for input, or input piling up unused). A 30-second database check saves you hours of wasted belt layout.

Common mistake: Assuming all machines produce at the same speed. They don’t. If Machine A produces one fiber every 2 seconds but you need two fibers per batch, you must add a second Machine A to keep up.

Phase 2: Build the Self-Feeding Planting System

Step: Place a Seed Picking Unit and two Planting Units in a line

The planting system is your foundation. It takes Buckflower (gathered from the map) and converts it into seeds, which grow back into flowers indefinitely—no external input needed after setup.

How to do it:

1. Place a Seed Picking Unit on your factory floor.
2. Place two Planting Units in a row next to it (or in any layout; spacing doesn’t matter as long as belts connect them).
3. Configure the Seed Picking Unit to process Buckflower. One Buckflower becomes two Buckflower Seeds.
4. Connect the Seed Picking Unit output to both Planting Units with transport belts.
5. Power everything with an Electric Pylon.
6. Place one Buckflower into the Seed Picking Unit to start.

What happens: The Seed Picking Unit produces two seeds every cycle. Both Planting Units consume those two seeds (one each) and produce one Buckflower each. One of those flowers loops back into the Seed Picking Unit, keeping it fed forever. The other flower is surplus.

Why it matters: This loop is self-sustaining. You’ll never run out of seeds or flowers, and you’ll generate surplus to feed into other production lines or sell. Without this, you’d eventually exhaust your gathered flowers and have to manually farm more.

Common mistake: Not looping one Planting Unit output back to the Seed Picking Unit. If you don’t create the feedback loop, the Seed Picking Unit will starve after your initial stockpile runs out.

The fix: Explicitly connect one Planting Unit output back to the Seed Picking Unit input. The other Planting Unit’s output goes to your Protocol Stash or transport belt.

To scale it: Repeat this layout on the other side of your factory. Set up another Seed Picking Unit, two Planting Units, and a Protocol Stash. This time, configure it for Echotin instead of Buckflower. Now you’ve got two separate self-feeding loops producing both plants you need.

Phase 3: Build the Battery Production Line

Step: Gather materials and set up the amethyst line

Batteries are one of the three core production lines. They require two inputs: amethyst fiber (processed from amethyst ore) and originium powder (processed from originium ore).

Database check: Search “Battery” and note the production chain. You’ll see:

• Amethyst Ore → Refining Unit → Amethyst Fiber
• Amethyst Fiber → Fitting Unit → Amethyst Part (requires 5 fibers per part)
• Originium Ore → Shredding Unit → Originium Powder
• Amethyst Part + Originium Powder → Packaging Unit → Battery

How to build it (step by step):

1. Set up the amethyst line first:
   • Place a Refining Unit and configure it to process Amethyst Ore.
   • Connect an Amethyst Ore input (from your Automation Core or a transport belt from your mining area) to the Refining Unit.
   • Connect the Refining Unit output to a Fitting Unit.
   • The Fitting Unit will automatically process the amethyst fiber into amethyst parts (5 fibers → 1 part, every 10 seconds).
2. Set up the originium line:
   • Place a Shredding Unit and configure it to process Originium Ore.
   • Connect an Originium Ore input to the Shredding Unit.
   • The Shredding Unit produces one powder every 2 seconds.
3. Combine the outputs:
   • Connect both the Fitting Unit (amethyst parts) and Shredding Unit (originium powder) to a Packaging Unit.
   • The Packaging Unit will produce batteries whenever both inputs are available.
4. Power everything with an Electric Pylon.
5. Add a Protocol Stash at the end to auto-return batteries to your Automation Core.

Why it matters: Batteries are used for power capacity upgrades and sell for good Stock Bills. This is your first major passive income line.

The bottleneck problem: The Refining Unit produces amethyst fiber at one speed, the Fitting Unit consumes it at another speed, and the Shredding Unit produces powder at a third speed. If these don’t align, you’ll see one machine constantly waiting for input while another idles.

How to fix it (the ratio adjustment):

Watch the production rates:

• One Refining Unit produces one amethyst fiber every 2 seconds.
• One Fitting Unit consumes five amethyst fibers, producing one amethyst part every 10 seconds.
• One Shredding Unit produces one originium powder every 2 seconds.

The Packaging Unit needs one amethyst part (which takes 10 seconds to make) and one originium powder. In 10 seconds, the Shredding Unit produces 5 powders. You only need 1. This means you’re wasting 4 powders per battery cycle.

The solution: Add a second Shredding Unit. Now you produce 2 powders every 2 seconds (10 total per 10-second cycle). This matches the amethyst part production exactly. The Packaging Unit now runs continuously without waiting.

Common mistake: Leaving the ratio unbalanced and wondering why your battery production is slow. The game doesn’t warn you when a machine is idle waiting for input.

Phase 4: Build the Buckflower Capsule Line

Step: Set up the amethyst fiber and buckflower powder inputs

Buckflower Capsules are the first item you’ll trade at the Outpost. They’re relatively simple: amethyst fiber + buckflower powder.

Database check: Search “Buckflower Capsule” and note:

• Amethyst Ore → Refining Unit → Amethyst Fiber
• Amethyst Fiber → Molding Unit → Bottle
• Buckflower → (Seed Picking Unit already converts this to seeds; you need the powder form)
• Buckflower Powder + Bottle → Filling Unit → Buckflower Capsule

How to build it:

1. Set up the amethyst line:
   • Place a Refining Unit configured for Amethyst Ore.
   • Connect the output to a Molding Unit (this creates the bottle).
2. Get buckflower powder:
   • From your self-feeding planting system, you’ve got surplus Buckflower (the flowers that don’t loop back).
   • You can feed these directly into a Molding Unit (or another processing step if the database shows one) to create Buckflower Powder.
   • Likely based on context: Buckflower may go through a Molding Unit to become powder, similar to how Echotin does. Check the database for “Buckflower Powder” to confirm the exact machine.
3. Combine at the Filling Unit:
   • Connect the Molding Unit output (bottle) and your Buckflower Powder source to a Filling Unit.
   • The Filling Unit produces Buckflower Capsules.
4. Handle the surplus:
   • Your self-feeding planting system produces 2 Buckflowers per cycle but only uses 1 to keep the loop alive. The extra 1 becomes powder.
   • You need 2 amethyst fibers per bottle, but you might produce more powder than you need capsules.
   • Create a second Protocol Stash to send excess Buckflower Powder back to your Automation Core (you can use it as a healing item or sell it separately).
5. Power everything with an Electric Pylon.

Why it matters: Buckflower Capsules are the first major trade item at the Outpost, giving you your first real Stock Bill income.

The ratio problem: Similar to batteries, you need to ensure your Refining Unit (producing fiber) and Molding Unit (producing bottles) are balanced. If one is slower, add a second machine.

Common mistake: Not setting up the surplus buckflower powder return. You’ll clog your Filling Unit with powder while bottles are still being made, causing the line to stall.

Phase 5: Build the Industrial Explosives Line

Step: Set up the amethyst and echotin lines

Industrial Explosives are the third core production line. They require amethyst fiber (from your existing setup) and echotin powder (from your second self-feeding planting loop).

Database check: Search “Industrial Explosive” and note:

• Amethyst Ore → Refining Unit → Amethyst Fiber
• Amethyst Fiber → Fitting Unit → Amethyst Part
• Echotin → (Molding Unit or similar) → Echotin Powder
• Amethyst Part + Echotin Powder → Packaging Unit → Industrial Explosive

How to build it:

1. Set up the amethyst line:
   • You can reuse the Refining and Fitting Units from your battery line if they’ve got spare capacity, or build a new set.
   • Connect amethyst ore input to a Refining Unit, then to a Fitting Unit.
2. Set up the echotin line:
   • From your second self-feeding planting loop, you’ve got surplus Echotin flowers.
   • Feed these into a Molding Unit (or the appropriate machine from the database) to create Echotin Powder.
3. Combine at the Packaging Unit:
   • Connect the Fitting Unit output (amethyst parts) and Echotin Powder source to a Packaging Unit.
   • The Packaging Unit produces Industrial Explosives.
4. Handle the surplus:
   • Like Buckflower, you’ll have more Echotin Powder than you need for explosives.
   • Send the excess to a Protocol Stash and back to your Automation Core.
5. Power everything with an Electric Pylon.

Why it matters: Industrial Explosives are used to explore the map (destroy walls, open paths) and sell for excellent Stock Bills. This line keeps both your exploration and income flowing.

Common mistake: Building all three production lines (battery, capsule, explosive) with separate Refining and Fitting Units. This wastes space and power. You can share machines between lines if you’re willing to accept slightly lower production or use splitter belts to distribute input.

Space-efficient alternative: Build one central Refining Unit and Fitting Unit that serve multiple lines. Use transport belts to split their output. This is more compact but requires careful ratio management.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

Advanced Tips & Time Saves

Tip #1: Create Blueprints for Reusable Layouts

Once you’ve built a production line you’re happy with, select all machines and create a blueprint. You can save this and even share it with other players (though blueprints are server-locked). This saves you from rebuilding the same layout multiple times.

Tip #2: Use Splitter Belts to Share Machines Between Lines

Advanced / Space-saving: If you want to save space, you can use a single Refining Unit to feed multiple downstream machines (Fitting, Molding, etc.) using splitter belts. However, this reduces production per line. Only do this if you’re comfortable managing ratios manually.

Tip #3: Prioritize Buckflower Capsules First

Buckflower Capsules are the easiest to produce and trade at the Outpost earliest. Set this line up before batteries or explosives if you want quick Stock Bills. Batteries take longer because they require two separate ore types to be processed.

Tip #4: Scale Gradually

Don’t try to build all three production lines at once. Build one, get it stable, then add the next. This prevents power overload and gives you time to understand each system before it gets complex.

Tip #5: Use the Mining Rig for Passive Ore Collection

Likely based on context: The transcript mentions an “Electric Mining Rig” that automatically mines ore from nodes without manual interaction. Once you unlock this tech, set it up on your ore nodes so you’ve got a steady input of raw materials. This feeds your production lines automatically.

Tip #6: Don’t Overthink Aesthetics

Your factory doesn’t need to look pretty. Straight lines, curves, overlapping belts—none of it matters as long as items flow and production happens. Focus on function, not form.

FAQ

Q: Do I need to be in my factory for production to happen?

A: No. Once you set up a production line and power it, it runs continuously—even when you’re offline, sleeping, or playing other content. This is the core advantage of the factory system. You can go to bed, and when you wake up, you’ll have thousands of items waiting in your Automation Core.

Q: What are Stock Bills used for?

A: Stock Bills unlock: operator gear (equipment for your units), trust gifts (to increase operator relationships), items in the Stalker Distribution shop (including standard recruitment pools), and system upgrades (like expanding your factory area). Essentially, Stock Bills gate your progression. The more you produce and trade, the faster you progress.

Q: Can I share my production line blueprints with friends?

A: Yes, you can create and share blueprints. However, blueprints are server-locked, meaning if you play on the American server and your friend plays on a different server, they won’t be able to import your blueprint directly. They can view it and rebuild it manually, which is why the video guides are useful—they show you how the layout works so you can recreate it anywhere.

Q: What if I run out of power?

A: Your factory has a maximum power capacity. If you try to add more machines and hit the cap, production will stall. Unlock the “Power” tech in the tech tree to increase your capacity. Each upgrade lets you add more machines without hitting the ceiling.

Q: Should I delete my production lines and rebuild them if they’re inefficient?

A: Yes, without hesitation. The game doesn’t penalize you for deleting machines. If a layout isn’t working or feels too messy, tear it down and rebuild. This is part of the learning process. Efficiency comes from experimentation, not perfection on the first try.

Q: When should I start the factory system?

A: As soon as you unlock the tech tree (after defeating the first boss). Don’t wait. The earlier you start, the more passive income you accumulate. Even a small production line running for a week generates far more Stock Bills than you’d earn manually in the same time.

Quick Reference Card (Screenshot This)

• Unlock Requirement: Complete Act 1 of Chapter 1 (account level 10–11), defeat the first boss, unlock the tech tree.
• Tech Tree Priority: Material Molding → Solid Filling → Planting Unit; Parts Fitting → Packaging Tech; Power; Protocol Stash.
• Build Order: Self-feeding planting system first (Buckflower + Echotin loops), then Batteries, Buckflower Capsules, Industrial Explosives.
• Self-Feeding Loop Setup: One Seed Picking Unit → two Planting Units. Loop one flower back to the Seed Picking Unit. Send surplus to Protocol Stash.
• Battery Line: Amethyst Ore → Refining Unit → Fitting Unit (produces amethyst parts). Originium Ore → Shredding Unit (produces powder). Both feed into Packaging Unit.
• Buckflower Capsule Line: Amethyst Ore → Refining Unit → Molding Unit (produces bottles). Buckflower → Molding Unit (produces powder). Both feed into Filling Unit.
• Explosives Line: Amethyst Ore → Refining Unit → Fitting Unit (produces amethyst parts). Echotin → Molding Unit (produces powder). Both feed into Packaging Unit.
• Ratio Fix: If production stalls, add a second input machine (e.g., second Refining Unit, second Shredding Unit) to match output rates.
• Power Everything: Every machine needs an Electric Pylon connection. Upgrade power capacity in the tech tree if you hit the limit.
• Return Items: Link all outputs to Protocol Stash, then to Automation Core. Items auto-collect even when offline.
• Trade at Outpost: Sell finished items (capsules, batteries, explosives) for Stock Bills. Stock Bills unlock gear, gifts, shops, and upgrades.
• Don’t Fear Deletion: Deleting and rebuilding is free. Experiment, optimize, and iterate. There’s no penalty for trying new layouts.

Summary: Why the Factory System Matters

The factory system in Arknights: Endfield isn’t optional—it’s the primary progression lever. While other players manually craft items or grind resources, you’re generating Stock Bills passively 24/7. Stock Bills unlock every progression gate: operator equipment, trust gifts, shop items, and system upgrades. Without the factory, you’re leaving massive progression on the table.

The barrier to entry is low. You only need to understand one concept: production chains. Once you grasp that raw materials → processed materials → finished items, and that each step has a machine and a speed, you can build any production line in the game. The three lines covered here (batteries, capsules, explosives) are your foundation. Master them, and you’ll never struggle for Stock Bills again.

Start today. Unlock the tech tree, build the self-feeding planting system, and set up your first production line. By tomorrow morning, you’ll have thousands of items waiting for you. That’s the power of automation.