AIC Factory System Guide: From Zero to Hero

Version: 1.0 | Read time: 25 min | Updated: 2026-03-04 Sources: Game8, Mobalytics, enka.network, oslink.io

Overview

The Automated Industry Complex (AIC) is Arknights: Endfield's core factory building and base construction feature. It allows you to mine resources, automate production, and craft essential gear—all while you're offline.

Why AIC Matters: Your base generates resources 24/7. Setting it up correctly from Day 1 compounds your progression permanently.

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Core Concepts & Terminology

Term	Meaning	Importance
PAC	Primary AIC (main factory)	Your home base
Sub-PAC	Secondary factories	Extend your reach
Mining Node	Resource extraction points	Raw materials
Depot	Storage facilities	Hold your goods
Belt	Transport infrastructure	Move items
Thermal Bank	Power generation	Everything needs power
Relay Tower	Power transmission	Connect distant areas
Depot Bus	Centralized storage system	Efficient logistics

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Understanding Power Management

Power is EVERYTHING

Nothing works without power. Your Thermal Banks generate electricity, and Relay Towers distribute it. This is your first priority.

Thermal Bank Setup

Component	Function	Priority
Thermal Bank	Generates power	Build first
Batteries	Fuel for banks	Keep stocked
Relay Tower	Transmits power	Connect areas

Power Chain

[Battery] → [Thermal Bank] → [Relay Tower] → [Facilities]

Power Efficiency Tips

1. Centralize Thermal Banks - Shorter relay chains = less loss
2. Check batteries 2x daily - Morning and before bed
3. Plan for expansion - Build power capacity before you need it
4. Battery types matter - Higher tier = more power per bank

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First Production Line: Basic Components

Day 1 Setup Goal

Get Amethyst Components producing automatically.

Production Chain

[Mining Node: Amethyst Ore]
        ↓
[Electric Mining Rig] (Power required)
        ↓
[Belt] → [Crusher] → Amethyst Fiber
        ↓
[Belt] → [Assembler] → Amethyst Part
        ↓
[Belt] → [Depot]

Required Facilities

Facility	Input	Output	Time
Mining Rig	Ore Node	Raw Ore	Continuous
Crusher	Raw Ore x1	Fiber x1	2s
Assembler	Fiber x5 + Origocrust x5	Component x1	10s

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Valley-IV Factory Progression

Early Game (AL 1-18)

Priority Materials:

• Amethyst Components
• LC Valley Batteries
• Basic buckflowers

Setup:

Mining → Crushing → Basic Assembly → Storage
Focus: Get Electric Mining Rigs running

Mid Game (AL 18-34)

Priority Materials:

• Ferrium Components
• SC Valley Batteries
• Sandleaf Powder

Setup:

Multiple production lines
Depot Bus for centralized storage
Expanded power grid

Late Game (AL 34+)

Priority Materials:

• Cryston Components
• Advanced Batteries
• Specialized crafting materials

Setup:

Full automation
Multiple Sub-PACs connected
Optimal throughput balancing

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Production Rate Calculations

Output Per Hour (Optimized)

Production Line	Output/Hour	Required Facilities
Basic Ore	120	4 Mining Rigs
Refined Materials	40	2 Crushers
Components	15	1 Assembler
Batteries	6	Dedicated line

Daily Production Targets

Material Type	Target/Day	Setup Required
T1-T2 Materials	200+	Basic lines
Refinement Ore	100+	Dedicated line
Components	50+	Advanced setup
Batteries	20+	Essential line

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Common Mistakes & Solutions

Power Issues

Problem	Cause	Solution
Facilities stopped	No power	Check Thermal Bank batteries
Distant nodes offline	No connection	Build Relay Towers
Power shortage	Too many facilities	Add more Thermal Banks
Inconsistent power	Battery depletion	Check 2x daily

Production Issues

Problem	Cause	Solution
Lines not running	Belt disconnection	Verify all connections
Output stuck	Full depot	Expand storage or use Depot Bus
Unbalanced materials	Wrong ratios	Adjust belt splitting
Slow production	Bottleneck	Find and upgrade slowest step

Logistics Issues

Problem	Cause	Solution
Items not moving	Belt direction wrong	Check belt arrows
Depot overflow	No Bus system	Implement Depot Bus
Clogged facilities	Output full	Add buffer storage

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AIC Index Upgrade Priority

Phase 1 (First Week)

Priority	Category	Node	Why
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Mining	Electric Mining Rig	Auto resource collection
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Power	Thermal Bank	Everything needs power
⭐⭐⭐⭐	Processing	Crusher	Turn ore into usable
⭐⭐⭐⭐	Processing	Assembler	Create components
⭐⭐⭐	Logistics	Depot Bus	Centralized storage

Phase 2 (Week 2-3)

Priority	Category	Node	Why
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Power	Power II Upgrades	Support expansion
⭐⭐⭐⭐	Logistics	Belt upgrades	Faster transport
⭐⭐⭐⭐	Processing	Advanced facilities	Higher tier materials
⭐⭐⭐	Exploration	Ziplines	QoL improvement

Phase 3 (Late Game)

Priority	Category	Node	Why
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Specialized	Planting Units	Automated plants
⭐⭐⭐⭐	Combat	Defense Turrets	Imminent Incursion
⭐⭐⭐	All	Efficiency upgrades	Min-max optimization

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Sub-PAC Locations & Strategy

Valley-IV Sub-PACs

Location	PAC Type	Notable Resources
The Hub	Main PAC	Central operations
Valley Pass	Sub-PAC	Additional space
Aburrey Quarry	No PAC	Connect via Relay
Originium Science Park	Sub-PAC	Research materials
Power Plateau	Sub-PAC	Power resources

Connection Strategy

1. Unlock Sub-PACs through story progression
2. Connect with Relay Towers from main grid
3. Specialize each area for specific production
4. Depot Bus links all storage together

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Blueprint System

Using Blueprints

Blueprints save time by letting you place pre-designed production layouts instantly.

Action	How	Notes
Create	Select facilities → Save as Blueprint	Your own designs
Import	Enter code → Apply	Community designs
Export	Generate code → Share	Help others
Apply	Select blueprint → Place	One-click setup

Blueprint Code Format

REGION-TYPE-VERSION-VARIANT

Example: V4-COMP-2026-A = Valley-4 Component production, 2026 version A

Community Blueprint Sources

• Official Discord #blueprints channel
• Reddit r/ArknightsEndfield
• In-game friends sharing
• Game8 blueprint guides

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Optimization Tips

Do's ✅

1. Plan before building - Sketch your layout
2. Balance input/output - Match production rates
3. Use overflow protection - Buffer storage prevents jams
4. Check batteries 2x daily - No power = no production
5. Upgrade progressively - Don't overcommit early

Don'ts ❌

1. Over-complicate early - Simple lines first
2. Ignore power planning - Build capacity ahead
3. Forget maintenance - Check belt connections
4. Skip storage buffers - Prevents production stops
5. Spread too thin - Master one line before adding

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Endgame Factory Goals

Target Metrics

Goal	Target Value
Passive material income	500+ materials/day
Power stability	99% uptime
Storage buffer	3-day capacity
Component production	50+/day
Battery self-sufficiency	Net positive

Full Automation Checklist

✓ All mining nodes electric
✓ All production lines connected
✓ Depot Bus centralized
✓ Power grid stable
✓ Battery line self-sustaining
✓ Multiple Sub-PACs operational
✓ Backup storage in place

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Quick Reference: Production Recipes

Valley-IV Basic

Input	Time	Output
Amethyst Fiber ×1	2s	Amethyst Part ×1
Origocrust ×5 + Amethyst Fiber ×5	10s	Amethyst Component ×1
Amethyst Part ×5 + Originium Powder ×10	10s	LC Valley Battery ×1

Valley-IV Advanced

Input	Time	Output
Ferrium ×10 + Origocrust ×10	10s	Ferrium Component ×1
Sandleaf ×1	2s	Sandleaf Powder ×3
Ferrium Part ×10 + Originium Powder ×15	10s	SC Valley Battery ×1

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References

• Game8 AIC Factory Guide
• Mobalytics Base Building
• Enka Network Factory Tutorial
• Endfield Wiki AIC