Arknights: Endfield – Unpacking The Floaty Messenger Banner: To Summon or Not To Summon?
Event Spotlight: The Floaty Messenger Global Launch
A new chapter unfolds in Arknights: Endfield with the global introduction of the [The Floaty Messenger] Chartered Headhunting event. This highly anticipated phase marks the inaugural rate-up appearance of the formidable 6★ Operator Gilberta, a moment eagerly awaited by both dedicated meta-strategists and players deeply invested in the game’s evolving narrative. Coupled with unique limited-duration rewards, fresh daily login incentives, and Gilberta’s potentially game-changing abilities, this update is set to significantly influence the game’s initial strategic landscape.
With a variety of concurrent banners and login campaigns vying for your hard-earned in-game currency, it’s crucial for both free-to-play individuals and those aiming for optimal resource allocation to thoroughly understand what [The Floaty Messenger] offers and whether an investment is truly worthwhile.
Quick Overview
- Banner Name: [The Floaty Messenger] Chartered Headhunting
- Runtime: February 7, 2026, at 12:00 PM – February 24, 2026, at 11:59 AM (All times are server-based; UTC-5 for Americas/Europe, UTC+8 for Asia)
- Boosted Operator: 6★ Gilberta (Other available 6★ units include Yvonne, Laevatain, Ember, Lifeng, Ardelia, Last Rite, and Pogranichnik)
- Key Accompanying Events: Messenger Express Sign-In Bonus, Combat Exercises (Gilberta Trial Stage)
- Prime Rewards: Messenger Express HH Permits, Arsenal Tickets, Headhunting Records, exclusive Operator Token
Availability Period & Operator Roster Details
| Phase | Dates (Server Time) | Highlighted 6★ | Additional 6★ Operators |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Floaty Messenger | 2026-02-07 12:00 – 2026-02-24 11:59 | Gilberta (boosted probability) | Yvonne, Laevatain, Ember, Lifeng, Ardelia, Last Rite, Pogranichnik |
Important: Players must complete the main storyline mission [Chapter I Process I: Break the Siege] to gain access to this specific banner.
Under current game regulations, Gilberta will exit the Chartered Headhunting pool after her third featured banner appearance and will definitively not be added to the standard Basic Headhunting pool. This establishes the current event as a time-sensitive chance to acquire her.
Summoning Mechanics & Acquisition Methods
To engage with this banner, you can utilize the following items:- Messenger Express HH Permit– Messenger Express 10×Permit– Chartered HH Permit– OroberylsThese permits can be obtained through daily login rewards, participation in various in-game events, or via direct purchase. Special discounted rates for permits are available within the AIC Quota Exchange throughout the event duration.
Crucial Pity & Rate Information
- Every 30 summons: You will receive 10 Urgent Recruitment attempts. These are complimentary 10-pulls that guarantee a 5★+ operator but do not contribute to pity counts or reward thresholds on other banners.
- Every 60 summons: A Headhunting Record will be awarded. This item automatically converts into a 10×Permit if left unused by the commencement of the subsequent Chartered Headhunting event, and it expires when that new banner concludes.
- Every 240 summons: Players are guaranteed to receive a Token for the current featured Rate-Up 6★ operator (Gilberta). This serves as the only direct, in-banner method for guaranteed acquisition of the specific unit.
- Arsenal Tickets: These are granted with each summon (with amounts scaled by operator rarity) and can be exchanged at the Acquisition Center for various items (specific details regarding exchange not yet released).
Strategic Advice: Is Gilberta Worth Your Resources?
Gilberta‘s boosted summoning rate represents a significant opportunity, especially given that her unique combat role and potential team synergies have not been present in any previous banners. If completing your operator collection is a priority, or if you aim to future-proof your squad compositions, her limited availability—she won’t join the standard operator pool—makes her a strong consideration.
For Optimizers: Carefully evaluate other upcoming banners and your current roster’s needs. Preserving resources for potential reruns of other limited units or for unannounced powerful operators might be a more beneficial strategy if your core teams are already robust. However, high-spending players or those focused on maximizing meta potential who intend to acquire Gilberta’s token (at the 240-pull milestone) should meticulously plan their summoning strategy.
For Free-to-Play (F2P) / Low-Spending Players: Prioritize utilizing all free permits gained through the Messenger Express sign-in and Combat Drills. Take advantage of any discounted purchases available in the AIC Quota Exchange. F2P players should generally refrain from using non-refundable currency like Oroberyls unless they are absolutely committed to acquiring Gilberta, as subsequent banners may introduce units with even greater power or meta-defining capabilities.
Team Compositions & Synergies: Analyzing Gilberta’s Impact
Although Gilberta’s complete ability set has not been fully detailed (information not yet provided in official communications), her introduction alongside established operators such as Yvonne and Laevatain implies a substantial influence on gameplay. Advanced strategists should:
- Engage with the [Combat Drills] trial event to thoroughly assess Gilberta’s playstyle and how she integrates with various team setups.
- Evaluate her synergistic potential with existing top-tier support units, healers, and crowd control operators.
- Anticipate potential shifts in late-game and challenge content, where new Break mechanics, enhanced Weakness exploitation, or energy regeneration cycles might become central to her design effectiveness.
Event Rewards & Objectives: Maximizing Your Progress
Messenger Express Sign-In Bonus
- Login Requirement: Access the game for 7 days during the event to claim a minimum of 5 Messenger Express HH Permits.
- Extra Permits: Additional permits can be acquired at a reduced cost via the AIC Quota Exchange.
- Eligibility: Open to all players.
Combat Drills: Operator Trial Stage
- Goal: Complete specially designed stages featuring Gilberta to experience her unique combat style firsthand and earn bonus items.
- Recommendation: Utilize this opportunity to test your theoretical team compositions and ability rotations before committing to any summons.
Headhunting Milestone Accumulation
- Milestone Rewards:
- 30 summons: Receive 10 Urgent Recruitment attempts (these are free 10-pulls and do not count towards guaranteed operator pity).
- 60 summons: Acquire a Headhunting Record (which will convert into a 10×Permit in the future).
- 240 summons: Obtain a Token specifically for the featured 6★ operator.
- Tracking: All summons made on the banner contribute to these milestones, regardless of the currency used.
Essential Pre-Event Checklist
- Complete [Chapter I Process I: Break the Siege] if you haven’t already done so.
- Daily Logins: Ensure you don’t miss out on the valuable Messenger Express rewards.
- Participate in Combat Drills: Claim free trial opportunities and event-specific rewards.
- Strategic AIC Quota Planning: Allocate your spending for permits or other critical resources.
- Monitor Your Pull Count: Keep track of your total summons to anticipate milestone bonuses and your progress toward the guaranteed Gilberta token.
Closing Thoughts: The Evolving Endfield Landscape
The [The Floaty Messenger] banner marks a significant turning point for Arknights: Endfield, particularly for players aiming to fortify their operator rosters for future challenges or ensure complete event participation. Gilberta‘s limited-time status and the robust supporting cast make this a compelling yet high-stakes event, especially for players with restricted spending budgets who must carefully weigh their resource investments.
For those still undecided, it is wise to maximize every free-to-play avenue available—collecting permits from daily logins, taking advantage of discounted purchases, and utilizing event trials—while closely monitoring upcoming banners and any shifts in the game’s meta. As always, consult official in-game announcements for any last-minute updates, and stay tuned to GenshinBuilds for real-time analyses and detailed banner evaluations.
Suggested Visual: An image prominently displaying Gilberta alongside the Chartered Headhunting banner. The visual should clearly highlight key details such as event dates, the rate-up notification for Gilberta, and visual cues for reward milestones, ensuring easy comprehension. (Alternative text: Official promotional artwork featuring Gilberta and other operators, with a banner clearly indicating the event period and core rewards.)