[7] As the player progresses through the game, they unlock more stages, operators and resources, and are also introduced to new types of enemies and gameplay mechanics.

Because of the limited resources available (even if real money is spent), another layer of challenge lies in "internalizing multiple complex economic systems"[7] and in prioritizing the right operators to recruit and develop in order to build a capable roster.

[7] Seasonal gameplay events introduce more complex but optional difficulties and handicaps, such as the game's semi-quarterly Contingency Contract.

Natural disasters leave behind a valuable mineral, Originium, which infects people with a progressive disease, Oripathy, but can also enhance the ability to use "Arts" (magic).

In response, some of them form the Reunion movement, a militant group waging war on the despotic governments of Terra.

The player takes the role of the masked and amnesiac "Doctor", who commands a team of "operators" of Rhodes Island, a pharmaceutical, medical, and self-defense organization.

These include Steve Aoki ("Last of Me"), Yellow Claw ("End Like This"),[12] Starset ("Infected"),[13] and Low Roar ("Feels", later re-released as "Fade Away").

Standard Chinese, regional Sinitic language, Korean, and English voice acting is being incrementally added.

[19][20] Individual characters are also voiced in other languages such as Italian, German and Russian, to reflect their origin from the analogous region of the game's world.

[21][22] In December 2020, Hypergryph released a nine-minute Arknights anime video, "Holy Knight Light", on the occasion of the game's first global anniversary.

[23] In October 2021, Hypergryph published a teaser trailer for the first season ("Prelude to Dawn") of an anime adaptation of Arknights, also made by Yostar Pictures.