Automated Industry Complex (AIC) Guide

This guide covers Automated Industry Complex (AIC) in Arknights: Endfield. Includes how to switch AIC Mode, how to automate, and the factory system list and functions in AKEF.

Basic Automated Industry Complex Flow

How to Fix AIC Facility Issues

AIC Mechanic: Facility Acquisition and Placement

The core workflow of the Automated Industry Complex (AIC) involves acquiring facilities, crafting them when necessary, and placing them to establish production lines. As the game progresses, building, maintaining, and managing these production lines becomes increasingly complex.

How to Unlock and Obtain the Facilities

Conduct Research in the Basic AIC Plan

Access the 'Basic AIC Plan' from the top-right of the screen or via the Menu, then unlock new Facilities by selecting Research on the desired entry. Facility research is completed instantly and requires no waiting time.

Get Basic AIC Index from the Protocol Datalogger

To progress in the Basic AIC Plan, you must unlock the Protocol Datalogger and collect the Basic AIC Index. The easiest way to locate it is to click the paperclip-shaped marker on the map, or select the icon next to the Research Cost, and enable tracking.

Protocol Datalogger Locations & Map

Obtain Facilities in the Simulation (Tutorial)

After starting a research project in the Basic AIC Plan, click "Guides" next to the Research button or the "Simulation" tab on the right side of the screen to access the tutorial. Completing the tutorial grants the required Facilities and Blueprints.

Review All Tutorials to Understand the System

Endfield's Automated Industry Complex (AIC) is a deep, complex system. If you’re having trouble understanding it, we recommend completing all available "Simulation" guides to gain a clearer overall understanding.

How to Craft Facilities

Switch to AIC Mode

To access the functions of the Automated Industry Complex, you first need to switch from Explore Mode to AIC Mode. If you are near a PAC (in a Core AIC Area), this switch occurs automatically, so manual switching is not required.

Open the Facility List and Construct

Once you’ve switched to AIC Mode, open the Facility List from the AIC Operation Menu. Select the facility you want to construct from the list, navigate to "Open Construction Screen," and start constructing to complete the process.

Materials are Needed to Construct Facilities

When constructing facilities, you need the required materials. In some cases, check the materials needed for construction, review the production process, and craft any items necessary for material production.

How to Place and Operate Facilities

Switch to AIC Mode

To use AIC features, first switch from Explore Mode to AIC Mode before placing facilities.

Top View Recommended for Placement

As the Automated Industry Complex becomes more complex, using the top view becomes essential. It lets you place facilities and review production lines while keeping the entire layout in view, so make full use of it.

Select a Facility from the Facility List

After switching to AIC Mode, open the Facility List from the AIC Operation Menu to continue.

Switch Tabs and Place the Facility

Select the facility you want to place from the list, switch the tab from 'Construct' to 'Placement', then press 'Place'.Check the placement preview, and press 'Confirm Placement' at the desired location to complete the setup.

Tips!	When selecting a placement location, you can move your character to extend the placement range and install the facility at a greater distance.

How to Fix AIC Facility Issues

Register to the Hotbar for Easier Placement

For frequently used facilities, open your 'Backpack' from the System Functions Menu and register the Facility to the Hotbar. The Hotbar serves as a shortcut, allowing faster and more convenient placement of registered facilities.

Rotating Facilities

During placement, you can rotate a Facility by pressing the corresponding rotation key. Rotation is only available while placing the facility. To change the orientation of a facility that has already been placed, you must store it and place it again.

Connect to the Depot with Transport Belts

When producing items, connect the line in this order: Depot → Sub-PAC's Output Port → Destination (e.g. Smelter). If placed correctly, the facility will be highlighted in white. Next, connect a 'Transport Belt' from the destination's (e.g. Smelter) Output Port → Sub-PAC’s Input port (Depot) to complete the production line.

Tips!	Once you’re familiar with the system, optimize your setup by connecting the 'Transport Belt' while accounting for both transport speed and facility production speed.

How to Fix Clogged Transport Belts

Items Clogged if Not Properly Connected

If your Transport Belts become clogged immediately after setting up a production line, it may be due to a blockage upstream. Ensure all connections are properly linked. Redraw the affected section and confirm the facility indicator turns white, or check each facility’s details to verify proper operation.

Stash (Removing) Facilities

From the AIC Operation Menu in the bottom-right of the screen, select 'Stash Mode', aim your view at the facility you want to store, and press the corresponding key. The stashed facility will be returned to your Backpack.

Connected Facilities Remain

Facilities and items are not lost when stored. Connected facilities, such as the 'Transport Belt', will remain in place but stop operating. Once the required facilities are placed and reconnected, they will resume operation.

Tips!	Use Top View → Bulk Action → Area Selection → Stash to store multiple unused facilities at once

What to Do If You Don't Understand the AIC

Take Basic AIC Plan Simulation

The Automated Industry Complex (AIC) is complex, so the fastest way to learn it is by practicing the controls in the 'Simulation'. You can also earn rewards, so it’s recommended to try building a factory in the 'Simulation' first.

The Content is Practical and Easy to Learn

Upon entering the 'Simulation', the functions and usage of each facility are explained. Similar to the Main Mission, objectives are displayed on the left side of the screen, so proceed by completing each task step by step.

You Can Retry Anytime

If you get lost or are unsure of the controls, you can enter the same Simulation as many times as you like. If you encounter a problem after placing a facility, return to the Simulation and proceed step by step.

Also Accessible from Basic AIC Plan

You can also enter the 'Simulation' from the AIC Factory Plan screen, which is accessed via the icon on the left side of the screen. Select the content you want to research, then choose 'Guides.'

Use Available Blueprints Once Unlocked

As you progress through the game, you will unlock Blueprints. System Blueprints can be obtained in the Simulation, and you can also import blueprints created by other players. It is recommended to use these directly or as a reference for your own setups.

Automated Industry Complex (AIC) Specifications

AIC is the Key to Exploration/Combat

The vast, unexplored wilderness and uninhabited areas remain undeveloped. The game’s design revolves around using the Automated Industry Complex (AIC) to safeguard civilization’s borders and drive development, while exploring and engaging in combat to expand civilization.

AIC Growth Expands Exploration

Some challenges require using the power of the Automated Industry Complex (AIC) to solve puzzles. As your industry develops, you can access previously unreachable areas and collect valuable items such as treasure chests.

Interactive Map

Deliverables Required in Main Story

While progressing through missions, including the main story, you will encounter objectives such as producing Deliverables, which require the use of the Automated Industry Complex (AIC). You’ll also experience the impact of industrial power, such as leveraging civilization tools like Zipline Pylons in races.

Early Game Guide

Gear Assembly Boosts Characters for Combat

Gear crafting, producing healing and revival items, and manufacturing Industrial Explosives, all essential for combat, are made possible through the power of industry using the Automated Industry Complex (AIC).

Tips!	In the early game, you can manage with just Backpack → Crafting, but as your Exploration Level rises and enemies become stronger, production through the Automated Industry Complex (AIC) becomes essential!

Balance with Exploration is Important

There are Authority Level restrictions on crafting Gear obtained through exploration, and the number of facilities you can unlock in the Basic AIC Plan increases as you progress through the main story. Without exploration, your AIC will stagnate, so maintaining a balance between AIC, exploration, and combat is essential.

Authority Level Guide

Advance with Regional Development Level via Exploration

Your Regional Development Level increases through exploration and combat by performing actions such as placing a Mining Rig for the first time, initiating trades at outposts and improving their development stage, unlocking and upgrading the Recycling Station, and completing missions. As your level rises, the capabilities of the Automated Industry Complex expand, allowing you to obtain higher-quality Rare Minerals and increase your depot capacity.

How to Raise Regional Development Level

Raise Development Levels and More for Bills

As you explore, you will encounter civilization’s infrastructure, such as the Stock Redistribution Terminal and Recycling Station. Upgrading these facilities enhances their capabilities and makes it easier to collect the Stock Bills and materials needed for character enhancement, gear upgrades, and expansion of the Automated Industry Complex (AIC).

How to Farm Valley Stock Bills

The AIC Grows Even Larger

As you explore, upgrade your facilities, and expand the Automated Industry Complex (AIC), the range of AIC activities available to you steadily increases. Complete your mission to safeguard the outpost’s borders and advance it through industry, exploration, and combat.

Tips!	Constructing production lines with the Automated Industry Complex (AIC) can be challenging, so it’s often helpful to use Blueprints to complete your mission!

Related Endfield AIC Factory Articles

How to Share and Create Blueprints

Blueprint Code List

How to Create Blueprints

How To Share Blueprints

Basic AIC Factory Operations

Basic AIC Controls	Clogged Transport Belts	Fixing AIC Facility Issues
Repair Broken Facilities	How to Craft Bombs	Best Zipline Locations and Routes
Sub-PAC Locations and Uses

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