Depot nodes form the backbone of your automation empire in Arknights: Endfield. These crucial facilities connect your production lines to storage systems, enabling the complex factory networks that separate successful operators from those struggling with manual resource management. You'll discover how to unlock, optimize, and scale these essential components for maximum efficiency.
What Are Depot Nodes in Arknights Endfield?
Depot nodes serve as automated storage and distribution hubs within your AIC Factory system. Think of them as smart warehouses that can receive materials from production facilities, store them temporarily, and distribute resources to other parts of your automation network.
The key here is understanding that depot nodes aren't just storage - they're active logistics centers that enable complex production chains. When you connect a Depot Bus to your system, these nodes become even more powerful by allowing seamless item transfer across your entire factory network.
Depot node configuration
Important
Depot nodes require proper power grid connections and AIC Index investments to unlock their full potential.Unlocking Depot Node Functionality
Your journey with depot nodes begins through the AIC Steward questline. This critical progression path unlocks the Depot Bus system, which transforms how your factory operates. Here's what you need to know:
Tech Tree Requirements
The AIC Factory Plan serves as your technology roadmap. You'll need to invest AIC Index points (earned from Protocol Dataloggers) into specific nodes:
- Expansion I - Unlocks basic Depot Bus functionality
- Depot Bus - Enables Bus Loaders and Bus Unloaders
- Power I - Provides sufficient electricity for expanded operations
Finding Protocol Dataloggers
These scattered devices across the map provide the AIC Index you need for tech progression. Check your world map for datalogger markers - they appear as distinctive icons that you can track and collect systematically.
Setting Up Your First Depot Node Operations
Once you've unlocked the necessary technology, implementing depot nodes becomes straightforward. The most effective approach involves creating dedicated zones for different production types.
Basic Depot Configuration
Start with a simple setup that handles Origocrust production. This fundamental material demonstrates depot node principles while providing essential crafting components:
- Connect Originium Ore mining to a Refining Unit
- Link the refining output to a Depot Unloader
- Store processed Origocrust in your main depot
- Use Depot Loaders to distribute materials as needed
Basic depot automation
Pro Tip: Always plan your depot connections before placing facilities. The layout becomes increasingly important as your factory grows.
Advanced Production Integration
For complex items like Buck Capsule [C], depot nodes become essential for managing multiple ingredient streams. This healing item requires both Buckflower Powder and Amethyst Bottles, making it perfect for demonstrating advanced depot usage.
The production chain flows like this:
- Buckflowers → Shredding Unit → Depot Storage
- Amethyst Ore → Refining → Moulding → Fitting → Depot Storage
- Combined Materials → Filling Unit → Final Product
Optimizing Depot Node Performance
What most players miss is that depot efficiency depends heavily on production timing. When your Moulding Units wait for materials while Refining Units work overtime, you're losing potential output.
Balancing Production Rates
Each facility has specific processing times that create bottlenecks. For Amethyst Bottle production:
- Refining Unit: 2 seconds per Amethyst Fiber
- Moulding Unit: 2 seconds per bottle (requires 2 fibers)
This creates a 4-second total cycle when using single refiners. Adding a second Refining Unit cuts production time in half, doubling your Buck Capsule [C] output.
Power Grid Management
Depot operations consume significant electricity. LC Valley Batteries provide efficient power generation, producing 220 power per Thermal Bank while consuming only one battery every 40 seconds.
The optimal battery production setup includes:
- Two Shredding Units for Originium Powder
- One Refining → Moulding → Fitting line for Amethyst Parts
- Packaging Unit combining materials into batteries
Warning
Expanding without adequate power planning leads to facility shutdowns and production delays.
Advanced Depot Node Strategies
Our comprehensive Arknights Endfield AIC Factory Guide covers the complete automation ecosystem, but depot nodes deserve special attention for their versatility.
Multi-Zone Production Networks
Create specialized depot zones for different material categories:
- Raw Materials Zone: Ores, plants, basic components
- Processed Goods Zone: Refined materials, intermediate products
- Finished Products Zone: Combat items, trade goods, upgrades
Blueprint Integration
The blueprint system allows you to save and share depot configurations. Popular community blueprints include:
- Self-sustaining plant farms with integrated depot storage
- Battery production facilities with automated power distribution
- Industrial explosive manufacturing with safety protocols
Troubleshooting Common Depot Issues
Connection Problems
When depot nodes fail to transfer materials, check these common issues:
- Power supply - Ensure adequate electricity reaches all facilities
- Belt alignment - Verify conveyor belts connect properly to depot interfaces
- Storage capacity - Clear full depot storage to resume operations
Performance Bottlenecks
Slow depot operations often result from:
- Insufficient Bus Loaders/Unloaders for your production volume
- Mismatched facility processing speeds creating backups
- Poor layout design forcing materials through unnecessary transfers
Tip
Monitor your depot storage levels regularly. Consistent near-capacity storage indicates production imbalances.
Scaling Your Depot Network
As you progress through Arknights Endfield's Ultimate Beginner's Guide content, your depot requirements expand dramatically. Regional development demands massive material throughput that only properly scaled depot networks can handle.
Regional Integration
Each new region you unlock requires Stock Bill investments for development. Depot nodes enable the automated production of trade goods that generate these crucial currency units. Focus on items like:
- Industrial Explosives for mining operations
- Buck Capsules for operator support
- Batteries for power grid expansion
Outpost Development
Depot nodes support outpost progression by maintaining steady supplies of development materials. Check our Best F2P Teams in Arknights Endfield guide for team compositions that excel at resource gathering missions.
Outpost supply depot
Depot Node Maintenance and Upgrades
Regular maintenance keeps your depot network operating smoothly. The AIC Steward provides upgrade options that enhance depot capacity and processing speed.
Key maintenance tasks include:
- Clearing accumulated materials from storage buffers
- Upgrading power connections for increased facility density
- Optimizing belt layouts for improved material flow
- Expanding depot capacity to match production growth
Your depot node mastery directly impacts every aspect of Arknights: Endfield progression. From basic material storage to complex multi-zone production networks, these facilities enable the automation that transforms tedious resource management into satisfying industrial gameplay. Start with simple configurations, master the fundamentals, then scale systematically as your factory empire grows.