Arknights
Arknights

Operator Affection/Trust System — Arknights Guide

Learn how to build Operator Trust in Arknights. Increase operator combat effectiveness and unlock unique lore through the Trust system for enhanced gameplay.

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Operator Affection/Trust System

The Operator Affection, more commonly known as the Trust system, is a crucial mechanic in Arknights that enhances your Operators' combat capabilities and unlocks additional lore. Building Trust with your Operators provides tangible benefits, making them stronger in battle and deepening your connection to the world of Terra.

Understanding Trust Levels and Benefits

Each Operator has a Trust level ranging from 0% to 200%. As an Operator's Trust increases, they gain various bonuses:

  • Stat Bonuses: At certain Trust thresholds (typically 100% and 200%), Operators receive permanent stat increases to their HP, ATK, and DEF. These bonuses are significant and can make a noticeable difference in challenging stages.
  • Operator Records: Reaching 100% Trust with an Operator unlocks their "Operator Record" stories. These narrative segments provide valuable insights into the Operator's background, personality, and motivations, enriching the game's lore.
  • Voice Lines: New voice lines are often unlocked at various Trust milestones, adding to the character's personality and your immersion.
  • Base Skill Efficiency: While not directly tied to combat stats, some Operators have Base Skills that improve with higher Trust, making them more efficient in your Base of Operations.

Strategies for Earning Trust

There are several reliable methods to increase your Operators' Trust:

1. Deploying Operators in Combat

The most straightforward way to earn Trust is by bringing Operators into battle. Each successful mission completion grants a small amount of Trust to all deployed Operators. The amount of Trust gained per mission is generally consistent, regardless of the mission's difficulty or Sanity cost.

  • Actionable Step: Always fill your squad with Operators you wish to raise Trust for, even if they are not actively used in the stage. Even Operators placed in reserve slots will gain Trust upon mission completion.
  • Strategy: For efficient Trust farming, consider running low-Sanity stages like 1-7 (Clearance) or AP-5 (Resource Search) repeatedly. These stages are quick to complete and provide consistent Trust gains without heavily impacting your resource farming.

2. Assigning Operators to the Base

Your Base of Operations is an excellent passive source of Trust. Operators assigned to various facilities within the Base will slowly accumulate Trust over time.

  • Actionable Step: Navigate to the Base menu from the main screen.
  • Specific Locations:
    • Reception Room: Operators assigned here will gain Trust. The higher the room's level, the more Operators can be assigned, and the faster Trust accumulates.
    • Training Room: While primarily for Skill Mastery, Operators undergoing training also gain Trust.
    • Dormitories: Placing Operators in Dormitories to recover Morale also passively grants Trust.
  • Strategy: Rotate Operators through your Base facilities, especially the Reception Room, to maximize passive Trust gain for your entire roster. Prioritize Operators you want to reach 100% or 200% Trust quickly.

3. Using Trust Items

Certain consumables are specifically designed to instantly boost an Operator's Trust.

  • Item Names:
    • Trust Certificate (Small, Medium, Large)
    • Originium Shard (Event-specific, often grants significant Trust)
  • Item Locations:
    • Event Shops: Trust Certificates and Originium Shards are frequently available for purchase in limited-time event shops using event currency.
    • Contingency Contract (CC) Shop: Trust Certificates can sometimes be exchanged for Contract Bounties in the CC permanent shop.
    • Anniversary/Special Login Rewards: Occasionally, these items are given out as part of login bonuses or special celebrations.
  • Actionable Step: To use a Trust item, go to the Warehouse from the main menu, select the Consumables tab, and then choose the desired Trust item. You will then be prompted to select an Operator to apply it to.
  • Strategy: Save larger Trust items for new, powerful Operators you want to quickly bring up to 100% Trust for their stat bonuses, or for Operators whose Operator Records you are eager to unlock.

4. Visiting Friends' Bases

Interacting with your friends' Bases can also provide a small, consistent source of Trust.

  • Actionable Step: From the main menu, go to Friends, then select a friend from your list and tap Visit Base.
  • Specific Location: In your friend's Base, navigate to their Reception Room. You will see a prompt to "Assist Clue Exchange." Tapping this will grant a small amount of Trust to one of your randomly selected Operators who is currently assigned to your own Reception Room.
  • Strategy: Make it a habit to visit all your friends' Bases daily to maximize this passive Trust gain. It's a small amount per visit, but it adds up over time.

Prioritizing Trust Gains

While it's beneficial to raise Trust for all your Operators eventually, prioritize the following:

  1. Main Combat Operators: Your core squad members who see frequent deployment should be prioritized to 100% Trust for their stat bonuses.
  2. Operators with Strong Base Skills: If an Operator has a particularly useful Base Skill that scales with Trust, consider raising their Trust to improve your Base's efficiency.
  3. New Operators: Getting new Operators to at least 100% Trust quickly helps them integrate into your team more effectively.
  4. Operators for Lore: If you're invested in the story, prioritize Operators whose Operator Records you wish to unlock.

By consistently employing these strategies, you'll find your Operators growing stronger and your understanding of their stories deepening, enhancing your overall Arknights experience.