Sandstorm
| “ | Allied units caught inside the sandstorm will have reduced ATK, continuously take damage over time, and have extended redeployment time; Enemy units will instead be slowed. | ” |
| —Description of operations featuring the Sandstorm |
The Sandstorm is an operation mechanic[note 1] in Arknights, introduced in Operation Originium Dust.
Overview
The Sandstorm blows toward a certain side of the operation's map, causing friendly units who are exposed to it to have their ATK halved and lose HP over time (actually taking True damage) at a rate of 100 every second; should a friendly unit exposed to a Sandstorm leaves the map, their redeployment time will be increased by 50%. Enemies exposed to a Sandstorm, on the other hand, will have their speed reduced by 40%, but some benefits from it (see Interactions).
Sandstorms last for a long period of time which counts from the start of the operation and can even change its direction in certain operations,[note 2] thus it is important to adjust the deployment positions carefully to mitigate its effects. Fortunately, Sandstorms can be blocked by Dirt Mounds, but the strong gust continuously drain the Mounds' HP unless if they are reinforced via Reinforcement Devices.
Interactions
| Enemy | Interaction |
|---|---|
  |
Will use a much stronger ranged attack with global range against friendly units caught in the Sandstorm. |
  |
Can dodge Physical and Arts attacks 40% of the time while caught in the Sandstorm. |
Appearances
| Side Stories | OD-1 • OD-2 • OD-3 • OD-4 • OD-5 • OD-6 • OD-7 • OD-EX-2 • OD-EX-3 • OD-EX-6 • OD-EX-7 • OD-EX-8 • OD-TR-1 |
|---|---|
| Story Collections | TB-5 |
| Annihilation | Long Spring Wastes |
| Contingency Contract | Howling Desert |
The Sandstorm changes their direction in OD-6, OD-EX-6, OD-EX-7, and Long Spring Wastes. This can also be done in Howling Desert through the "Environment: Howling Winds" Contracts.
Notes
- ↑ Technically provided by a static device of the same name, which is hidden in-game.
- ↑ Actually done by having multiple Sandstorm with their own timers and/or triggers.