Are you struggling to make Lifeng work in Arknights Endfield? You’re not alone. Many players underestimate this powerful Physical Guard, but Lifeng is actually the backbone of the current Physical Meta when built correctly. This guide will show you exactly how to build the best teams for Lifeng, the optimal rotations to maximize his debuffs, and the gear you need to turn him into a damage-dealing monster.
Key Takeaways
- Lifeng’s Role: Sub-DPS/Debuffer who excels in Mono-Physical teams
- Core Mechanic: Applies Physical Susceptibility and Vulnerability to boost team damage
- Best Partner: Endministrator for single-target, Da Pan for multi-target scenarios
- Top Weapon: Mountain Bearer (signature), Chimeric Justice (F2P option)
- Best Gear Set: Bonekrusha for endgame, Roving MSGR for early progression
- Rotation Priority: Battle Skill → Combo Skill → Ultimate for maximum damage
Who is Lifeng? Understanding His Role
Lifeng is a 6-star Physical Guard who operates as a Sub-DPS and team buffer. Unlike typical damage dealers, Lifeng’s true strength lies in his ability to make your entire team hit harder through his unique debuff mechanics. His main job is applying Physical Susceptibility and Vulnerability to enemies, setting up massive damage opportunities for your Main DPS.
Key Stats & Attributes:
- Class: Guard
- Element: Physical
- Weapon: Polearm
- Main Attribute: Agility
- Secondary Attribute: Strength
Lifeng shines brightest in Mono-Physical teams where his debuffs can be fully utilized. In mixed-element teams, he loses significant value, so team composition is crucial for his success.
Best Lifeng Team Compositions
The F2P Friendly Physical Team
This setup uses accessible units to create a near-perfect loop of debuffs and damage without requiring premium characters.
| Role | Operator | Function & Synergy |
| Sub-DPS | Lifeng | Core debuffer who applies Physical Susceptibility |
| Main DPS | Endministrator | Starter powerhouse that benefits from Lifeng’s debuffs |
| SP Gen | Akekuri | Generates SP when enemies are Staggered |
| Support | Chen Qianyu | Stacks additional Vulnerability (use Ardelia for healing) |
Rotation Strategy:
- Start with Endministrator’s Basic Attack until Final Strike triggers QTE
- Switch to Ardelia (if using) and use Battle Skill to consume Corrosion
- Use Lifeng’s Battle Skill (Turbid Avatar) to apply Vulnerability
- Trigger Chen Qianyu’s Combo for extra Vulnerability stacks
- Switch back to Endministrator, hit Final Strike to trigger Lifeng’s Combo
- Unleash Lifeng’s Ultimate (Heart of the Unmoving) while all buffs are active
The Optimal Mono-Physical Team
If you have access to premium characters, this composition represents the ceiling for Physical damage in the current meta.
| Role | Operator | Function & Synergy |
| Sub-DPS | Lifeng | Core buffer/debuffer |
| Main DPS | Endministrator/Da Pan | Endministrator for bosses, Da Pan for mobs |
| SP Gen | Pogranichnik | Premium SP battery with better utility |
| Support | Chen Qianyu | Maximizes damage with Vulnerability stacks |
Pro Tip: Always use Lifeng’s Battle Skill before enemies reach maximum Vulnerability stacks. This guarantees Physical Susceptibility application. Trigger his Combo Skill before using his Ultimate to benefit from the damage multiplier.
Best Builds & Gear for Lifeng
Endgame Build (Sub-DPS King)
This build maximizes Lifeng’s role as a skill-spammer who weaves in and out of combat.
Weapon: Mountain Bearer (Polearm)
- Essence Priority: Efficacy > Physical DMG Boost > Agility Boost
- Why: Massive damage boost against Vulnerable enemies and attribute increases after applying debuffs
Gear Set: Bonekrusha Set
- Set Bonus: ATK +15%. After using Combo Skill, next Battle Skill deals +30% Damage (Stacks 2x)
- Target Stats: Agility, Strength, Physical DMG %
- Why: Lifeng’s rotation naturally weaves Combo Skills before Battle Skills, making this bonus almost permanent
Early Game Build (Progression)
Use this while farming for the Bonekrusha set.
Weapon: Chimeric Justice
- Essence Priority: Strength Boost > Ultimate Gain > Brutality
- Why: Provides flat damage boost that’s easy to maintain early game
Gear Set: Roving MSGR Set
- Set Bonus: Agility +50. If HP > 80%, gain +20% Physical DMG
- Why: Unconditional damage boost perfect for early progression
Weapon Alternatives: Aggeloslayer, Pathfinder’s Beacon
Skill Priority & Talent Guide
Don’t waste materials upgrading his Basic Attack. Focus on these skills in order:
- Battle Skill (Turbid Avatar): [Top Priority]
- Your main debuff tool for applying Physical Susceptibility
- You’ll cast this constantly throughout combat
- Combo Skill (Aspect of Wrath): [High Priority]
- Source of the Link buff that increases team damage
- Essential for boosting your Main DPS’s output
- Ultimate (Heart of the Unmoving): [Medium Priority]
- Huge damage multiplier but relies on proper setup
- Save for when Link buff is active
- Talent (Illumination): [Medium Priority]
- Increases ATK scaling based on INT & WIL stats
- Good passive boost for overall damage
- Basic Attack: [Lowest Priority]
- Lifeng shouldn’t be auto-attacking often
- Focus resources on his utility skills instead
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Lifeng in Mixed Teams: He loses almost all value outside Mono-Physical compositions
- Wrong Skill Timing: Never use his Battle Skill on enemies with full Vulnerability stacks
- Ignoring Rotation: Proper skill sequence is crucial for maximizing damage
- Wrong Gear: Using Arts or Elemental gear on a Physical character
- Skipping Combo Skill: Always trigger Combo Skill before Ultimate for the Link buff
Advanced Rotation Techniques
Master these rotation patterns to dominate with Lifeng:
Basic Rotation Loop:
- Battle Skill on enemy without full stacks (applies Physical Susceptibility)
- Switch to Main DPS, hit Final Strike
- Activate Lifeng’s Combo Skill (grants Link buff)
- Use Ultimate to consume Link for massive burst damage
Team Coordination:
- Time your Main DPS’s Final Strikes with Lifeng’s Combo availability
- Use SP generators during enemy Stagger windows
- Save healing skills for after major damage bursts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Lifeng work without Endministrator?
Yes, Lifeng can function without Endministrator, but you’ll lose significant synergy. Endministrator is free and currently his best partner for single-target damage. You can pair Lifeng with Da Pan for AOE situations, but the synergy with Endministrator is the smoothest for F2P players. Other Physical DPS characters can work, but you might need to adjust your rotation timing.
Why is my Lifeng not applying the debuff properly?
This usually happens when you’re using his Battle Skill on enemies that already have maximum Vulnerability stacks. Lifeng applies Physical Susceptibility best when targeting enemies without full Vulnerability. Make sure to use his Battle Skill early in your rotation, before other characters stack Vulnerability. Also check that you’re in a Mono-Physical team, as his debuffs work best in this composition.
Is the Bonekrusha gear set mandatory for Lifeng?
For endgame content, yes. The 30% Skill Damage boost after a Combo Skill is too valuable to pass up for Lifeng’s specific playstyle. In the mid-game, the Roving MSGR set is a fine substitute that provides easier stats to acquire. If you’re just starting, focus on getting any Physical damage gear before worrying about set bonuses.
Should I use Lifeng or Pogranichnik as my main DPS?
Neither should be your main DPS – Lifeng is a Sub-DPS/Debuffer, and Pogranichnik is primarily an SP generator. Use Endministrator or Da Pan as your Main DPS, with Lifeng providing debuffs and Pogranichnik handling SP generation. If you must choose one to invest in as your primary on-field character, Lifeng offers more team utility, but both serve different roles in a proper team composition.
What’s the best weapon for Lifeng if I don’t have his signature?
Chimeric Justice is the best F2P option, providing solid stats and decent availability. Aggeloslayer and Pathfinder’s Beacon are good alternatives if you can acquire them. While these don’t match Mountain Bearer’s synergy with Lifeng’s kit, they’re perfectly viable for clearing content, especially in the early to mid-game.
How do I properly time Lifeng’s skills in rotation?
Always start with Lifeng’s Battle Skill to apply Physical Susceptibility before other characters apply Vulnerability. Then use your Main DPS to trigger Final Strike, which activates Lifeng’s Combo Skill for the Link buff. Finally, use his Ultimate while the Link buff is active. Never use his Ultimate without first triggering the Combo Skill, as you’ll lose significant damage.
Can Lifeng work in non-Physical teams?
Lifeng can technically function in mixed teams, but he loses most of his value. His Physical Susceptibility debuff only benefits Physical damage dealers, and his kit is specifically designed around Mono-Physical synergy. If you must use him in a mixed team, focus on his personal damage rather than team support, but consider building a different character for better results.
Conclusion
Lifeng is a game-changing character when built correctly for Mono-Physical teams in Arknights Endfield. His ability to shred enemy defenses while boosting team damage makes him invaluable for high-level content. Remember to focus on proper rotation timing, invest in the right gear (Bonekrusha for endgame), and pair him with the right teammates like Endministrator and Pogranichnik.
With this guide, you now have everything needed to build the ultimate Lifeng team composition. Start practicing your rotations, gather the recommended gear, and watch as your Physical team dominates the battlefield. For more Arknights Endfield guides, check out our Sandleaf Farm Setup and AIC Factory Gameplay articles to maximize your overall game progression.
