Arknights' semi‑anniversary Side Story “Such is the Joy of Our Reunion” is finally here, promising an unforgettable festival of mystery and camaraderie. From July 17 to August 7, 2025 (UTC‑7), dive into a tale where Blaze’s hidden Yanese heritage collides with a Jack‑the‑Ripper‑style murder spree at the grand Hundred‑Treasures Banquet. Expect heart‑pounding story twists, mouth‑watering Stove cooking challenges, and the chance to recruit sought‑after limited operators before they vanish!
For those eager to clear every stage and snag each reward, it’s wise to prepare your Originium and Orundum reserves early. Many seasoned players turn to Arknights Top Up services to ensure they have enough currency on day one for targeted pulls and stamina refills.
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Key Dates & Phases
- July 17 (10:00 UTC‑7): Banner “An Eternity Aflame” and Story stages unlock.
- July 17–August 7: Main event stages active, including Stove cooking challenges and daily Lucky Strips.
- July 17–August 14: Furniture store remains open for purchasing new decorations.
By keeping these dates in mind, you can map out your farming schedule and budget your pulls for the limited‑rate banner operators.
Blaze’s Banquet of Secrets: Mystery Meets Reunion
Deep Narrative Unveiled
Community leaks reveal that this Side Story places Blaze at the center of a dark mystery, as she seeks to reclaim her Yanese heritage while investigating a string of Jack the Ripper–style murders weaving through the event’s lore.
Mystery Meets Reunion
Set against the opulent backdrop of the Hundred‑Treasures Banquet, the plot intertwines themes of cultural rediscovery and suspense, letting players follow Blaze through lavish halls as she deciphers cryptic clues and uncovers hidden truths.
Evocative Promotional Tone
Official teasers open with the resonant line “Eat, live, and dream of tomorrow—that’s the true flavor of life,” framing the event as both a celebration of reunion and a journey of hope, all centered around its unique cooking mechanics.
Immersive Culinary Creativity
By fusing gourmet‑themed challenges with suspenseful investigation, this event promises unparalleled culinary creativity, inviting coordinators to master stove‑side recipes even as they solve a banquet‑hall mystery.
Characters & Banner Highlights
The “An Eternity Aflame” festival banner is the centerpiece of this event, featuring four limited operators:
Blaze (6★ Caster) – Returning protagonist, now delving into her Yanese roots.
Yu (6★ Defender) – The first male defender archetype, brand‑new for this banner and specializing in buffing allies during Stove cooking stages.
Xingzhu (5★ Supporter) – Offers party‑wide buffs and reduces cooking times when assigned to the Stove.
Surfer (5★ Vanguard) – High DP generation to support quick deployment on intensive enemy waves.
During the event period, trust gains for these four operators are boosted by 50%, making it an ideal window to level them up for permanent squad rotation. Given their utility both in event content and in future high‑difficulty stages, securing Blaze and Yu early is highly recommended.
New Gameplay Mechanics: Stove Cooking & Lucky Strips
Stove Cooking System
For the first time, Arknights introduces a Stove cooking mechanic. Here’s how it works:
- Assign up to three operators (including NPC chefs like Yu) to cook special dishes.
- Each dish requires specific materials earned from event stages.
- Successful cooking grants EXP, LMD, furniture tokens, and unique accessories for base deployment.
- Recipe selection and operator synergy can boost yield rates, so test different combinations to maximize returns.
This fresh PvE twist adds strategic depth beyond the typical deploy‑and‑clear formula.
Daily Lungmen Lucky Strips
Every day, players receive 10 Lucky Strips in their mail. They may:
- Choose 2 strips to reveal Orundum rewards (common, rare, or bonus).
- If both picks yield below‑average Orundum, a third strip becomes available.
Over the full event duration, these free picks can net up to 1,500 Orundum, enough for nearly 8 standard pulls. Consistent participation guarantees a solid Orundum cushion for banner attempts.
Furniture & Cosmetic Rewards
Two new furniture sets bring festival flair to your Rhodes Island Base:
- Dingfenglou Tea House – A rustic pavilion perfect for character gatherings.
- Everlasting Peace Ballroom – Ornate dance hall with lanterns and banners.
These sets, available until August 14, also provide furniture badges for operator trust boosts when placed in your dormitory. While no new skins are guaranteed, community rumors point to possible Qipao outfits for Zuo Le and Shu, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Conclusion
Arknights’ semi‑anniversary events are always packed with surprises, but this year’s festival theme—blending mystery, culture, and culinary fun—raises the bar. From Blaze’s haunting investigation into Yanese lore to the warmth of reunion cooking, there’s something for every operator coordinator. Remember, timing your Arknights Top Up via trusted platforms like lootbar helps you secure all desired rewards promptly, allowing you to focus on the story, the strategy, and, of course, the fun. Enjoy the festivities, and may your pulls be ever in your favor!
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Valid period: January 8, 2025, 12:55 PM – February 28, 2026, 12:00 AM
