The world of Terra is buzzing once again as one of the most beloved tactical tower defense games hits a massive milestone. brings the long-awaited “Ato” Carnival event, bridging the gap between high-stakes strategy and festive celebration.
Whether you are a Doctor who has been playing since launch or someone who recently joined the Rhodes Island ranks, this anniversary is designed to reward your dedication. In addition to the sheer volume of free resources, the update introduces game-changing Operators and quality-of-life improvements that make the grind more satisfying than ever.
What Is Arknights celebrates its sixth anniversary with a host of new rewards for loyal players?
The phrase “Arknights celebrates its sixth anniversary with a host of new rewards for loyal players” refers to the massive 2026 global celebration known as the “Ato” event. In Arknights, anniversaries are not just about a few login bonuses; they are comprehensive game expansions that include a new limited-time side story, exclusive gacha banners, and a wealth of “welfare” (free) content.
For the sixth anniversary, developer Hypergryph and publisher Yostar have focused on “The Power of Choice.” Consequently, the rewards this year are more flexible than in previous milestones. This includes high-tier Operator selectors that allow you to fill specific gaps in your team composition, such as finally recruitment-locking a top-tier Defender or Medic you’ve missed in the past.
Latest Updates (Updated Today)
As of today, January 20, 2026, the anniversary event is in full swing. If you haven’t logged in this week, you are missing out on some of the most generous distributions in the game’s history. Here is the latest news from the front lines:
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The “Ato” Side Story: The event stages are now fully unlocked. Players can explore the “District of Eternal Neon” and “Stairway to Severance” to earn event currency.
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Hanabi Exiled Banner: The limited banner featuring Hoshiguma the Breacher (6-star Limited Defender) and Haruka (6-star Supporter) is live.
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Wishing Wall Active: The Enmusubi Wishing Wall is granting daily Orundum rewards. Most players are reporting an average of 400 to 800 Orundum per day, which significantly cuts the cost of pulling for new units.
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Free 6-Star Selector: A special permit has been sent to the in-game mailboxes of all Doctors who created their accounts before the event started. This permit allows you to choose between powerhouse units like Surtr, Bagpipe, Saria, or Eyjafjalla.
How to Use / How It Works (Step-by-Step)
Navigating a massive anniversary event can be overwhelming. To ensure you don’t leave any rewards on the table, follow this step-by-step guide to maximizing the 6th-anniversary benefits:
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Claim Your Mail Rewards: First, log in and open your mailbox. You should find the “Ballad of Vagabonds” permit, which gives you a free 10-pull on the limited banner, and the 6-star Senior Operator Transfer Permit.
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Daily Free Pulls: Every day during the event, you get one free single pull on the Hanabi Exiled banner. Note that these do not stack; therefore, you must use them daily or you will lose them.
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Visit the Wishing Wall: Navigate to the event tab and use your two daily “Wishing Tickets.” The game will allow you to pick the higher of the two Orundum amounts generated.
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Farm ES Stages: Focus your Sanity on the “ES” event stages. These offer the best drop rates for Tier 3 materials. Use the event currency at the “Vintage Bazaar” to buy out the shop.
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Unlock Matsukiri: Complete the “Mitsukue Guidebook” missions to unlock the 5-star Vanguard Matsukiri for free. In addition, make sure to buy her tokens in the shop to reach Maximum Potential.
Tips for US Players
Playing on the Global server (specifically for the US audience) means managing specific reset times and community metas. Here are a few tips to help you stay ahead:
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Mind the Reset: For most US players, the daily reset happens at 4:00 AM UTC-7 (Pacific Time). Ensure you have completed your Wishing Wall tickets and daily free pull before this time to avoid missing out.
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Save Your Spark: If you are a Free-to-Play (F2P) player, remember that you can “spark” (guaranteed purchase) the limited 6-star Operator after 300 pulls. With the 21 free pulls and login Orundum, you may be closer to this goal than you think.
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Strategic Selector Use: Don’t rush to use your 6-star selector permit. Wait until the final day of the limited banner. You might pull one of those units naturally while trying for Hoshiguma the Breacher, allowing you to use the selector on someone else.
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Check Performance: If you are playing on an older mobile device, the “Ato” stages feature heavy neon effects that may cause lag. Lower your graphics settings in the “System” menu to ensure smooth gameplay during difficult tactical deployments.
For more advanced base management, you can check out our Arknights base management tips to maximize your passive income during the event.
Common Problems and Fixes
With an update this large, some players may encounter technical or gameplay hurdles. Here are the most frequent issues and their solutions:
| Problem | Fix / Solution |
| Missing Selector Permit | Ensure you have cleared stage 1-10. Rewards often don’t appear for very new accounts until the tutorial phase is fully completed. |
| Lag in Event Stages | Disable “Dynamic Lighting” in the settings. The new Higashi-themed stages are graphically intensive. |
| Cannot Claim Wishing Wall | You must use both trials for the day before the game allows you to claim the Orundum reward. |
| “Hanabi Exiled” Banner Missing | Check your regional time settings. Sometimes a desync between your phone’s clock and the server can cause banner display issues. |
Is It Safe and Legal in the USA?
Yes, playing Arknights and participating in the anniversary event is completely safe and legal in the United States. The game is published by Yostar, a reputable company that adheres to US digital commerce laws and privacy regulations.
However, players should always be cautious about where they purchase “Originite Prime.” Only use the official in-game store or verified third-party partners like Google Play or the Apple App Store. Using “cheap currency” services found on social media can lead to a permanent account ban, as these often involve fraudulent credit card use. Furthermore, Arknights uses a fair gacha system with “pity” mechanics, ensuring that players eventually get high-tier units without being forced into endless spending.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does the 10-pull permit work on other banners?
No, the “Ballad of Vagabonds” permit is specifically tied to the 6th-anniversary limited banner. It will expire once the event ends, so be sure to use it before February 13, 2026.
2. Is Hoshiguma the Breacher a “must-have” unit?
She is a Limited Arts Protector, which is a rare and powerful niche. While not “mandatory” for clearing content, her ability to deal Arts damage while tanking makes her incredibly valuable for high-end challenges like Contingency Contract.
3. Will the “Ato” event ever return?
Yes, Arknights typically reruns side stories approximately one year after their initial release. However, the 6th-anniversary specific rewards (like the 6-star selector) are usually exclusive to the milestone window.
4. What should I prioritize in the event shop?
Always go for the Tier 3 materials and Module Data Blocks first. These are the hardest to farm outside of events. After that, focus on Matsukiri’s tokens and the Headhunting Permits.
Conclusion
The 6th-anniversary celebration is a testament to the longevity and quality of Arknights. By offering such a robust package of freebies and new content, Arknights celebrates its sixth anniversary with a host of new rewards for loyal players in a way that truly respects the player’s time. From the strategic depth of the new Operators to the generous Orundum giveaways, there has never been a better time to be a Doctor.
Ready to claim your elite team? Log in now to Rhodes Island, use your free selector, and start your journey through the neon-lit streets of the Ato event today!
