Building a Strong Foundation: The Role of “Cement” in Arknights Strategy
In the world of Arknights, strategy and teamwork are paramount. Players must carefully select and deploy operators to overcome challenges, but success often hinges on more than just individual strength. The concept of “cement” in Arknights refers to the foundational elements and strategies that hold a team together, ensuring long-term viability and effectiveness. This article explores how understanding and implementing these “cement” strategies can elevate your gameplay and help you build a formidable squad.
What is “Cement” in Arknights?
In Arknights, “cement” is a metaphor for the essential operators and strategies that provide stability and consistency to a team. These are not necessarily the flashy, high-damage dealers but rather the backbone of your squad—the operators who heal, block, and support, ensuring your team can withstand enemy pressure and execute your game plan.
Cement operators are often overlooked in favor of more aggressive units, but they are crucial for sustained success, especially in longer missions or highdifficulty content. Without proper “cement,” even the most powerful teams can crumble under pressure.
Key Characteristics of “Cement” Operators

Durability: Cement operators are typically high-defenders or tanks who can absorb significant damage without being defeated quickly. Operators like Saria or Franka are excellent examples, as they can hold their own against tough enemies.

Utility: These operators often provide critical support skills, such as healing, crowd control, or damage mitigation. For instance, Lappland and Warfarin are staples in many teams due to their ability to heal and sustain allies.

Consistency: Cement operators are reliable and can perform their roles consistently throughout a mission. They may not have the highest damage output, but their contributions are invaluable in the long run.

How to Build a Team with Strong “Cement”
Building a team with strong “cement” requires a balance of offense, defense, and utility. Here are some tips to help you create a well-rounded squad:

Identify Your Core: Start by selecting a few reliable operators who can serve as the backbone of your team. These should be operators with high survivability and utility, such as Saria or Venus.

Support Your Damage Dealers: Even the strongest damage dealers need support. Pair them with operators who can heal, block, or provide crowd control to ensure they can fight effectively without interruption.

Adapt to the Mission: Different missions require different strategies. Be flexible with your team composition and adjust your “cement” accordingly. For example, in missions with heavy melee enemies, prioritize tanky operators who can hold the front line.

Case Study: A High-Difficulty Mission
Consider a high-difficulty mission where enemies are both numerous and powerful. A team without proper “cement” might struggle to survive the initial waves, leading to a quick defeat. On the other hand, a team with strong “cement” can absorb the enemy’s onslaught, sustain through the fight, and create opportunities for their damage dealers to shine.
For instance, a team composed of Saria (tank), Lappland (healer), and Warfarin (sustained damage and crowd control) can handle such a scenario effectively. Saria holds the front line, Lappland keeps the team alive, and Warfarin provides both damage and utility, allowing the team to progress smoothly.
The Importance of “Cement” in Long-Term Success
In Arknights, long-term success is not just about clearing stages quickly but also about sustaining your progress without burning through resources. Teams with strong “cement” are more efficient in the long run because they reduce the need for constant retries and minimize operator losses.
Moreover, as you progress through the game, missions become increasingly challenging, and the importance of “cement” becomes even more apparent. A well-rounded team with the right balance of offense, defense, and utility is better equipped to handle the game’s later content.
Conclusion
In *Arkn