Defender is one of the eight Operator classes in Arknights.
Overview[]
Defenders have high HP and DEF and can block up to three enemies, with few exceptions. However, they have low ATK and (with certain exceptions) a very short attack range – on the same tile as themselves. For this reason, Defenders are best placed in front of a formation to hold enemies back, draw enemy fire, and protect friendly units behind them.
Branches[]
| Branch | Trait |
|---|---|
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Blocks 3 enemies Tank Operator
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Can heal allies by using the skill Tank Operator with the ability to restore the HP of friendly units with their skills
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Cannot be healed by allies Very strong tank Operator that cannot be actively healed but can improve their survivability with their skills/talent(s)
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Normal attacks deal Arts damage while the skill is active Tank Operator that uses melee Arts attacks during skill activations
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Only restores SP when blocking enemies Very strong single-block tank Operator which can only generate SP when blocking enemies
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When not blocking enemies, prioritizes dealing ranged AoE Physical damage Strong tank Operator using a ranged attack dealing area-of-effect/splash damage with large minimum range when not blocking enemies
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Blocks 3 enemies and attacks from long range. Tank Operator with a ranged attack
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Interactions[]
| Operator | Skill/talent | Interaction |
|---|---|---|
| Military Fortress | Increases the ATK of Defenders while Horn is deployed.
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| Special Operation Strategy | Increases the DEF of Defenders by 6% (+2% P5) while Hoshiguma is deployed. | |
| Tectonic Armor | Increases the maximum HP of Defenders when Nian is in the squad.
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Trivia[]
- Along with Sniper, Defender is the only class without a male 6★ Operator.
- While most Defenders except Duelist and Fortress Defenders can only attack enemies on the same tile as them, all 6★ Defenders excluding Saria have a range of the tile ahead of them like that of most melee Operators, regardless of their branch.