In Arknights: Endfield, the Core AIC Area serves as a crucial hub where players can establish their factory stations and distribute electricity across various zones. This area begins with limited space but can be expanded to accommodate the growing needs of Endmin operations.

To initiate an expansion of the Core AIC Area, players must first complete the AIC Steward quest. Upon doing so, an AIC Steward will be available in the southeastern corner of the area. Engaging with the Steward opens the upgrade options, allowing players to either enlarge the area or build a Depot Bus. It’s important to note that constructing a Depot Bus requires an initial expansion of the area; both upgrades are interdependent.

The costs for these upgrades are clearly defined. The first area expansion costs 20,000 Valley Stock Bills, while subsequent expansions increase significantly, with the second one priced at 160,000. Similarly, constructing the Depot Bus involves a series of tiers, with costs escalating from 5,000 for the first level to a hefty 320,000 for the sixth.

As players progress in the game, they will encounter the AIC Steward quest within their main mission lineup. To activate this quest, players must access their Baker messages and navigate to the Tasks tab to find a communication from Fiona, the Comms Officer, detailing the development of the AIC Steward at the Endfield R&D Center. Completing this narrative not only triggers the quest but also introduces players to methods for expanding the Core AIC Area.

Once players have made contact with the AIC Steward, they can unlock the Depot Bus option in the Power section of the AIC Factory Plan. This addition enables both the Depot Loader and Depot Unloader functionalities. These features allow for a more efficient logistic strategy, as players can manage item transfers via the Depot Bus rather than relying solely on the central tower. The Depot Loader transfers items into the depot, while the Unloader takes items out, presenting a balanced workflow for managing resources.

By following the steps outlined in the game, players can maximize their production efficiency and optimize their factory operations in Arknights: Endfield, ensuring that their strategies align with the evolving demands of gameplay.