Kafka

Specialist

Kafka

★★★★★

Columbia

Ctier

Introduction

Kafka is a 5-star character in Arknights. Kafka's class is Specialist. Faction: Columbia.

On the combined Arknights tier list Kafka is C tier, 276th of the 410 characters ranked, from where 2 community tier lists put Kafka.

What Kafka does

Both of her skills fire on deployment. The first puts every ground enemy around her to Sleep for 5 seconds and then hits them for 450% ATK as Arts damage, while the second opens with 400% ATK on the tile in front and keeps attacking it for 15 seconds. While a skill is up she has Camouflage and blocks nothing.

Profile

Kafka is a female Liberi. Her birthday is December 1, and she stands 149cm tall. Kafka is voiced by Shi Haku in Chinese, Abby Trott in English, Miyu Tomita in Japanese, and Woo Jeong-sin in Korean. NoriZC drew her.

Stories

9
Basic Info

[Code Name] Kafka

[Gender] Female

[Combat Experience] None

[Place of Birth] Columbia

[Date of Birth] December 1

[Race] Liberi

[Height] 149cm

[Infection Status]

Originium crystals distributed across surface of body, confirmed Infected by medical examination.

Physical Exam

[Physical Strength] Standard

[Mobility] Excellent

[Physical Resilience] Normal

[Tactical Acumen] Standard

[Combat Skill] Standard

[Originium Arts Assimilation] Standard

Profile

Former gardener from a Columbian city, joined Rhodes Island on Silence's referral.

Robustly talented, keen-witted, and ever lively no matter the secret mission she's on.

Clinical Analysis

Imaging tests have shown the outlines of her internal organs to be indistinct due to abnormal shadows. Originium granules have been detected in her circulatory system, confirming her to be infected with Oripathy.

[Cell-Originium Assimilation] 5%

Small amounts of crystals distributed across surface of Operator's body.

[Blood Originium-Crystal Density] 0.19u/L

Per the Operator's description, we can determine her Oripathy fundamentally took gradual shape over the course of her frequent, varied contact with strangers. Owing to her healthy lifestyle, nevertheless, her condition hasn't notably worsened, and she will be receiving further treatment.

Archive File 1

A short Liberi girl with a grin permanently plastered on her face.

Her conduct and manners are packed with deliberate good-kid acts that anyone can see through at a glance. Moreover, it's clear that she's fully aware of it herself, and she still does it on purpose with not the slightest intent of correcting the behavior; this is to the extent that Operators don't rumor her too well, though she doesn't seem concerned.

However, she hates being taken as a small child due to her height; this will quickly wipe away her facade to reveal the boiling anger beneath.

Archive File 2

From Kafka's own perspective, she had no initial plans to join Rhodes Island.

Following the onboarding of Mountain and Robin, as well as Lotus, she intended to leave, but was deposited here by Silence.

The cause was her insistence upon keeping her Oripathy hidden from Silence, which was exposed at the time of her physical examination aboard Rhodes Island. Resulting dialogue within the Medical Department that day follows:

'Kafka, the entire time, I never realized you contracted Oripathy! Why did you not tell me!?'

'Tch. Busted, huh... I didn't wanna 'cause I KNEW you'd chew me out me like this...'

'Regardless, you're coming with me to the Medical Department for a checkup!'

'Wha? No, heck off! I'm going back to Columbia!'

'That's not happening.'

'Waaagh, stop pullin' me! I don't got the cash to get treated in a place like this!'

'I'll cover your costs. You have no cause to worry.'

'That ain't the problem here... aw, forget it, whatever...'

To sum up, once Kafka's exam results came out, under Silence's very firm demand, she ultimately agreed to stay at Rhodes Island, and in the end became an Operator.

Archive File 3

After you realize Kafka's true identity, her good-kid act becomes a lot easier to explain.

In truth, beneath her guise as a gardener, she's wandered amongst the petty gangs of the city's underclass—as a gang member herself.

One could say, as an orphan, she grew up moving from place to place. One could say, as someone with gang dealings far and wide from childhood, she caught onto a survival philosophy of her own. That philosophy's embodiment—playing the good kid.

She absolutely does not care if people hate her for this mask of hers; really, it might make her happy. She doesn't want to be adored by very many, nor is she planning on adoring very many herself. This painstaking pretense is, as she sees it, the optimal tool for maintaining her sense of distance from others.

It's clear this approach stems from the day-to-day affairs of the gray zone—betrayal, deceit, bloodshed. In such surroundings, putting yourself first is the best approach.

Archive File 4

UNUSED

Promotion Record

When she received her second promotion, it caught us off guard that from Kafka's show of emotion, we could feel some kind of genuine sincerity.

It's understandable, though. All those who have paid a little attention to her can tell—when she'd just come to Rhodes Island, she was an artful dodger, unwilling to assume any responsibility. The present Kafka may well look the same as back then, but inside, she's long since changed.

She'll bring young children nice little surprises on the sly, and she'll aid those who need it without batting an eye; in off time between missions, she'll commonly show up in Perfumer's garden, and the two get along very well these days.

It's clear as day, she's found a place for herself in Rhodes Island now.

Just as we'd determined at the start, though life in the Columbian gray zone made her unwilling by nature to bare her soul to others, that nature itself was kind all along. It leads us to suppose, even, that she only took on such a nature to keep herself alive, disguising herself—cheating herself.

Stats

  • HP255th1,675
  • ATK281st525
  • DEF177th311
  • RES0
  • Block1
  • DP cost21st9
  • Redeploy1st18s
  • Attack interval15th0.93s

At Elite 2, level 80, before trust, potentials and modules. Each bar is measured against the highest value in the Arknights roster, and the place is out of every character with that stat, lowest first for DP cost, Redeploy and Attack interval.

By promotion

  • Elite 0 Lv. 1HP: 783ATK: 202DEF: 140RES: 0Block: 1DP: 7Redeploy: 18Interval: 0.93
  • Elite 0 Lv. 50HP: 1044ATK: 298DEF: 200RES: 0Block: 1DP: 7Redeploy: 18Interval: 0.93
  • Elite 1 Lv. 70HP: 1306ATK: 409DEF: 261RES: 0Block: 1DP: 9Redeploy: 18Interval: 0.93
  • Elite 2 Lv. 80HP: 1675ATK: 525DEF: 311RES: 0Block: 1DP: 9Redeploy: 18Interval: 0.93

Base values before trust, potentials and modules. Full trust adds HP +350.

Range from Elite 0

Trait

Significantly reduced Redeployment Time

Skills

2
  • Cube of Absurdism

    Passive · Unlocks at Elite 0
    Level

    After deployment, stops attacking for 5 seconds, and at the same time puts all surrounding ground enemies to Sleep. When the skill ends, deals 450% ATK as Arts damage to all surrounding ground enemies

  • Shears of Surrealism

    Passive · Unlocks at Elite 1
    Level

    After deployment, immediately deals 400% ATK as Arts damage to all enemies within the frontal target tile; For the next 15 seconds, continuously attacks ground units in that target tile with Arts damage

Talents

1
  • Misdirection

    Elite 0
    When skill is active, Block becomes 0 and gain Camouflage
    Elite 1
    When skill is active, ATK +8%, Block becomes 0 and Kafka gains Camouflage
    Elite 1 · Potential 5
    When skill is active, ATK +11% (+3%), Block becomes 0 and Kafka gains Camouflage
    Elite 2
    When skill is active, ATK +15%, Block becomes 0 and Kafka gains Camouflage
    Elite 2 · Potential 5
    When skill is active, ATK +18% (+3%), Block becomes 0 and Kafka gains Camouflage

Potentials

Potential 2
DP Cost -1
Potential 3
Max HP +150
Potential 4
Redeployment Time -2 sec
Potential 5
Improves Talent
Potential 6
DP Cost -1

Modules

1
  • Rubik's Cube Pendant (EXE-Y)

    Unlocks at Elite 2 Lv. 50
    • Stage 1Stats: HP +80, ATK +45Trait: When there are no allied units in the four adjacent tiles, ATK +10%
    • Stage 2Stats: HP +100, ATK +54Trait: When there are no allied units in the four adjacent tiles, ATK +10%Talent: When skill is active, ATK +22%, Block becomes 0 and gain Camouflage
    • Stage 3Stats: HP +120, ATK +60Trait: When there are no allied units in the four adjacent tiles, ATK +10%Talent: When skill is active, ATK +25%, Block becomes 0 and gain Camouflage

    To unlock

    • Defeat a total of 50 enemies with Kafka's skills (Kafka cannot be a Support Unit)
    • Clear Main Theme 2-7 with a 3-star rating; You must deploy your own Kafka, and have Kafka's skills defeat at least 10 enemies
    Module record

    Kafka,

    I presume by the time this letter reaches you, it'll already be winter. The climate in your area is comparatively frigid; be sure not to catch a cold.

    The experimental samples you gathered for me on a prior occasion were plenty apt for our requirements, and in excellent condition; my colleagues have been profuse in complimenting your work.

    All of them are burgeoningly curious about you, to the point they're even hoping you'll work with us on formal terms.

    If you ever change your mind, and wish to seek a presentable job, you would be welcome at our laboratory.

    All that said, there is something I need to tell you.

    I plan to depart soon for a company by the name of Rhodes Island.

    I've told you bits about Ifrit before, and I have no other choice.

    I need to take a moment and consider just what it is I want to accomplish.

    I'm sure the words seem ridiculous, given I've always told you to do what you want for yourself, and not to squander your time. Here I am, in the end, only now realizing I can't form a clear picture of what it is I even want to do.

    I'm certainly not qualified to be lecturing you on this occasion.

    On another note. You have a certain fondness for elaborate toys, so I've made you a Rubik's cube. It's open to being dismantled, and there are some tricks to it. I trust you'll like it.

    May your future be bright.

    Silence

Base skills

2
  • Handicrafts α

    Trading Post · Elite 0

    When this Operator is assigned to a Trading Post, the chance of getting higher-yield Precious Metal orders is increased slightly (rate is influenced by length of work time), and Morale consumed per hour is reduced by -0.25

  • Handicrafts β

    Trading Post · Elite 2

    When this Operator is assigned to a Trading Post, the chance of getting higher-yield Precious Metal orders is increased (rate is influenced by length of work time), and Morale consumed per hour is reduced by -0.25

Outfits

3
  • Kafka: Elite 1

    Elite 1

    Default Outfit

    Art by NoriZC

  • Kafka: Elite 2

    Elite 2

    Default Outfit

    Art by NoriZC

  • Kafka: Cardboard Fairy

    Cardboard Fairy

    Icefield Messenger/III

    Art by NoriZC

    Store

Voice lines

38
Show all 38 lines
Appointed as Assistant
You give Kafka the work that needs doing, Doctor, and then I pass it all on... okay! This's just like how underground gofering goes!
Talk 1
Seeing as you're my friend now, Doctor, you can ask me for anything. Oh, but, apart from lending you my shears.
Talk 2
Rhodes Island's fulla all sortsa people I never met before. Everywhere I go, I sees what I wants. Hm? You're wonderin' WHAT it is I want? That's a secret, y'know. Secret.
Talk 3
Hmm... still can't read your eyes. They're calm as a lake... But there'll come a day when I get your number, Doctor, just you wait!
Talk after Promotion 1
Doctor, Silence kicked me out againnn! Hard times for a Kafka, sob, sob... huh? I started it by messing up her experiment? Aw, nerts, Silence got to you first... eh-hem, well, good talking, I'm just gonna mosey on out now!
Talk after Promotion 2
Well, until I can get what I want, I guess I'll lend you a hand. Just lending it, though, okay?
Talk after Trust Increase 1
Story goes, I used to live in a real maaad kinda city, dealing with bad people alla the day. But then I came landship-side, and everyone's been some kinda nice with me, even givin' me snacks and all! Mm-hm, and that's why I like it here at Rhodes Island!
Talk after Trust Increase 2
...Y'know the secrets everyone tries their best to hide? They're like monsters, hidden in the dead shadows, waitin' for their chance. Beautiful... and dangerous. That's exactly why I do my darndest to collect them! Doctor, don't you got anything for my hoard?
Talk after Trust Increase 3
Doctor, if you've ever got a problem, we can always call my 'friends' from Columbia in to help. Though you don't really gotta. One Kafka'll sort out all your troubles head to tail!
Idle
Bet you think I'm goofing off right now, Doctor. But I ain't.
Onboard
Whatcha need me for...? Hey, hey, wait, no bean-spilling, not in front of everybody! Just treat me like a normal gardener, okay?
Watching Battle Record
Just gotta figure what they're aiming for, and I can draw up some counterplans. C'mon, ain't I a wiz?
Promotion 1
Seeing as you really need my power, Doctor, just c'mon and say it. Be like Kafka here, all serious and open, yeah?
Promotion 2
Gardenin' or fightin', I didn't start doing either for compliments. But having my own efforts get noticed by you and the rest, well, that makes a Kafka real happy.
Added to Squad
Wonder what we can harvest this time?
Appointed as Squad Leader
Just leave it to me. I guarantee you're all in for a fun time!
Depart
Ah, thinkin' sucks... I guess I'll be listenin' to you, Doctor.
Begin Operation
Look at all these naughty li'l saplings. Ain'tcha cute... sit tight and Kafka'll trim ya up.
Selecting Operator 1
Hmm?
Selecting Operator 2
Kafka, roger!
Deployment 1
Right here, I guess.
Deployment 2
Hm-hmmm.
In Battle 1
Watch your eyes... I see all your weakpoints in 'em.
In Battle 2
You're all just hedges who know how to walk.
In Battle 3
Lemme break ya right there.
In Battle 4
Kafka knows you're scared. Tremblin' li'l bare branches.
4-star Result
Smooth sailin' just like always, Doctor. Alright, makes a Kafka wanna go get 'em!
3-star Result
Man, were those enemies pushovers. If I'd known sooner, I coulda saved a Kafka some effort.
Sub 3-star Result
Hmm, guess I gotta be more careful with the pruning next time.
Operation Failure
Whaddaya doing, Kafka... you can read their plans, can't you?
Assigned to Facility
Where's Silence's lab, again?
Tap
...Whaddaya think you're doin'.
Trust Tap
Doctor, Kafka here wants to deck out your office with some bonsai. Don'tcha worry, I'll make 'em look real good.
Title
Arknights.
New Year's blessing
Doctor, let's build us a snowman! First we roll up two big snowballs. We make the hat kinda round, then we do the clothes reaaal long... Ta-dah, one 'Doctor,' made to order! Oh, I dunno though, feels kinda sad seeing a Doctor all alone on the deck!
Greeting
What work you got for me today, Doctor?
Birthday
Doctor, birthday cake for you! See the flowers around the outside? Pure bespoke craft by Kafka hands. Careful you don't lose count counting 'em all, heheh! C'mon, yannow fine work like this ain't no sweat for me and my shears. Not that I got anything against working up a sweat for my best bud, hey, whoa, whoa, paws off! No eating yet! You admire the freakin' thing first!
Anniversary Celebration
Yannow, I've been here long enough to see all you Rhodes Islanders are real good people. And nothing gets me more heated than good people getting bullied. So if there's ever any bad guys you just can't handle, you drop me a line. A Kafka's always saving some secret sauce, what, no need? Fine. You're the boss, boss.

Upgrade costs

Open in the planner

Promotion

  • Elite 1Specialist Chip ×4Sugar ×4Polyester ×3LMD ×20,000
  • Elite 2Specialist Dualchip ×3Polymerized Gel ×8Oriron Cluster ×15LMD ×120,000

Skill levels

  • Lv. 2Skill Summary - 1 ×4
  • Lv. 3Skill Summary - 1 ×4Ester ×7
  • Lv. 4Skill Summary - 2 ×6Oriron ×3
  • Lv. 5Skill Summary - 2 ×6Polyketon ×4
  • Lv. 6Skill Summary - 2 ×6Integrated Device ×3
  • Lv. 7Skill Summary - 3 ×6Loxic Kohl ×3Aketon ×3

Mastery: Cube of Absurdism

  • M1Skill Summary - 3 ×5Orirock Concentration ×3Grindstone ×4
  • M2Skill Summary - 3 ×6Incandescent Alloy Block ×3RMA70-24 ×5
  • M3Skill Summary - 3 ×10D32 Steel ×4Polymerized Gel ×4

Mastery: Shears of Surrealism

  • M1Skill Summary - 3 ×5Polymerized Gel ×3Orirock Cluster ×6
  • M2Skill Summary - 3 ×6Oriron Block ×3Incandescent Alloy Block ×5
  • M3Skill Summary - 3 ×10Crystalline Electronic Unit ×4Orirock Concentration ×3

Module: Rubik's Cube Pendant (EXE-Y)

  • Stage 1Module Data Block ×2Grindstone Pentahydrate ×3LMD ×40,000
  • Stage 2Module Data Block ×2Data Supplement Stick ×20Oriron Block ×4LMD ×50,000
  • Stage 3Module Data Block ×2Data Supplement Instrument ×8White Horse Kohl ×5LMD ×60,000

How to get Kafka

Recruitment & Headhunting

Art

Kafka key art

More characters

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