In the rich and intricate world of Arknights, few races carry as much lore, tragedy, and power as the Sarkaz. Known for their long horns, deep affinity with Originium, and roles as both feared warriors and oppressed nomads, the Sarkaz are central to many of the game’s major storylines—particularly those involving Kazdel and the Reunion Movement.

However, the Sarkaz are not a single monolithic group. They’re made up of various subraces, each with their own history, biology, combat style, and philosophy. Understanding these subraces helps reveal why Sarkaz characters are so unique—both narratively and in gameplay. For a general guide on classes and subclasses, check out our detailed article on the topic.

1. Vampire

The Vampire subrace within the Sarkaz is distinguished by several unique characteristics.

• Unlike many Sarkaz subraces, Vampires typically lack horns and tails. They often possess pale skin and red or pink eyes—a feature that has led to the derogatory nickname “Red/Pink eyes” within certain circles. ​
• Vampires are adept in blood-related Arts, enabling them to enhance others through their own blood, a practice referred to as giving a “blessing.” A notable tradition among Vampires involves marking close relatives with a preferred scent, serving both as a declaration of protection and a means to locate the marked individual over great distances. However, this custom is waning among younger Vampires, who view it as outdated. ​
• Historically, Vampires exhibited a thirst for blood and conflict. Over time, many, including the renowned Operator Warfarin, have grown weary of perpetual strife after centuries of combat. This shift reflects a broader change within Vampire society towards a more pacifistic approach. ​
• Vampires often face stereotypes, such as sleeping in luxurious coffins or consuming blood vials. While some acknowledge these as remnants of a brutal culture, others, like Closure, humorously dismiss them—Closure, for instance, jests about preferring motor oil over blood.

2. Wendigo

The Wendigo are a towering and physically dominant Sarkaz subrace known for their immense strength and endurance. Members of this subrace often live long lives and display a deeply ingrained sense of loyalty—especially toward their homeland, Kazdel.

• Wendigos are defined by their massive physiques, physical resilience, and battlefield leadership.
• Their role in Kazdel’s military history is significant, with many serving as frontline commanders.
• Patriot, the famed commander of the Reunion’s Yeti Squadron, is the most prominent example of a Wendigo. His enduring strength, honor, and tragic past embody the Wendigo legacy.
• Wendigos are highly resistant to physical damage and are formidable in drawn-out engagements.

3. Banshee

Banshees are a rare and mysterious subrace believed to possess ethereal or psychic abilities. They are spiritually attuned and have a strong association with mental influence and wailing cries that may affect the minds of others.

• Banshees are thought to channel Arts through their voice, capable of projecting psychic or emotional force.
• Their appearance is often otherworldly, with visual elements resembling spirits or apparitions.
• While no playable Banshee Operators exist as of now, they appear in lore as beings tied to supernatural omens or suffering.

Banshees remain one of the least understood subraces, adding to the eerie mystique surrounding them in Sarkaz culture.

4. Gargoyle

The Gargoyle subrace is characterized by their stone-like skin and immense defensive capabilities. They act as natural protectors, excelling in defensive and anchoring roles during combat.

• Gargoyles are known for their high endurance and resistance to both physical and Arts-based attacks.
• Their hardened exterior makes them perfect for defensive operations and frontline deployment.
• Mudrock is the most recognizable Gargoyle. As a heavily armored Defender with self-sustaining shields, she exemplifies the subrace’s tactical role in combat.
• Lore-wise, Gargoyles often live reclusively and are wary of external threats, valuing resilience over aggression.

5. Nachzehrer

Derived from folklore similar to vampirism, the Nachzehrer subrace is marked by traits associated with the draining of life force, heightened senses, and a potentially regenerative nature.

• Nachzehrers are typically pale, with sharp features and subtle, haunting auras.
• They are believed to feed off others to survive or strengthen themselves, though this may be symbolic in-game.
• Flametail is suspected to be a Nachzehrer, with certain in-game traits and story cues suggesting a lineage that draws upon life-stealing capabilities or enhanced vitality.
• They tend to be agile and fast, and are often portrayed as fierce combatants who thrive on pressure.

6. Damazti

The Damazti are an obscure and rarely mentioned subrace, with little concrete information available. What is known suggests they are either ancient or experimental in nature.

• Their physical or magical characteristics remain largely undocumented.
• Some speculate that they are a result of advanced Originium experimentation or mutation.
• The subrace could potentially play a larger role in future story arcs or Operator releases, especially if Kazdel’s hidden science projects are explored.

The Damazti’s absence from the battlefield and limited lore make them a point of interest for fans eager to uncover more of Arknights’ world-building.

7. Diablo

The Diablo are aggressive, fearsome Sarkaz subraces often linked to demonic aesthetics and destructive tendencies. They represent chaos and unleash devastating Arts in battle.

• Diablos are defined by their raw power and lack of subtlety.
• They are commonly associated with offensive roles and explosive tactics.
• W is one of the most prominent Operators with Diablo traits. Her chaotic personality and use of explosives align with the subrace’s anarchic combat style.
• Diablo units in enemy waves tend to be high-damage threats that require strategic planning to handle.

The Diablo represent the more volatile face of Sarkaz power—uncontrollable, passionate, and immensely dangerous.

8. Lich

Liches are tied to necromancy and the manipulation of death, life force, and resurrection. They are among the most feared Sarkaz subraces due to their ancient and arcane mastery of forbidden Arts.

• They may appear skeletal or withered, exuding an aura of decay and age.
• Liches often act as powerful mages or summoners, commanding the dead or using Arts to corrupt the living.
• Kal’tsit is heavily speculated to have ties to this subrace due to her centuries-long experience, surgical precision, and ties to resurrection through Mon3tr.
• Their knowledge often surpasses that of even the most experienced researchers.

Liches blur the line between science and sorcery, making them central figures in many Sarkaz myths and conspiracy theories.

9. Cyclops

Cyclops Sarkaz are rare beings with a single eye and immense physical power. They are brute enforcers, relying on overwhelming strength and battlefield dominance.

• Cyclops are massive, brutal, and resistant to most forms of damage.
• Often employed as elite soldiers or bodyguards, they pose a significant threat in direct confrontations.
• They are featured as enemy units in several late-game operations, often equipped with heavy armor and enhanced attack power.
• Despite their terrifying strength, they are usually not tacticians—functioning as shock troops rather than commanders.

Their sheer power and durability make Cyclops a terrifying yet straightforward battlefield threat.

Gameplay Importance of Sarkaz Operators

Sarkaz Operators are often:

• High-impact units, usually with self-sustain, burst damage, or unique mechanics
• Excellent for boss fights, challenge modes, or elite enemy control
• Commonly found in specialist, defender, or caster classes
• Tied to high-risk, high-reward strategies that reward tactical planning

Many also synergize thematically in events, such as in Under Tides or Chapter 9–11, where Sarkaz lore is front and center.

The Sarkaz are more than just a race in Arknights—they are the soul of Kazdel, the shadow of conflict, and the embodiment of power forged through pain. Their subraces reflect their diversity: brutal warriors, cursed witches, stealthy assassins, and fallen royalty. Understanding these subraces gives you greater insight into both the world of Arknights and how to build powerful teams with Sarkaz Operators. For the best tactical control and immersive gameplay, play Arknights on PC with BlueStacks and command the Sarkaz with precision from your PC.