Arknights introduces new operators regularly, but some stand out due to their unique mechanics and strategic value. Tin Man, a 5-star Specialist from the Alchemist subclass, is one such operator in this strategy game. Unlike traditional damage dealers or frontliners, he specializes in supporting allies and weakening enemies, making him a niche but interesting addition to any roster.

His debuffs, healing, and Arts DoT capabilities give him a hybrid playstyle that blends elements of Supporters and Casters. However, Tin Man’s true strength lies in Integrated Strategies 5 (IS5), where his recruitment cost reduction and utility skills shine the most. Whether you’re looking for a specialist to enhance your IS5 runs or a unique support operator with a mix of offense and healing, Tin Man is worth considering.

Tin Man Overview

Tin Man is a 5-star Specialist introduced as a welfare operator in the Sarkaz’s Furnaceside Fables event. As part of the Alchemist subclass, he provides utility through debuffs, healing, and Arts DoT. Unlike typical Specialists, Tin Man functions more like a Supporter, focusing on battlefield control rather than direct offense. His unique Alchemical Units allow him to weaken enemies while supporting allies, making him particularly valuable in Integrated Strategies 5 (IS5).

Despite his low attack power and defensive stats, Tin Man’s strengths lie in his ability to hit aerial enemies, reduce Hope cost in IS5, and provide regeneration healing. However, outside of IS5, his viability depends on the player’s needs. If you lack alternative regen healers or DoT-focused operators, Tin Man can still be a useful pick.

Stats and Talent Breakdown

• Class: Specialist (Alchemist)
• Attack Range: 1×2 at base, expands to 2×3 at Elite 2
• HP: 500 → 1114 (E2)
• ATK: 207 → 469 (E2)
• DEF: 44 → 99 (E2)
• RES: 20 → 30
• DP Cost: 13 → 17
• Redeployment Time: 70s
• Block Count: 1

Talents

• On My Way (IS5 Exclusive): Reduces his recruitment cost by 2 Hope and increases Toil Limit significantly when assigned as a Loadbearing Operator.
• Shriveled Soul (E2 Talent): Increases DoT effects on ground enemies standing inside his Alchemical Unit’s range, enhancing synergy with other DoT-focused operators.

His first talent only works in IS5, making him highly valuable for that mode, while Shriveled Soul improves his performance in general content.

Skills and Playstyle

Tin Man’s Alchemical Units are the core of his kit, allowing him to apply debuffs, deal Arts DoT, and heal allies. He has two skills, each serving different roles.

Skill 1 – “Ol’ Curly”

• Effect: Throws an Alchemical Unit that applies Enfeeble (reduces enemy ATK) and deals Arts DoT to enemies inside its range.
• SP Cost: Moderate (offensive recovery)
• Best For: Reducing enemy damage, stacking DoT in longer fights.

This skill is great for weakening enemy damage output, but since Enfeeble isn’t always needed, its value is situational. The Arts DoT stacks when multiple Alchemical Units overlap, making it useful against low-RES enemies. However, offensive recovery slows its activation unless paired with an SP generator.

Skill 2 – “Big Larry”

• Effect: Throws an Alchemical Unit that deals higher Arts DoT in a larger area and heals allies with regeneration healing.
• SP Cost: Auto-recovery with manual activation (charges available).
• Best For: Sustaining allies and dealing consistent DoT.

Big Larry is Tin Man’s most useful skill since it provides healing alongside damage, making him a situational alternative to medics. His regen healing works on summons and operators who cannot be healed normally, making him a niche pick for certain strategies. The wider range and manual activation give better control over placement, making this skill his best choice in most scenarios.

Which Skill to Prioritize?

• Skill 2 (“Big Larry”) should be prioritized for its stronger DoT and healing capabilities.
• Skill 1 (“Ol’ Curly”) can be useful in specific scenarios where Enfeeble is needed, but it’s less versatile.

Best Builds and Strategies

While he’s powerful at what he does, Tin Man is more of a niche pick, in general. Though he could be regarded as a mainstay in his best modes, he also requires a bit of upgrading to get the most out of his kit.

Ideal Promotion Path

Tin Man needs to reach Elite 2 to unlock his expanded attack range and second talent. Before that, he struggles with limited range, making him difficult to position effectively.

Best Game Modes

Tin Man thrives in IS5, while also being a good choice for other modes. Here are two of the modes in which he performs best:

Integrated Strategies 5 (IS5) – High Priority:

• Recruitment cost reduction makes him a must-pick.
• His healing + debuff mix adds value in long IS runs.

Regular Gameplay – Niche Pick:

• DoT stacking can be useful in select Annihilation or CC stages.
• His regen healing is situational but unique.

Best Operator Synergies

• SP Generators (e.g., Ptilopsis, Warfarin): Helps charge his skills faster, especially Skill 1.
• Summon Units (e.g., Ling, Magallan): Tin Man’s healing works on summons, keeping them alive longer.
• DoT Operators (e.g., Ifrit, Corroserum): Shriveled Soul amplifies their damage-over-time effects.

Should You Build Tin Man?

• Build Him If:
  
• You plan to play IS5 extensively.
• You need an alternative regen healer.
• You like support-focused operators with unique mechanics.

• Skip Him If:
  
• You don’t play IS5 often.
• You already have strong DoT and regen healers.
• You prefer more straightforward damage dealers.

While Tin Man isn’t a must-build for general content, he’s an excellent pick for IS5 and offers unique healing + debuff options in specific team compositions.

Though he might not be among our top 10 operators in Arknights, Tin Man brings an interesting mix of support and debuff mechanics. While he isn’t a game-changer in regular content, his value in IS5 makes him a worthwhile investment for players focusing on that mode. His regen healing and DoT stacking allow for creative team synergies, especially when paired with the right operators.

For the best experience, play Arknights on PC with BlueStacks to enjoy smoother gameplay, better controls, and high-resolution visuals. Whether you decide to build Tin Man or not, Arknights always has new challenges waiting for you!