Blue Archive October 21 Update: New Banners, Rewards, and Major System Expansions
The latest Blue Archive patch (update 2024-10-21) marks one of the most consequential updates for the global server in this quarter—introducing new pick-up students, story chapters, event campaigns, and progression systems that reshape the tactical landscape for both competitive and casual players. With an expanded gacha pool and time-limited missions, there is significant opportunity for value and resource optimization, especially for F2P and returning players.
At a Glance: Key Highlights
- Maintenance: 2024-10-21 02:00–06:00 UTC; 480 Pyroxene compensation
- New Banners: Nagusa & Niya (3★ Pick-Up), 2024-10-21 post-maintenance to 2024-11-04 01:59 UTC
- Main Story Expansion: Volume 5, Hyakkaryouran Chapter 2 (Part 1 and 2)
- Mini Event: Balancing Schale's Books, F2P-friendly shop; 2024-10-21 to 2024-11-04
- Key Systems: Tactical Challenge S9, Final Restriction Release for Chokmah, new shop/furniture/interaction updates
Banner Timeline & Details
| Phase | Start (UTC) | End (UTC) | Featured Students | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2024-10-21 06:00 | 2024-11-04 01:59 | Nagusa (3★), Niya (3★) | Recruitment points reset; pity applies |
Both banners run simultaneously post-maintenance. Recruitment points will reset at update launch; any unused points convert to Keystone Pieces (1:1 ratio). Always review rate and pity tables in-game for specifics per banner cycle (not stated in official materials, but standard Blue Archive rules apply).
Should You Pull on Nagusa or Niya?
Nagusa (3★) and Niya (3★) enter the pick-up pool for the duration. For F2P and low-spend players:
– Pros: Early access to new meta tools, unique toolkit synergies with current story/event content, and strengthened roster diversity.
– Cons: Both banners run simultaneously, dividing resources (Pyroxene). Future high-value banners may dilute optimal pulls—consider existing roster, relevant content needs, and banner overlap.
– Guidance: Only commit to full pity if one unit is an immediate core upgrade or future reruns are unlikely. Otherwise, conserve resources; consult the Blue Archive Tier List on early.gg for updated value assessments (insert actual link).
Main Story Expansion: Hyakkaryouran Continues
Phase 2 of Main Story Volume 5 rolls out in two waves:
– Part 1 (Episodes 1-15): Available after 2024-10-21 maintenance
– Part 2 (Episodes 16-28): Unlocks on 2024-10-28 02:00 UTC
These chapters extend the Hyakkaryouran arc, featuring new lore threads and escalating tactical encounters. Completion progresses critical account rewards and unlocks new event eligibility. If you're catching up, prioritize clearing the prerequisite missions to access all event benefits.
Events & Reward Structures
Mini Event: Balancing Schale's Books with the General Student Council
- Runs: 2024-10-21 (after maintenance)–2024-11-04 01:59 UTC
- Eligibility: Clear Mission 2-3 (Normal)
- Mechanics: Spend AP in Missions/Commissions to earn up to 30,000 High-Quality Fountain Pens. Currency is exchanged in the event shop for upgrade materials and limited items. Unused currency converts to Credit Points (1:1) post-event.
- Reward Claim/Exchange: Until 2024-11-11 01:59 UTC
Player tip: Secure daily AP cap usage to maximize event currency. Prioritize limited shop items and check EarlyGG event guides for reward optimization paths.
New Systems & Content
- Tactical Challenge Season 9: Begins post-maintenance; features new Indoor Warfare terrain and updated cover/damage mechanics—HP buffs and new debuffs after sequential artillery barrages (details confirmed). Competitive players should reevaluate team comp durability and placement strategies.
- Final Restriction Release: Chokmah (Heavy Armor): New endgame challenge available from 2024-10-22 02:00 UTC to 2024-11-17 18:59 UTC. Rewards scale with boss progression; instant claim for previously cleared tiers.
- Total Assault: Geburah (Field Warfare): Returns 2024-10-28 02:00–2024-11-03 18:59 UTC. Standard point/rank rewards, with a settlement period for ranking claims.
Campaigns & Time-Limited Bonuses
- Normal Missions Double Rewards: 2024-10-20 19:00 – 2024-10-27 18:59 UTC
- Commissions Double Rewards: 2024-10-27 19:00 – 2024-11-03 18:59 UTC
- 4-Year Anniversary Login Event: 2024-11-01 19:00 – 2024-11-08 18:59 UTC
These periods offer vital bonus drops and login items; plan stamina and AP spending accordingly.
Shop & System Refreshes
- Content Shop Rotation: 2024-10-31 19:00 UTC (Eligma II, Bounty, Total/Grand Assault, Tactical Challenge shops reset)
- New Furniture: Yin-Yang Club Low Table (earnable via Event Guide Task)
- Interaction Additions: Custom interactions for Nagusa (Hyakkaryouran Wooden Gun Mount) and Niya (Yin-Yang Club Low Table)
- QoL: New tasks, titles, and account-link management tools (for mobile & Steam clients)
- Furniture Crafting: One new 3★ piece added to the Synthesis and Raffle pools (see in-game Crafting Chamber Probability Info for updated rates)
Pre-Patch To-Do List
- Spend remaining recruitment points before 2024-10-21 maintenance to avoid conversion.
- Plan AP/stamina usage, ensuring mission/commission clears align with event/double rewards.
- Stockpile event shop items prior to claim deadline (2024-11-11 01:59 UTC).
- Prepare core teams for new challenge bosses and event chapters (upgrade, gear, synergy tuning).
Day-1 Priorities Post-Update
- Collect 480 Pyroxene compensation from mailbox (expires in 7 days).
- Begin event currency farming immediately for max total.
- Check new pick-up banners for early pulls (if targeting units) and validate rate tables.
- Navigate to new story content and event chains before attempting challenge modes.
- Enter Tactical Challenge and Final Restriction Release to secure weekly/seasonal rewards before leaderboards intensify.
Accessibility Note
Visuals: Suggested alt texts for images include: "Nagusa character preview, Hyakkaryouran event art, event shop UI layout, boss battle preview, new furniture objects, unique character interactions." Each visual enhances player familiarity with content changes, item appearance, and mechanics.
Summary & What’s Next
Blue Archive's October update introduces impactful banners, marquee events, and notable system upgrades that reward both proactive and strategy-minded players. Resource management, timely participation, and smart banner decisions offer clear paths for optimization this patch. Watch EarlyGG for in-depth breakdowns of student rankings, event farming guides, and post-launch meta updates as week one concludes.
For continued coverage and early meta analysis, see EarlyGG Blue Archive hub and dedicated event pages as new data arrives. Official news and patch notes remain the only trusted source for banner rates, mechanics, and date confirmations.