Guide to Engaging with Protocol Dataloggers in Arknights: Endfield for Balloon Men Access Authorization

Gaining access to Protocol Dataloggers in Arknights: Endfield can be a bit perplexing. While exploring Talos-II, you might come across these quirky balloon figures, but when you try to interact with them, you’ll just see a message stating, “Access authorization cannot be verified. Please acquire access authorization before starting again.”

I spent quite a bit of time searching for a way to obtain this access, pondering if it was some sort of environmental puzzle or if I needed to find a hidden item nearby. As it turns out, you don’t need to worry about that. Here’s a breakdown of how and when you can use Protocol Dataloggers and what they actually do.

These yellow balloon figures are scattered throughout Talos-II, perched on pedestals that say “connecting.” However, it quickly becomes apparent that there are additional steps required to make use of them. So, how do you actually get access authorization, and what’s the purpose of these balloons?

The good news is that Protocol Dataloggers become available as you progress through the main story. If you’re like me, you might have been running around thinking you were missing something, but there’s nothing hidden nearby. You’ll need to advance quite a bit in the initial storyline, completing all of Chapter I Process I, which involves saving the Hub Base and then confronting the Landbreakers in the Valley Pass.

Once you return, you’ll have a conversation with Andre, which will grant you the access authorization needed for the balloon figures.

Interacting with them provides you with a resource called AIC Index, which you can use to research new factory technology in the AIC Plan. This allows you to construct more units, craft new materials, and generally enhance your production capabilities.

From this point on, Protocol Dataloggers will also be marked on your map, making it easier to collect them as you delve deeper into Talos-II.