Bungie has released the latest update for Marathonwhich includes the return of the highly anticipated battle audio changes that the team admits are “an overcorrection.” Balancing adjustments for Runner shell weapons and abilities, fixes for some bugs, and confirmation that the end-game raid map, Cryo Archives is in the game. Although “good luck getting there,Bungie said.
This final blow is because, beyond the previously discovered requirements to access the Cryo Archives, the community must first unlock the map by completing a long series of ARG puzzles. Additionally, Bungie added a third, previously unknown requirement for running in Cryo Archive: your loadout must reach a value 5K creditswhich effectively eliminates the possibility of players with free Sponsor Kits running attacks. This is also another reminder that players cannot try Cryo Archive as a Citadel, although that is known.
This is a clear message that these raids should not be undertaken unless you are prepared to take a heavy toll on the loot and high-level resources you can collect if you successfully exfil. After all, Cryo Archive is intended to be Marathon’s ultimate end-game experience and challenge. It’s high risk, high reward, and you definitely don’t want to go into it unprepared.
Another major aspect of this update is Ranking Mode will arrive in the game later this week. It will arrive in four days, with players gaining ranking points for successful exfils with high-level loot and losing points for failed exfils. You’ll also be asked to create a proper loadout, meaning there are no Sponsor Kits or Strongholds in the rankings.
Another important part of this update includes changes to the way items are stacked in your Vault. Now, you can stack larger amounts of items in the Vault, freeing up more space, while the size of the stack in your backpack remains the same. Thief Runner Shells are also the first shells to get nerfed in Marathon.
Thief players can no longer use their drone to retrieve loot from someone’s backpack while the player is in the middle of the exfil animation. Previously, players might be in the midst of success, only to have their most valuable equipment snatched away at the last second, and be left with nothing to do. Yes, it’s technically a nerf, but it’s more of a proper balance fix than something that actively makes the Thief shell less desirable to play.
Speaking of exfil, you can now activate exfil beacons even when you’re down. It’s unclear whether activating the beacon will slow or stop your shell bleeding when you activate it, and if you die before successfully exfilting, you’ll still lose everything. But at least you can still give yourself a chance if you fall right next to an exfil beacon.
Fortress shells are now also accessible from the start of the game, and you don’t need to meet any requirements to run your first playthrough risk-free.
As for weapon customization, everyone’s favorite shotgun, the WSTR Combat Shotgun has received a much-needed nerf, as the damage it deals has a bigger drop-off if you’re not already in close range. You also won’t be able to fire it as quickly as the duration of its spin animation when equipped has been increased.
Overall, many of these updates are changes that will hopefully create more variety in Marathon’s gameplay. And hopefully, those at the forefront of the ARG Marathon puzzle will be able to solve it sooner so we can all unlock the Cryo Archives at UESC Marathon.
For more information on the Marathon, check out our hub page for all of our coverage. You can also check out my review-in-progress, which will be updated with scores once I’ve had a chance to play Cryo Archive for myself.
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