The latest Marathon update is a significant win for players struggling to enter the high-stakes endgame zone. Bungie has officially tweaked the game's "item economy," now offering one free Cryo Archive Sponsored Kit each week. This change aims to make it much easier for runners to participate in the weekend-only Cryo Archive.

Increasing Accessibility for the Cryo Archive

The Cryo Archive has long been known for doubling down on a hardcore experience, imposing strict requirements for entry. As an extraction shooter, Marathon can be brutal; failing to exfil at the end of a match means losing everything, including weapons and consumables. Furthermore, entering the Cryo Archive requires a loadout worth at least 5,000 credits.

Following player requests, Bungie has implemented the free weekly loadout that was originally offered when the map launched. This move aims to lower the barrier for entry and boost the raid's population.

However, not everyone thinks the complexity is manageable. Former professional Counter-Strike player Shroud noted during a recent stream that while the experience is incredible, it may be too intense for casual players.

"Cryo Archive is insane," Shrig said. "It's the most elaborate extraction shooter map I've ever seen in a game ever. The loop that they made is truly something special. The problem is, is it too elaborate? Is it too complex? Is it too much of a grind? Is your 9-5 grandma and grandpa going to be able to do it? I don't know."

Weapon Tweaks and the Latest Marathon Update Details

Beyond the economy changes, update 1.0.6.2 included several combat adjustments. Interestingly, the WSTR combat shotgun has been tweaked once again. After a nerf last week, Bungie has now increased its damage from 78 to 85, though the critical multiplier was reduced from 1.15x to 1.05x.

The shotgun also received a 75% damage bonus against AI targets. This "re-buffing" approach has been well-received by the community. One player suggested that server stats for the WSTR were likely much worse than expected post-nerf, noting: "When it struggles to two-tap a white shield bot and a DBNO runner, you know it was too heavy-handed."

Another player expressed a preference for different balancing methods: "Still wish they would have nerfed the fire rate instead of the damage. A double-barreled that doesn't hit hard feels off..." Meanwhile, one nostalgic fan joked about Bungie's history with weapons: "I'll never forget what they did to my sweet Halo 2 pistol, it never returned to its former glory."

Patch Notes Breakdown for Update 1.0.6.2

The latest patch also addressed various UI bugs and mechanical issues across the board:

  • Item Economy: One free Cryo Archive Sponsored Kit can now be claimed weekly; fixed Rooks spawning without updated Shield Charges and Health Kits.
  • Combat (WSTR Shotgun): Increased damage to 85; reduced critical multiplier to 1.05x; increased damage against AI targets.
  • MIPS Slug Converter Prestige Mod: Fixed geometry hits; increased critical multiplier to 1.9x; reduced projectile velocity and aim assist radius.
  • User Interface: Fixed incorrect shield icons, Armory HUD disappearance, and empty spaces in the Overflow inventory screen.
  • Zones & Contracts: Added vent covers in Biostock and Preservation for security clearance progression; fixed runner stuck issues in the Drone Wing.
  • General/Stability: Fixed push-to-talk inconsistencies on controllers and addressed an error that prevented players from joining games.

These changes follow a string of recent updates, including doubling the amount of Depleted Patch Kits and Shield Charges players can carry, as well as the introduction of the C.A.R.R.I. protocol to reward solo and coordinated crews.