update · March 17, 2026
Marathon Update 1.0.5 Adds Cryo Archive and Reworks Weapon Balance
Marathon Update 1.0.5 introduces the Cryo Archive zone, three new random-rolled implant perks, and a swathe of combat adjustments. Players can now activate exfil beacons while downed and enjoy improved UI clarity for contracts and the Codex.
Marathon Update 1.0.5 opens up the perilous Cryo Archive zone alongside a handful of exclusive loot drops, quality-of-life adjustments, and mechanical tweaks. The update targets bug fixes, weapon tuning, and overall run stability.
New Cryo Archive Zone and Loot
The Cryo Archive is now live in the rotation. Explorers braving this zone can secure three exclusive random-rolled implant perks: Covert Recovery, which boosts self-repair and healing consumption speeds while standing in smoke; Freeloader, which grants ability energy on knife kills; and Panic Response, which triggers Cardio Kick effects when healing at low health. Three new mods—Punishment, Testament, and Hurricane—also drop exclusively in the archive, offering increased damage against combatants, range and aim assist bonuses when aiming down sights, and stability boosts while airborne at the cost of accuracy.
Combat and Movement Tweaks
Players can now activate exfil beacons while in the downed state. Camera shake intensity from incoming melee and knife attacks has been reduced. The WSTR Combat Shotgun receives a recoil adjustment, damage falloff redistribution for point-blank range, and a smaller aim assist cone size. Rook drops the Runner Level requirement and is now playable immediately at level 0. Additionally, weapon mods can now be removed via drag-and-drop mechanics into the backpack or Vault.
Quality of Life and Codex Fixes
The Armory now displays purchase costs primarily instead of sell values. Codex challenges for Ranked and Cryo Archive have been added, alongside clear indicators requiring successful extraction for 'Acquired Items' challenges. Voice chat receives a new console and gamepad Push-To-Talk option for runs, plus a 'Tap' setting. Vault storage receives larger stack sizes for consumables, ammo, salvage, and grenades, accompanied by new filter tabs for keys and backpacks.
Why this patch matters
Update 1.0.5 meaningfully expands Marathon's endgame pool with targeted loot incentives while smoothing out friction points like downed extractions and inventory management.