"I need your help. I can't tell you what it is, you can never ask me about it later, and we're gonna hurt some people.""Whose teleporter are we gonna take?"
Game
Marathon
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Trophy Roadmap
Use this roadmap to understand the main path through Marathon. Review the difficulty, estimated time, platform coverage, walkthrough notes, and trophy-specific tips before starting your next clean-up run.
Tap a section to jump or scroll through the detailed breakdowns below.
How to Play
Marathon is a Sci-fi PvPvE extraction shooter set on the lost colony world of Tau Ceti IV.
Players drop in as Runners (cybernetic mercenaries), scavenge for loot, artifacts, and upgraded implants, survive hostile AI and rival player squads, and reach an extraction zone to secure their haul.
If a player dies during an extraction run, they lose all unbanked gear, inventory, and weapon loads carried into that run.
While all trophies can theoretically be completed in solo queue, running with a coordinated 3-player squad drastically speeds up faction contract completions and extraction success rates.
You do not need to max out every Runner shell to earn the Platinum. You can stick to your preferred primary Runner while unlocking capstone upgrades.
What to Focus On
Focus early runs on harvesting high-tier loot containers and completing Faction Contracts rather than hunting rival players, as total extractions and vendor reputation form the bulk of the grind.
Try to stick with one faction for maxing reputation.
Successfully extracting with any amount of value, escaping under specific conditions (e.g., low health, last second).
Crafting high-rarity gear, fully socketing implants, banking maximum currency.
All things to get you XP.
Codex Tracking Note: You can check your lifetime progress in the game menu under Codex.Exfiltration & Matches: The Codex tracks cumulative successful exfiltrations across maps, but it does not track overall deployment runs. You will need to manually track total match drops if you want to know how close you are to the 21-run milestone.
Key Terminology
Runners: The customisable cybernetic shells controlled by players, featuring specialized active/passive abilities.
Extraction/Exfil: The timed exit mechanics required to convert inventory items into permanent profile progression.
Artifacts & Loot Rarity: Key valuable items that dictate run economy, progression speed, and end-game build crafting.
Marathon Modes
1. Standard Extraction (PvPvE)
The core experience of Marathon. You deploy into ground zones on Tau Ceti IV to complete faction contracts, loot containers, defeat UESC units, and exfiltrate alive.
Team Sizes:
Trios (3-Player Fireteam): The standard balance for map events and contract completion.
Solos: Matchmade strictly against other solo Runners.
Duos: Rotating map availability.
2. Ranked Competitive Mode (PvPvE)
A high-stakes competitive ladder consisting of 6 tiers (Bronze to Pinnacle).
Your loadout must meet a minimum credit value threshold to enter, and you must equip a Holotag to track score targets.
Ranking up to Platinum or higher unlocks access to High-Security map zones featuring significantly higher loot density and deadlier enemy fireteams.
Highly recommended for endgame contract grinding once your squad has high-tier builds, as high-value extractions accelerate seasonal rank XP (Seasoned Veteran).
3. Rook / Scavenger Runs (Zero-Risk Solo Drop)
A specialized low-stress deployment mode where you drop into an already ongoing match as a solo Rook shell.
You spawn with a randomized basic loadout and zero vault risk. Your goal is to scavenge leftover loot, pick off weakened enemies, or clear secondary objectives.
Rooks cannot advance faction contract objectives.
Excellent for recovering gear after a losing streak, learning map layouts without risking high-tier items, or farming passive loot container opens (Jackpot).
4. Vault Breaker (PvE Roguelite Mode)
An experimental pure PvE mode set inside the Cryo Archive aboard the UESC Marathon.
A wave/chamber-based roguelite run focused on clearing progressively harder UESC-defended security vaults without rival player squads (PvP) interfering.
Accessible as Solo, Duo, or Trio regardless of account level.
The safest environment for completing pure PvE combat requirements like UESC unit eliminations (Anti-Establishment) and UESC Commander kills (RIP UESC).
Top Shells for Trophy & Roadmap Completion
1. Triage
The S-Tier Squad Anchor (Best for Exfil & Contracts)
Essential for squad play to complete Run Executable (21 runs) and Run, Repeat (7 exfils).
Med-Drone (Tactical): Heals self or squadmate in combat.
Capacitive Gauntlets (Prime): Safely revives downed squadmates at range from cover.
Shareware (Trait): Consumables used apply to Med-Droned teammates.
Trophy Synergy: Maximizes squad survival to reduce wipe setbacks and accelerate XP for Seasoned Veteran.
2. Thief
The Loot & Container King (Best for Jackpot)
Cuts down time spent searching maps for Jackpot (777 containers) and rare extraction loot.
Loot Sense (Trait): Highlights nearby containers through walls.
Grapple Hook (Tactical): High mobility to reach uncontested high-tier loot fast.
Pickpocket Drone (Prime): Steals loot from afar or disarms enemies.
Trophy Synergy: Cuts container farming time in half and provides instant escape routes with key items.
3. Recon
The Intel Specialist (Best for Map Safety)
Prevents fireteam wipes from extraction ambushes.
Echo Pulse (Prime): Sonar wave revealing hostiles and enemy players through walls/stealth.
Tracker Drone (Tactical): Spider drone that tracks enemies, explodes, and causes overheat.
Stalker Protocol (Trait): Highlights footprint trails of enemies with broken shields.
Trophy Synergy: Essential for clearing and securing extraction zones safely.
4. Rook
The Zero-Risk Solo Scavenger (Best for Casual Farming)
Solo-only frame with zero vault risk joining matches in progress.
Signal Mask (Tactical): Disguises you as a UESC unit to bypass hostile AI completely.
Recuperation (Prime): Passive out-of-combat health regen.
Trophy Synergy: Ideal zero-risk option for passively farming container opens for Jackpot.
5. Destroyer
The Pure Combat Tank (Best for PvP & UESC Kills)
Provides heavy firepower for combat milestones like Anti-Establishment (147 UESC kills) and RIP UESC (28 Commanders).
Riot Barricade (Tactical): Frontal shield absorbing direct fire.
Thruster (Trait): Directional dodge-dash to take cover or push.
Trophy Synergy: Makes high-tier boss encounters and UESC Commanders safer to solo or tank.
Ideal 3-Player Team Compositions
Role
Fireteam
Focus
Safe Exfil
Triage + Recon + Destroyer
Max survival rate, exfil intel, and heavy boss firepower.
Speed-Looting
Thief + Recon + Vandal
Rapid container farming and radar pings to avoid PvP.
Contract Push
Destroyer + Triage + Assassin
High DPS contract clearing with stealth flank support.
MAP OVERVIEW & BREAKDOWN
PERIMETER- Difficulty: Beginner / Low Risk- Max Fireteams: 5 Squads (15 Players)- Key POIs: North Relay, South Relay, Station, Hauler, Overflow- Guide Strategy: Best for early match count grinding (Run Executable) and basic faction contracts with minimal PvP interference.- Top Shells: Recon, Thief
DIRE MARSH- Difficulty: Intermediate / Medium Risk- Max Fireteams: 6 Squads (18 Players)- Key POIs: Quarantine, Bio-Research, Greenhouse, The Anomaly, AI Uplink- Best map for fast container farming (Jackpot) and mid-tier contract XP.- Top Shells: Thief, Triage
OUTPOST- Difficulty: Advanced / High Risk- Max Fireteams: 3-4 Squads (9-12 Players)- Key POIs: The Pinwheel, Airfield, Processing- Best for farming UESC Commander kills (RIP UESC) and elite AI combat trophies. Highly vertical with frequent chokepoint fights.- Top Shells: Destroyer, Recon
CRYO ARCHIVE- Difficulty: Endgame / Extreme (PvE Vault Mode)- Max Fireteams: Variable- Key POIs: Panopticon, Revival, Preservation- Set on the UESC Marathon ship. Pure PvE environment best for grinding high-tier gear and tech tree capstones (Cutting Edge) without rival squads interfering.- Top Shells: Destroyer, Triage
Tau Ceti IV features six mega-corporate factions. Players can take on contracts for all six simultaneously without penalty once unlocked via Liaison Contracts.
Standard Contracts: Basic repeatable missions (kill X enemies, open Y containers). Low payout, good filler.
Boosted Contracts: Specific, higher-risk requirements with elevated XP and rare salvage rewards.
Priority Contracts: Major narrative milestone contracts required to reach VIP status (Rank 10). Grants massive XP chunks and permanent rank perks.
Trophy Tips
Detailed notes for each trophy covered in this guide.
Escape Will Make Me...
Obtain all trophies in Marathon.
Internet Required
The ultimate badge of honor on Tau Ceti IV. Unlocking the Platinum trophy in Marathon requires mastering the core extraction loop, reaching Season Level 100 before a seasonal reset, and establishing VIP status across the colony’s ruling mega-corporations. While the majority of the trophy list comes naturally through regular contract completions, container farming, and combat engagements, efficiency hinges heavily on high extraction survival rates and smart squad coordination. Good Work!
Welcome to Tau Ceti
Complete or skip your initial run.
Internet Required
Ultimately the choice is yours, however it would be beneficial to complete the run to learn the mechanics of the game before jumping into the fire.
Everything Runs on CyberAcme
Re-establish communication with the Sol system.
Internet Required
Complete the first priority contract for CyberAcme. The contract is titled "Welcome to Tau Ceti". Once the contract is completed and turned in, the trophy will pop.Reference the "Contract Types" section for an example of how the contracts look.
Run Executable
Complete 21 runs.
Internet Required
Successful exfil is not required for this trophy. A completed run is counted if the player exfils or dies, so this will come with playing and working towards other trophies.
Run, Repeat
Exfil successfully 7 times.
Internet Required
Exfil points spawn after 5 minutes into the 25-minute match, but will disappear once someone uses it. The exfil point icon is an arrow, which can be pinned or pinged on the map to help you navigate there. More exfil points will spawn over time until the match ends as well, so if the first set of exfils are taken, do not stress. Once at an exfil point, start it, defend the position, and wait for the timer to count down and the exfil to occur.Note that more than one person can exfil at once, so even if an enemy is on the point you can run into the exfil point too at and get out.
This is Marathon
Experience shell death for the first time.
Internet Required
Die. No, seriously. Die.
Jackpot
Loot 777 containers.
Collectible
Internet Required
Grindy
Within the maps there are countless amounts of different containers that can be looted, so loot everything on each run as each container has different items that can assist in survival. Make sure to focus on unopened containers as those are what count towards the trophy. Also, no items have to be taken from the container to be considered looted. Just opening an unopened container will count.
Anti-Establishment
Eliminate 147 UESC units.
Internet Required
Grindy
The UESC are the "bots" of the game. They look like robots and are blue in color. They will notice and engage you automatically so finding them isn't difficult. Eliminate as many as you can per fun until the trophy pops. Also, there are different ranks of UESC which can be seen based on their shield color when you shoot them. No shield = Recruit, Green = Scout, Blue = Grenadier, Purple = Commander.
RIP UESC
Eliminate 28 UESC Commanders.
RNG
Internet Required
UESC Commanders can be confirmed from other UESC enemies by their purple shield when shooting them. They are more difficult to defeat, but using grenades, abilities, and well-aimed headshots they can be defeated. One way to speed this process up is to look for the guarded exfil icon, which is a skull. The guarded exfil guarantees a commander spawn. On the map Outpost, a guarded exfil is guaranteed each time, but this map has more aggressive bots and players on it as well.
End Run
Eliminate 14 rival Runners.
Internet Required
Runners are other real players. Before engaging, make sure to be geared up with weapons, ammo, and a good shield. Once geared up, execute execute execute.
Sign Here
Complete 35 Contracts.
Internet Required
Grindy
Contracts are random tasks to be completed to earn XP for the player and for the faction the contract is from. Some contracts can be completed over multiple runs, and some have to be completed in one run. Reference the "Contract Types" section above.
Reliable Asset
Reach VIP status with a Faction.
Grindy
Internet Required
Collectible
To reach VIP status, the faction must reach level 30. To reach level 30, complete contracts, complete runs, and kill enemies until the trophy pops.
Cutting Edge
Unlock 7 capstone upgrades.
Grindy
Collectible
Internet Required
Capstone upgrades are a small row at the bottom of the upgrades screen within a faction. As upgrades are bought, a progression bar increases across the capstone row. As the progression moves, a capstone upgrade becomes available to unlock. Unlock 7 and the trophy is complete. Note that the capstones do not need to be all under one faction, they can cross over factions.
Seasoned Veteran
Earn 100 Season Levels in a single season.
Grindy
Time-Sensitive
Internet Required
This is a typical "reach level 100" type of trophy; however, it must be done within a single season of Marathon. A single season is approximately 3 months. This is going to be the grindiest trophy of the game. To maximize XP be sure to complete contract, kill enemies (bots and runners), and try to exfil instead of getting killed.