Marathon’s Cryo Archive map is the most challenging area in the game, filled with traps, UESC bots, locked doors, and a Compiler at the top that can kill unprepared players. Yet, those who can master the Marathon’s system can get some very lucrative rewards with Prestige items and even Contraband items that truly change up the game. This guide will explain every system in Cryo Archive so you can survive more often.
Security Clearance Levels
Much of the ship will be locked for you and your crew when you first load in. You'll see your crew's Security Clearance at the top right of your screen, which starts at 1. Many doors in the Cryo Archive will require a higher Security Clearance level, as well as certain map functions.
To increase your Security Clearance level, you must obtain red Security Tags dropped by UESC enemies and bosses. There are also certain terminals in the map that, when activated, provide a larger increase towards your clearance level. As your Clearance level gets higher, you can gain access to more valuable loot rooms.
Hidden Exfils and Scanners
Unlike other maps, the exfil stations in Cryo Archive will be completely hidden on your map. To find them, you must interact with a Scanner terminal while at level 3 Security Clearance to locate an exfil station. Once you activate the terminal at the exfil station, it will activate the real exfil zone elsewhere with a 3-minute time limit. You must then reach the actual site before the timer runs out.
As your Security Clearance level increases, the Scanner will also show the locations of Batteries on the map, a vital component for unlocking the Vaults and reaching the Compiler.
Vaults
There are 7 Vaults in total, each requiring a key. The Superior and Prestige Marathon keys you might have from previous runs are used to open each of the 6 Vaults. While the keys are important to open a Vault, you will also need 8 Batteries per vault to power the door and use your key in the first place.
Some Vaults will also require a Cryo Coolant Container, which can also be found lying in random places on the map. They will be empty at first, so you’ll need to bring the empty container to a terminal at the lowest level of the Control area.
Once you open the door, there will be a puzzle inside that you need to solve in order to open the final door leading to the loot room. Each vault has a chance to contain an AI Subroutine, which is the most important item for reaching the Compiler boss at the top of Cryo Archive, but this is purely RNG-dependent, as not all Vaults may have one.
Accessing The Compiler Boss
Before you can challenge the Compiler, you will need all 6 AI Subroutines from each vault in order to fight it. Don’t worry, as once you have all 6, you can keep challenging the boss without needing to do the other vaults.
- First, you must locate a DNA Network machine in any of the areas in the Cryo Archive. Interact with the button on the right of the machine to begin printing the DNA sequence, which spawns UESC enemies. You must survive for 45 seconds until the printing is complete. Once it's done, take the item on the left side of the machine to receive a DNA Sequence item with four random letters. Note down the four letters, as this will be important.
- Next, take the code to another DNA Network machine and deposit it into the receptacle. You must then activate 4 buttons around the room in the correct order, where each button displays a letter based on the DNA Sequence item you got. (e.g., if your DNA Sequence item says ACGT, you must activate the buttons showing A, C, G, and T to solve the puzzle.) Completing this step gives you the Command DNA Vial, another key item for opening the way to the boss.
- After that, you must have a Security Clearance Level 4 and around 16 batteries. Make your way to the Tranquility room, either north or south of Control. Take the elevator up and use an Anti-Virus kit. Go past the UESC forcefield and run towards the lab area. At the end, there will be a Warden boss that you need to kill. Once the Warden is dead, go to the center of the lab and open it with your Batteries. Place the Command DNA Vial in the small machine to receive Command Credentials.
- Finally, go to the Vault door in the lab and deposit the Batteries. The player with the Command Credentials should stand in front of the laser scanner to open the door leading to the Compiler.
