Bungie has released update 1.0.5.2 for Marathon, its extraction shooter, introducing incentives for players to assist strangers. The CyberAcme Runner Reinforcement Initiative offers bonus rewards for completing contracts or exfiling with non-crew players, alongside a Mercy Kit for reviving downed opponents. Balance changes include nerfs to thermal scopes and claymore drones.
Update 1.0.5.2 went live on April 14, marking the mid-point of Marathon's first season. Bungie introduced the CyberAcme Runner Reinforcement Initiative, or C.A.R.R.I., which rewards players with salvage packs or faction reputation boosts for helping others during matches. This includes commendations for assisting with contracts or extracting together, even forming teams for future runs. A new Mercy Kit allows reviving downed strangers without using a self-revive, promoting de-escalation via proximity chat, as Bungie explained: “We wanted the new Mercy Kit to provide ways for players to bring back enemy players without spending a self-revive. Sometimes the de-escalation happens after the fight is over, we get it. Now you can make up for that quick trigger finger.” Solo players benefit from increased runner XP, faction reputation, and depleted self-revive kits sold on exfiltration. The Perimeter beginner map is now solo-only until level 12 with reduced player encounters, while new rewards appear in free and premium battle pass tracks, plus Arachne-themed cosmetics and 11 new deluxe weapons on select maps. Recon class received buffs to its echo pulse and Tracker Drone for better enemy tracking. Thermal scopes were nerfed—no deluxe rarity spawns, 20-meter range reduction, and less aim-down-sight assist. Claymore placement on pickpocket drones is limited to one per drone. Later this week, game director Joe Ziegler announced 'Dire Marsh Sponsored,' an experimental queue where duos or trios enter with only free sponsored kits to test low-gear gameplay on Dire Marsh.