If you’ve launched Marathon recently, you may have noticed a significant update. Alongside an intriguing new email in your inbox, a previously locked fourth map has appeared in the menu. It seems that the Cryo Archive, which is expected to be the most challenging map to date, is on the verge of being released.

This change comes as part of the ongoing Marathon ARG, entering the sixth of seven phases that the community has to work through. Along with this phase, there have been subtle clues about how to access the Cryo Archive, hinted at through cryptic messages on the ARG website.

At present, what we understand is that to unlock this map, players need to engage with each of the six in-game factions and reach level 25. This shouldn’t be overly demanding for most players, especially considering the difficulty level of the Cryo Archive. It seems that this requirement is designed to help prevent botting or access from lower-level accounts. As a result, players seeking the best loot in the archive will need to invest time into leveling up.

Additionally, there have been a few teasers revealing parts of the Cryo Archive, which were unlocked earlier in the ARG and can be seen on the official site. These glimpses, along with a series of cinematic trailers released on the Marathon channel, titled ‘A New Future Beyond the Sun’, provide narrative hints about potential experiences aboard the Marathon ship. Fans are hoping for more stunning visuals ahead.

With the impending launch of the Cryo Archive, Marathon is set to transform into a comprehensive gaming experience. For those interested in early insights following the conclusion of the game’s pre-release Server Slam, there are resources available to gauge the excitement surrounding the game.