Two weeks after launch, Marathon’s pinnacle activity Cryo Archive went live on March 20. The new endgame activity has been well-received so far, but with its strict entry requirements, many players aren’t quite ready for the intricate mode just yet. Naturally, this has led to some player feedback, and Bungie says it’s listening to fans about how Cryo Archive can be improved.
“Congratulations to all the runners who’ve been battling it out in the floating death fridge we call Cryo Archive,” game director Joe Ziegler wrote online. “We’ve been watching and ingesting all the thoughts and feedback that we’re hearing, aggregating it and taking it down in notes. After this weekend, we’ll spend some time looking into feedback and thinking of the next iterations we want to make.”
Ziegler added that any improvements will take some time time implement, and Bungie is looking at the mode’s scheduling–it’s only open on weekends–and if it’ll be possible to play solo. The studio also wants to examine if Subroutines can be a guaranteed drop in the future.
Similar to Destiny’s raids, Cryo Archive is the pinnacle challenge of Marathon. What makes the mode even more difficult is that failing a run will cost you gear, and even being eligible to take part in it will take some serious investment from players. You’ll need to have unlocked all factions, have $5,000 or more in credits, and be at season level 25. That barrier to entry has stopped scores of players from jumping in, and despite some teething issues, the allure of grabbing some of the best loot in the game has been strong.
As the game continues to evolve, Bungie is also looking at improving other aspects of Marathon. A duos mode is currently being tested, and more experimental modes are in the pipeline. Recent adjustments have also seen UESC forces given a nerf, but players are asking for the range at which gunfire and explosions can be heard from to be toned back down.
