Marathon Players Are Coming Up With Ideas for How to Get More People Into Its Ultra Hardcore Raid
Marathon players and developer Bungie are collaborating to reduce barriers to entry for Cryo Archive, the game’s ultra-hardcore endgame raid. The raid requires players to bring a loadout worth at least 5,000 credits to participate, creating a significant financial commitment that discourages many casual and less-equipped players from attempting the brutally difficult content.
Community members have proposed various solutions, including offering free starter loadouts on a weekly basis—similar to a promotional pack available at the map’s launch. These suggestions aim to provide low-risk opportunities for players to learn and experience the raid without the stakes of losing valuable gear.
In response, Bungie is launching an experimental “free kit frenzy” playlist beginning April 15, 2026 at 10 AM PT. Game director Joe Ziegler describes the mode as a “zero to hero” experience, allowing players to engage with Cryo Archive content without the typical financial investment. This experimental approach follows the successful testing of a duos mode, which Bungie has confirmed will become a permanent feature in Season 2.
The initiative reflects Marathon’s live-service strategy of testing new features before broader implementation. By introducing dedicated modes that balance accessibility with the high-stakes nature of the endgame, Bungie aims to welcome more players into challenging content while maintaining the core experience that defines Cryo Archive.