Gaming: Latest Best Marathon Faction Upgrades To Unlock First 2026

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Marathon is brutal. In fact, according to Server Slam statistics, Perimeter had a depressing 41.8% exfil rate and Dire Marsh clocked in at a bafflingly low 35.6%. In other words, most players who set foot on Tau Ceti don't make it out, losing whatever loot they brought in or collected along the way.

The good news is that you're not solely reliant on getting new, stronger gear (and holding onto it) to move up in the world. Similar to Arc Raiders' skill tree, you can unlock permanent faction upgrades to give you a little boost, thanks to the generosity of the various corporations vying for control over Tau Ceti—and you.

Not all of these faction upgrades are made equal though, and you'll need to pick and choose which ones you prioritise given how limited resources are at first.

These are the faction skills I'd recommend you pick up first. Just keep in mind that you'll need to complete contracts to level up each corporation's skill tree:

Increases data card credit rewards by 50%, stacking with other upgrades

Unlocks Enhanced Shield Implants for purchase in the Armory

Unlocks Shell-specific Cores for purchase in the Armory

Your end goal is to clear each faction board and unlock everything in the skill tree, as you don't need to be too selective over what upgrades you pick—unlike Arc Raiders, where you have a finite number of skill points.

I recommend starting with CyberAcme's upgrade tree, not least because they're the first faction you'll have access to as a new Runner trying to make a living pillaging Tau Ceti.

Source: PC Gamer