Marathon Cryo Archive Launch Trailer Reveals Endgame Map Details, Entry Requirements, and Release Time

Marathon has been out since March 5, bringing its sci-fi extraction shooter to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S with cross-play and cross-save. Since launch, one of the hypest thing about the game has been Cryo Archive, the game’s first true endgame zone aboard the abandoned UESC Marathon ship.

Bungie had already teased that players would eventually unlock the path into orbit later in March, so there has been a lot of attention on when this map would finally open.

That excitement only grew because of the ARG that has been running for days. The community spent days piecing things together, and earlier today players finally solved it, which led to Bungie dropping the new Cryo Archive launch trailer.

The trailer gives players their best look yet at the ship’s cold halls and the danger waiting inside. In this article, we’re going over everything you need to know about Cryo Archive before it goes live.

Marathon Cryo Archive release date and time

Cryo Archive opens on Friday, March 20 at 10 AM PT, which is 1 PM ET, 5 PM GMT, and 6 PM CET. Bungie has used 10 AM PT for major Marathon rollouts before, including the game’s global launch.

What Cryo Archive actually is

Cryo Archive is the "first deck" of the UESC Marathon and is built as a high-intensity, raid-style PvPvE activity. Bungie says the zone has six interconnected wings linked by a central hub, with crews moving back and forth to open frozen Vaults, fight security forces, and deal with rival Runners.

It is meant to be learned over many runs, not cleared easily on day one.

Entry requirements and how to queue

To enter Cryo Archive, players need to be Runner Level 25, have all six factions unlocked, and bring a minimum loadout value of 5,000 credits.

Bungie also says the mode is designed for a three-player team, though solo players can still use fill matchmaking. Players who meet the requirements can claim a one-time Sponsored Kit from the Armory to help with their first run.

Vaults, Security Clearance, and rewards

The map uses a Security Clearance system, which means access to doors, supply rooms, and exfils depends on how much progress you make during a run. Bungie says Cryo Archive contains seven Vaults, each with its own entry challenge and specific Vault Key requirement.

Rewards include high-rarity items, unique loot, and Codex unlocks, while weekly Cryo contracts add another reason to keep coming back.

If you plan on jumping in, keep an eye on TauCeti.GG’s Cryo Archive interactive map, which will be useful for tracking markers, routes, and important points across the ship once players start exploring it in full.

What do you think about Cryo Archive so far? Are you jumping in on day one, or waiting to see how the first weekend plays out? Let us know in the comments below!