Marathon extraction timing is all about knowing when to push forward, grab the loot, or cut and run. You’re only going to make progress when you’ve got enough supplies and a clear idea of what you’re trying to achieve.
Consider exfiltrating (extraction) when your gear is valuable, your squad is in a weak spot, or the next fight looks tough with little reward to show for it. Keep in mind that no decision ever guarantees you’ll get out safely.
How to Make the Push, Loot or Leave Decision
Here are some checks to run through in deciding what to do next. Push forward with your team if you’ve got enough supplies in the bank and there’s something worth fighting for nearby. Loot only when what you’re picking up is actually useful, and you’ve got time to get to extraction without running out of time.
Leave the scene when your gear is valuable, your healing and ammo are running on fumes, or the route is starting to look like a death trap. If the exit is far away or enemies control the route, start moving earlier rather than waiting for a fixed timer threshold.
Marathon’s exfils take about a minute to warm up, and guarded exfils spawn UESC patrols, so plan your exit early.
| Decision | When to choose it | Main risk |
|---|---|---|
| Push | Your team is ready, and a useful objective is nearby. | Losing gear in a fight. |
| Loot | Useful items are nearby, and the route is manageable. | Making noise and attracting enemies. |
| Leave | Your bag is valuable, or supplies are low. | Missing extra loot or contract progress. |
Budget the Whole Route to Extraction
Plan for the full extraction route, including travel, checking nearby threats, activating the extraction beacon and reaching completion. Leave a time buffer based on the route and extraction conditions.
Allow time to reach the exit, check for nearby threats and complete extraction. Start moving toward a safe route before your bag becomes too valuable to risk losing.
What Changes When You Activate an Extraction Beacon?
Activating an exfil beacon makes noise, which can reveal your position. Use cover, watch for nearby enemies and stay ready to defend the extraction area until you can leave.
Check the remaining match time before activating an exfil, and start with more than 10 seconds left on the match timer; otherwise, you may be eliminated when the exfil timer ends. Standard exfils also need time to warm up, so plan your route and activation early.
Change the Plan When the Exit Stops Being Viable
In Marathon, reassess your route if an exfil becomes unsafe or unreachable. Compare the risks of retreating, taking another route or fighting through, considering your remaining supplies and time.
Cryo Archive uses a different extraction process. You must reach Security Clearance Level 3, find and activate an Exfil Station, then travel to the Secret Exfil location it reveals. You have limited time to reach that location, so plan your route early. Also, see our Marathon Cryo Archive comparison guide.
Confirm Extraction and Objective Completion
After exfil, check the match result and your contract progress. Follow each contract’s stated conditions, as some objectives may require specific actions or items. Do not assume progress carries over after death or that every contract requires extraction with an item.
See our Marathon first-extraction tips for help with the steps. Cryo Archive has unique extraction rules and contract rewards. Check each contract’s exact wording before claiming how progress is saved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should a solo player use the same extraction timing as a squad?
Solo players in Marathon should adjust their extraction timing and pace differently from squads.
Does a nearly empty bag always mean you should keep looting?
No. Check your supplies, the risk along the route and whether you still need to complete a contract. Space alone is not a reason to stay.
Before activating an exfil in Marathon, check your remaining time, supplies and route to the exit. Leave when the risk outweighs the likely reward. On Cryo Archive, plan differently, because extraction uses a different process.
Check your contract’s exact requirements before leaving the match. Need help progressing through contracts? Explore our Marathon contracts boosting service.
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