If you are exploring Bungie’s extraction shooter Marathon, contracts are one of the main ways to progress in the game. One of the early missions players encounter is the ‘Survival Directive’ priority contract walkthrough in Marathon. This contract may sound simple, but if you don’t know where to go, it can easily turn into a confusing run.
In this guide, we’ll break down the ‘Survival Directive’ priority contract walkthrough in Marathon step by step so you can finish it quickly and safely.
What Is the Survival Directive Contract?
The ‘Survival Directive’ priority contract walkthrough in Marathon is a mission given by the NuCaloric faction. This contract unlocks after you complete the introduction missions for the faction and begin working with them.
Unlike normal repeatable contracts, priority contracts only appear once and move the faction’s story forward. Completing them gives reputation, credits, materials, and sometimes useful gear.
The goal of the ‘Survival Directive’ priority contract walkthrough in Marathon is simple:
- Download a geological survey in the Station area.
- Download a botany report in the Overflow area.
Both objectives are located on the Perimeter map, but they sit on opposite sides of it.
Step 1: Download the Geological Survey in Station
The first part of the ‘Survival Directive’ priority contract walkthrough in Marathon takes place in the Station section of the Perimeter map. When you reach Station, look for a large building marked with industrial structures nearby.
Upgrade your loadout faster and check out the Marathon equipment for sale before your next run. The terminal you need is located on the upper floor, so you cannot simply walk in from the ground level. Here’s how to reach it:
- Enter a nearby building that has ground-level access.
- Look for catwalks connecting buildings.
- Cross the catwalk to reach the terminal building.
- Interact with the terminal to download the geological survey.
Be careful when crossing the catwalk because you are exposed to enemies and other players during this part. Once the download finishes, the first objective in the ‘Survival Directive’ priority contract walkthrough in Marathon is complete.
Step 2: Download the Botany Report in Overflow
Next, head to the Overflow section of the map to continue the ‘Survival Directive’ priority contract walkthrough in Marathon. Overflow is located on the opposite side of the Perimeter map, usually toward the southwest.
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- Enter the Overflow building through the main entrance.
- Move forward and go past the ticket barriers.
- Take the stairs to the second floor.
- Find the room with the glowing blue lighting.
- Interact with the terminal to download the botany report.
NPC enemies often patrol this floor, so clear the area before interacting with the terminal. After this download finishes, the ‘Survival Directive’ priority contract walkthrough in Marathon is fully completed.
Rewards for Completing the Contract
Finishing the ‘Survival Directive’ priority contract walkthrough in Marathon gives several useful rewards that help early progression. Typical rewards include:
- Credits
- Materials
- Patch Kits
- Shield charges
- Defensive implants
These items help you survive future runs and unlock better equipment through faction upgrades. Want to master a support build? Learn how to play as Triage in Marathon and keep your squad alive.
Tips to Finish the Contract Faster
The ‘Survival Directive’ priority contract walkthrough in Marathon becomes much easier if you follow a few simple tips:
- Plan your route: Decide whether to visit Station or Overflow first, depending on your spawn location.
- Avoid unnecessary fights: Your goal is downloading data, not clearing the map.
- Watch the catwalks: These open walkways expose you to enemies.
- Check markers carefully: The terminal markers only appear when you get close.
Curious about upcoming missions? See the full list of Marathon priority contracts from all factions. Dive in now!
By following this guide, the ‘Survival Directive’ priority contract walkthrough in Marathon becomes quick and easy. Just remember: download the geological survey in Station, grab the botany report in Overflow, and you’ll finish the mission in no time.
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