Marathon: Return on Investment 5 Guide – UESC Stockpile

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In the Marathon contract, the final objective requires players to infiltrate a secure container, steal UESC supplies, and escape in one attempt. Be warned: you’ll face heavy resistance from UESC forces. This guide will show you the safest route to the container, how to survive the ensuing fight, and how to successfully escape with the stolen supplies.

How to Complete Return on Investment 5 in Marathon

Return on Investment 5 is a challenging contract located in Dire Marsh, and it’s the last in a series of contracts. Be prepared to try it multiple times, as other players will likely be competing for the same objective. Here’s how the contract works, step-by-step:

In a single run:

  1. Hack rigged UESC supply container in Canal.
  2. Exfil UESC Stockpile.

Since this is a competitive contract, only one player can finish the Return on Investment 5 objective each match. Also, if someone else has already hacked the UESC supply container when you arrive, you won’t be able to complete the contract and will need to try again on a different run.

1) Disable the Security under Canal

Go to Dire Marsh and find the Canal area, which is east of Maintenance and south of the Algae Ponds. You’ll see the Canal leading to a yellow tunnel guarded by green security lasers. Get close to the lasers, but stop before you walk into them.

The UESC container is in the center of the room, but you need to turn off the security system first. If you walk through the lasers, it’ll trigger an alarm and bring in a lot of UESC soldiers. Instead, carefully look through the lasers for six security boxes that have red lights on them – you can see them in the picture above.

Okay, so all the security boxes are in this room, but they’re scattered around randomly. I’m gonna have to check this room from both sides of the tunnel, for sure. I’ll need to climb over to the other side and really search everywhere. Once I blow up all six boxes, the lasers will finally turn off, and I can go in without getting fried!

2) Hack the Container and Fight the UESC Commander

Once you’re in, you can hack the container in the center of the room. Be warned: doing so triggers an alarm, locking you inside as a group of UESCs heads your way.

Use the security room nearby for cover while you fight off the UESC troops. You’ll encounter mostly basic UESC Recruits, but be ready for a few tougher Ghosts and a Commander with a shield. You have to eliminate all of the UESC forces to lower the walls. Once they’re defeated, return to the container and grab the UESC Stockpile. Then, get to the extraction point as quickly as you can.

That loud alarm and the sudden arrival of UESC troops probably alerted nearby enemies. It’s a good idea to stay hidden for a bit to check if anyone dangerous is around.

3) Exfil with the Stockpile

You’ve secured the Stockpile, now your mission is to escape. If you’re reading this, you know the plan: locate the safest extraction point and leave Dire Marsh.

Do everything you can to make the extraction safe. Tools like smoke grenades, invisibility, or your Destroyer shield can be lifesavers if enemies are nearby. Once you’re safely out, the contract will be finished, completing the ‘Return on Investment’ mission line.

All Rewards for Completing Return on Investment 5

Return on Investment 5 is the final contract in its series and is considered a high priority, meaning you’ll receive full payment for completing it. On top of 420 Traxus reputation points, you’ll also get these rewards:

  • Rare Hardline PR
  • Rare Traxus Sponsored Kit
  • Rare Grip Mod
  • Heavy Ammo
  • (2) Random Enhanced Salvage
  • Codex Entry
  • 2,000 Credits

Want to find the best weapons in Marathon? Our tier list shows you the top guns to use on Tau Ceti IV.

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2026-04-01 00:36