Marathon’s first post-launch patch nerfs its tough AI, and even more positive changes are on the way soon

The patch notes for Marathon’s first update rolled out this morning, and they’re full of good news and quick responses to feedback gathered in the game’s first week.

One of the game’s bigger early-game complaints about how difficult the UESC enemies are was quickly addressed, with the health of “most UESC enemies and shield HP of UESC bosses” being reduced by a small amount. But after playing a few rounds, it feels like the difference isn’t all that noticeable, and I’m glad.

After playing Marathon for quite some time now, I’ve become accustomed to the difficulty level of the robots that patrol every map in the game. They’re tough, but feel necessary as part of the punishing experience, so I’m glad that Bungie didn’t over-correct here. And I get the feeling that many of the game’s players agree.

“With this change we hope to alleviate some of the resource burden in both Solos and Crews when it comes to engaging UESC in combat,” Bungie said in the patch notes. “The goal here is to allow your bullets and meds to go further without reducing too much of the UESCs bite. We see the feedback loud and clear that players appreciate the friction that our UESC combatants provide and we have no plans to change that direction.”

A number of other solid changes make for a good initial update, including doubling the default distance of objective nav points appearing when nearby, nerfing the very powerful thermal scopes a bit, and also increasing the number of Med Cabinets and Munitions Crates on Perimeter.

Last night, Bungie also confirmed that the Rewards Pass will be improved in future updates, including the addition of four new Runner Shells in the season one pass, along with a shotgun weapon skin and profile emblem. This was a hasty response to feedback that the season one pass is very lackluster, so it’s a good sign to see improvements coming within a week of launch.

“From the start, our goal with Marathon has been a real partnership with this community – and the respectful, candid feedback you’ve shared has already made a difference,” Bungie said. “When you take the time to be thoughtful and constructive, it helps us move faster and make better calls, and we’re committed to acting on that as quickly as we can.”

Bungie posted the full patch notes on Twitter/X, so take a look for yourself before deploying into any Runs today.

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The new Paradox Junction map in Call of Duty Black Ops 7 has several easter eggs to crack, and you can unlock a new song by finding three Mister Peeks headphones from different locations.

Just like the two other maps, the three headphones are hidden from plain sight. You’ll also need to travel to the past to find a couple of them. Let’s quickly look at the locations of all three headphones so that you can unlock the bonus song for the new map.

How to find all Mister Peeks headphones in Black Ops 7 Zombies Paradox Junction

The first task is to survive for seven rounds, as you’ll need to travel through the past. Two of the three locations will be locked until you’ve returned to the normal version of Nuketown. To do so, surviving for the first seven rounds is non-negotiable.

To find the headphones, you’ll also need to interact with the truck with the key. This will remove the truck (everything happens in the past version of the map) and allow you to unlock the Pack-A-Punch machine on the Paradox Junction map.

Headphone 1

The first headphone can be found in the normal version of the Yellow House. It’s located on a nightstand in the bedroom. If you enter from the window, the nightstand is just around the right corner from the bedroom door. If you enter through the door using the stairs, the nightstand is just around the corner to your left.

It’s easy to miss the headphone (refer to the image above) as the area is really dark.

Headphone 2

The second headphone can also be found on the normal version of the Nuketown map. Head to the area where the perk machine is located on Trinity Avenue. Look at the left corner, and you’ll find the headphone visible through a gap in the nearby white fence.

Headphone 3

For the final one, return to the destroyed version of Nuketown. You’ll need to spend 3,000 Essence. Once you’ve returned, go past the truck that was earlier blocking your path to Trinity Avenue (the one that you moved with the key).

You’ll find another destroyed truck beside it. Go to the back, and peek at its left corner (refer to the image above). This will complete the musical easter egg that’s exclusive to the Paradox Junction map, and it will play the Come Back Down song by Kevin Sherwood and Megan Rice.

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