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Valencia

Guide Curator at GladiatorBoost

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Return on Investment 3 in Marathon is one of the more challenging Traxus priority contracts on Dire Marsh. Unlike previous contracts, this mission requires you to complete three objectives in a single run, all while competing against other players since the contract is contested.

To complete Return on Investment 3, you must:

• Download the UESC Comms Security Code in Quarantine
• Defeat the UESC Commander in Maintenance
• Intercept UESC Communications at AI Uplink or Bio-Research

This guide walks you through the fastest route, safest strategies, and expert tips to complete Return on Investment 3 efficiently.

How Return on Investment 3 Works in Marathon

Return on Investment 3 takes place on Dire Marsh and requires completing all objectives within the same deployment. If you fail, you’ll need to restart the entire process.

Because this contract is contested, only one squad can complete it per run. That means speed and route optimization are extremely important.

Before starting, it’s recommended to prepare your loadout carefully. Players often visit the items marketplace Marathon beforehand to stock up on weapons, healing items, and mobility gear.

Step 1: Download the UESC Comms Security Code

Your first objective is located in Quarantine on Dire Marsh. To maximize your chances of success, you should head there immediately after spawning.

Where to Find the Security Terminal

The terminal is located on the western side of Quarantine. Follow these steps:

Fastest Route to the Terminal

1. Head toward western Quarantine
2. Stay along the outer edge of the facility
3. Look for a tucked-away entrance
4. Enter through the doors
5. Find the crawl space behind a breakable grate

This crawl space leads directly to the UESC security terminal.

Alternatively, if you’re inside Quarantine already:

• Look for a large blue-walled room
• Terminal is located on the first floor

Once you reach the terminal, interact with it to download the UESC Comms Security Code.

Important Safety Tip

When interacting with the terminal:

• Your character is locked in place
• You cannot move during download
• Nearby enemies may attack

Before interacting:

• Clear nearby UESC robots
• Listen for footsteps
• Check corners for enemy players

Because the contract is contested, another squad may already be attempting the objective. If the terminal is unavailable, another team likely completed this step first.

Step 2: Defeat the UESC Commander in Maintenance

After downloading the security code, your next objective is located in Maintenance, southeast of Quarantine.

Where to Find the UESC Commander

Head to:

• First floor of Maintenance
• Southeastern corner
• Trigger enemy spawn

When you approach, multiple UESC robots will spawn, including the UESC Commander.

You can identify the Commander by:

• Red icon on HUD
• Heavier armor
• Grenade attacks

Best Strategy to Defeat the Commander

The fight can become chaotic if handled poorly. Follow these tips:

Keep Your Distance

The Commander uses grenades and heavy attacks. Fighting from range helps reduce damage taken.

Clear Smaller Enemies First

Multiple waves of robots will spawn. Eliminate weaker enemies before focusing on the Commander.

Use Cover

Maintenance has plenty of cover points. Move carefully and avoid open areas.

Bring Explosives

Explosives are extremely effective against grouped enemies.

Players preparing for contested contracts often use the Marathon boosting site to accelerate progression and improve their chances of completing high-risk missions.

Collect the UESC Credentials

After defeating the Commander:

• Approach the destroyed robot
• Pick up UESC credentials
• Prepare for the final objective

Do not forget to grab the credentials — you cannot complete the final step without them.

Step 3: Intercept UESC Communications

The final objective requires intercepting UESC communications at one of two locations:

• AI Uplink (Recommended)
• Bio-Research

Why AI Uplink Is the Best Option

AI Uplink is closer to Maintenance and generally safer. This route:

• Minimizes travel time
• Reduces player encounters
• Increases success rate

Where to Find the UESC Comms Device

At AI Uplink:

• Go to the southern side
• Look for large hanging black wires
• Find elevated platforms above the wires

To reach the platform:

• Climb nearby buildings
• Walk across the wires
• Use mobility abilities like grapple

Once on the platform, you’ll find a capsule-style device.

Interact with the device to intercept UESC communications and complete the contract.

Do You Need to Extract?

No. Once the final step is completed:

• Contract completes immediately
• No extraction required
• You can continue looting

This gives you extra time to gather valuable items before leaving.

Best Route for Fast Completion

Follow this optimal path:

1. Spawn into Dire Marsh
2. Rush western Quarantine
3. Download security code
4. Move southeast to Maintenance
5. Defeat UESC Commander
6. Head to AI Uplink
7. Intercept communications

This route minimizes risk and travel time.

Best Loadout for Return on Investment 3

Recommended gear:

Weapons

• Medium-range rifles
• High-damage burst weapons
• Explosives

Equipment

• Healing items
• Grenades
• Mobility tools

Abilities

• Grapple abilities
• Movement boosts
• Defensive abilities

Preparation is key, especially in contested missions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Rushing Quarantine

If you’re slow, another squad may complete the objective first.

Ignoring Commander Adds

Small robots can overwhelm you quickly.

Going to Bio-Research First

This increases travel time and risk.

Not Clearing Terminal Area

Getting attacked mid-download can ruin the run.

Rewards for Return on Investment 3

Completing this contract rewards you with:

• 630 Traxus Reputation
• Deluxe Repeated HPR
• Heavy Ammo
• Enhanced Chip Mods
• Enhanced Random Salvage
• Enhanced Valuable
• 2,000 Credits

These rewards make Return on Investment 3 one of the most valuable Traxus contracts.

Why Return on Investment 3 Is Worth Completing

This contract offers:

• Strong reputation gains
• High-tier rewards
• Valuable upgrade materials
• Credits for gear upgrades

It’s especially useful for players pushing Traxus progression.

Expert Tips for Success

Move Quickly

Contested contracts reward speed.

Bring Mobility

Faster movement improves success rate.

Avoid PvP

Focus on objectives instead of fights.

Plan Your Route

Efficiency is everything.

Final Thoughts

Return on Investment 3 may seem complex at first, but with the right route and preparation, it becomes much easier. By quickly downloading the UESC Comms Security Code, defeating the Commander, and intercepting communications at AI Uplink, you can consistently complete this contract.

With valuable rewards and strong progression benefits, Return on Investment 3 is absolutely worth completing — especially if you’re working through the Traxus priority contracts.

FAQ — Return on Investment 3

Where is the UESC Comms Security Code located?

The security code is located in western Quarantine on Dire Marsh.

Do I need to complete all steps in one run?

Yes, all objectives must be completed in a single run.

Is Return on Investment 3 contested?

Yes, only one squad can complete it per deployment.

Where is the UESC Commander located?

The Commander spawns in southeastern Maintenance on the first floor.

Do I need to extract to complete the contract?

No, completion happens immediately after intercepting communications.