The Return on Investment 5 contract in Marathon is one of the most challenging objectives in the Traxus contract chain. As the final step, it tests your combat skills, map awareness, and extraction strategy by requiring you to hack a secured UESC container and extract with the UESC Stockpile in a single run.

To make things even more difficult, this is a contested contract, meaning only one Runner or team can complete it per match. That makes speed, efficiency, and survival critical.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• Where to find the UESC container
• How to disable security safely
• How to defeat UESC forces
• Best extraction strategies
• Loadout recommendations
• Rewards for completion

By following this guide, you’ll significantly increase your chances of completing Return on Investment 5 successfully.

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What Is Return on Investment 5 in Marathon?

 

 

Return on Investment 5 is the final mission in the Return on Investment contract line. This objective takes place on Dire Marsh, one of the more dangerous zones in Marathon.

Objectives

Complete the following in one run:

• Hack the rigged UESC supply container
• Extract with the UESC Stockpile

Because it’s a contested contract, only one Runner or team can complete it per match. If another player hacks the container first, you must try again in a new run.

This makes early routing and map knowledge extremely important.

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Where to Find the UESC Stockpile (Dire Marsh Location)

The UESC supply container is located in the Canal area on Dire Marsh.

Canal Location

You’ll find the Canal:

• East of Maintenance
• South of Algae Ponds
• Inside a yellow tunnel structure

When you arrive, you’ll notice:

• Green security lasers
• Enclosed tunnel
• Central container

Do not walk through the lasers immediately — doing so will trigger alarms prematurely.

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Step 1: Disable Canal Security (Safest Method)

Before hacking the container, you must disable the security system.

Inside the tunnel, you’ll see:

• Six security boxes
• Red indicator lights
• Random placement

These security boxes must be destroyed before entering.

How to Disable Security Safely

1. Approach the laser barrier
2. Peek inside without crossing
3. Locate security boxes
4. Destroy all six boxes

You may need to:

• Move to both sides of the tunnel
• Check corners carefully
• Use precision weapons

Once all boxes are destroyed:

• Security lasers deactivate
• Room becomes accessible
• You avoid early alarm waves

This significantly increases survival chances.

If you’re struggling with late-game missions like this, using Marathon Boosting can help you progress faster and unlock stronger loadouts.

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Step 2: Hack the UESC Container

Once security is disabled:

1. Enter the room
2. Approach the container
3. Begin hacking

However, hacking still triggers an alarm.

You’ll now face:

• UESC Recruit waves
• Ghost units
• Shielded Commander

The room becomes temporarily locked until enemies are defeated.

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How to Survive the UESC Assault

Once the alarm triggers, you must hold your position and survive.

Recommended Strategy

Use cover inside the room:

• Security control area
• Walls and corners
• Elevated platforms

Avoid standing in open spaces.

Enemy Priority Targets

Focus on:

1. Ghost units (high threat)
2. Shielded Commander
3. Recruit units

Defeating all enemies unlocks the container.

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Defeating the UESC Commander

The Shielded Commander is the toughest enemy in this encounter.

Tips:

• Break shield first
• Use heavy weapons
• Coordinate team fire

Once defeated, remaining enemies become easier.

Players who lack high-tier weapons often choose to Marathon items for sale to obtain stronger loadouts for difficult encounters.

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Step 3: Collect the UESC Stockpile

Once enemies are defeated:

• Return to container
• Collect UESC Stockpile
• Prepare to extract immediately

At this point, you’re vulnerable.

The alarm noise may attract:

• Other players
• Hostile squads
• Opportunistic Runners

Take a moment to check surroundings before leaving.

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Best Extraction Strategy

After collecting the stockpile:

Recommended Extraction Tips

• Choose closest extraction
• Avoid high-traffic areas
• Move quietly
• Use stealth when possible

Tools that help:

• Smoke grenades
• Cloaking abilities
• Defensive shields

Avoid unnecessary fights — your priority is extraction.

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Best Loadout for Return on Investment 5

Recommended Weapons

Primary:

• Mid-range rifle
• High damage weapon

Secondary:

• Close-range backup

Equipment:

• Smoke grenades
• Shield equipment
• Healing items

This loadout balances survival and combat.

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Solo vs Squad Strategy

Solo Strategy

Pros:

• Faster movement
• Less noise

Cons:

• Harder combat
• Risky extraction

Tips:

• Disable security quietly
• Fight defensively
• Extract quickly

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Squad Strategy

Pros:

• Easier combat
• Revive support

Cons:

• More noise
• Slower movement

Recommended Roles:

• Frontline damage
• Support
• Recon

Squads generally have higher success rates.

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Contested Contract Tips

Because this is contested:

• Move quickly at start
• Avoid unnecessary fights
• Prioritize objective

If you arrive late:

• Check if container already hacked
• Reset and try again

Speed matters.

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Best Route Strategy

Fastest completion route:

1. Spawn Dire Marsh
2. Move toward Canal
3. Disable security
4. Hack container
5. Defeat enemies
6. Collect stockpile
7. Extract immediately

This minimizes risk.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Triggering Lasers Early

Destroy security boxes first.

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Fighting Too Aggressively

Play defensively during waves.

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Delaying Extraction

Extract immediately after grabbing stockpile.

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Ignoring Other Players

Always expect PvP threats.

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Return on Investment 5 Rewards

Completing this contract rewards:

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

These rewards make the mission worth completing.

Players looking to speed up progression sometimes explore Marathon accounts with advanced unlocks and improved loadouts.

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Is Return on Investment 5 Difficult?

Difficulty Level: Hard

Challenges include:

• Contested objective
• Enemy waves
• PvP threats
• Extraction requirement

However, with preparation and strategy, it’s very manageable.

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Best Tips for First Try Success

• Destroy security boxes first
• Bring strong loadout
• Use cover during fight
• Extract quickly
• Avoid unnecessary combat

Following these tips increases success rate significantly.

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Why Return on Investment 5 Matters

This mission is important because:

• Final contract in chain
• High-value rewards
• Reputation gain
• Progression unlocks

Completing it is a major milestone in Marathon.

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Final Thoughts

Return on Investment 5 is one of the most exciting and challenging contracts in Marathon. Between the contested objective, intense combat, and extraction pressure, it delivers a true high-risk experience.

To summarize:

• Go to Canal on Dire Marsh
• Destroy security boxes
• Hack container
• Defeat UESC forces
• Grab stockpile
• Extract safely

With the right strategy, you’ll complete this contract and earn valuable rewards.

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FAQ — Return on Investment 5

Where is the UESC container located?

Inside the Canal area on Dire Marsh.

Can multiple players complete this contract?

No. Only one Runner or team per match.

How many security boxes are there?

Six security boxes must be destroyed.

What happens after hacking container?

UESC enemies spawn and you must defeat them.

What do you get as rewards?

Reputation, rare gear, credits, and salvage.