Marathon Update 1.0.6.3 Patch Notes: Grenade Nerfs and PS5 Fixes (2026)

⚡ Quick Facts
  • Game: Marathon
  • Developer: Bungie
  • Release Date: March 5, 2026
  • Platform: PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series S/X

Bungie has released the Marathon update 1.0.6.3, which introduces significant balance adjustments to combat equipment on the PlayStation 5 and other platforms. The primary focus of this patch is a reduction in grenade stack sizes, forcing players to manage their inventory more strictly during active runs. Additionally, the update addresses several bugs within the C.A.R.R.I Armory and provides stability improvements for cross-platform play.

Understanding the Marathon Grenade Stack Size Changes

The core of the Bungie Marathon update 1.0.6.3 patch notes details centers on the combat meta, specifically concerning throwable items. Players who previously relied on high-capacity grenade spam will need to adjust their loadouts, as the developer has implemented a hard cap on stack sizes for almost all grenades in the game. This shift is intended to emphasize precision aiming and tactical resource management over explosive volume.

The following items have seen their in-run stack size reduced to one:

  • EMP Grenade
  • Chem Grenade
  • Frag Grenade
  • Heat Grenade
  • Flechette Grenade

Furthermore, Claymore grenades have been adjusted to a maximum stack size of two. Consequently, any Rooks or Sponsored Kits that were previously configured to provide three Claymores will now only grant two. Other equipment, such as Proximity Sensors and Smoke Grenades, remain unchanged with a stack size of three. In-Game News has monitored these adjustments, which appear to be part of a broader effort by Bungie to refine the Marathon gameplay loop.

C.A.R.R.I Armory and Item Economy Tweaks

Beyond combat changes, the update introduces several quality-of-life improvements to the C.A.R.R.I Armory. Players will notice an increased quantity of salvage dropped from Deluxe C.A.R.R.I. Salvage Crates across all rarity tiers. This change is intended to make salvage collection more rewarding during standard gameplay sessions.

Several technical issues within the armory have also been resolved. Specifically, Bungie fixed a bug that allowed the Hurting Hands V4 to be claimed for free multiple times. Additionally, the system now correctly displays C.A.R.R.I. weapons that were previously hidden if the player already held a voucher for that specific item. To improve the consistency of the shop, non-refreshing offers will now reset their stock on a weekly basis. Note that the Superior Key Template’s stock is limited to a one-time weekly reset, though this does not impact the item's starting stock of five or any existing inventory above the reset threshold.

Map Events and Contract Updates

The item economy has been further expanded through new loot rewards. Map events, including Lockdown on Dire Marsh, Intercept on Perimeter, and Convoy on Outpost, now have the potential to drop Prestige Salvage. These events serve as a primary method for players to acquire high-tier materials.

Contract progression has also been streamlined. Tier 3 Contracts that offer a chance at Enhanced or Deluxe salvage will now consistently display Enhanced salvage as the baseline reward, providing players with clearer expectations regarding potential payouts. In our shooter game analysis, we have noted that such transparency is often requested by the community to reduce uncertainty during high-stakes contracts.

Zone Stability and Platform-Specific Fixes

Environmental adjustments were made to two specific zones to improve fairness. In the Cryo Archive, secure vents have been added to prevent players from spawn rushing in the Cargo and Index areas. Meanwhile, the Dire Marsh zone received a fix for an issue that occasionally prevented the final extraction point from spawning, which should improve the reliability of successful runs.

For players on the PlayStation 5, the update resolves a specific connectivity issue. Previously, users reported an inability to join a crew via a platform-specific invitation. This fix ensures that the social features on the console function as intended, allowing for smoother party formation. Other minor fixes include a correction to the player HUD, which was previously displaying incorrect runner elimination counts.

Ranked and Combat Refinements

The competitive landscape has seen minor adjustments to Holotag entry requirements. Gold Holotags are now permitted to enter High Stakes matches, and Platinum Holotags are now eligible for Low Stakes matches. These changes aim to broaden the pool of participants in ranked modes.

Weapon modifications have also been updated for clarity. The Stryder M1T Prestige Precision Optic Mod now includes a visual distinction between UESC and enemy Runners, allowing for easier target identification in the heat of combat. Additionally, the daily barter limit for Ammo Crates has been reduced from 10 to 3 per day, further tightening the resource economy for players who rely on frequent crate bartering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the new Marathon grenade nerf details in update 1.0.6.3?

The update reduces the stack size of EMP, Chem, Frag, Heat, and Flechette grenades to one, while Claymore grenades are now capped at a stack size of two.

What changed in the latest Marathon patch 2026 for PlayStation 5 players?

The 1.0.6.3 update resolved a specific issue where players were unable to join a crew via a platform invitation on the PlayStation 5.

How does the Marathon 1.0.6.3 update affect the C.A.R.R.I Armory?

The update increases salvage drops from crates, fixes weapon visibility issues, and implements a weekly stock reset for non-refreshing offers.

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By Lead Analyst, In Game News
✓ Verified Analysis
Published: May 5, 2026  |  Platform: Gaming News  |  Status: Official News
Senior gaming analyst with 8+ years covering PC, console, and industry news. Specialises in policy, platform economics, and competitive gaming.