If you just picked up the Introducing NuCaloric contract in Marathon, you probably hit the same wall most runners hit — a locked door that looks completely bugged.
It is not bugged. You just need to look up.
This guide walks you step-by-step through how to enter the tick-infested building, secure the NuCal Employee ID, scan the terminal, and complete the contract in a single deployment.
Marathon Introducing NuCaloric Contract Rules Explained
Before you deploy, understand this: You must complete all objectives in one run.
If you:
- Grab the ID but die before scanning the terminal
- Extract early
- Disconnect mid-mission
You lose progress and must start again.
This contract has three phases :
| Phase | Objective |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Infiltrate the Columns building via roof hatch |
| Phase 2 | Restore power, clear ticks, secure NuCal Employee ID |
| Phase 3 | Access terminal room and scan to finish |
Plan your exit before you engage.
Where to Start the Introducing NuCaloric Contract
Deploy to Marathon and select the Perimeter map.
Your target is the Columns POI, located between:
- Overflow
- South Relay
You will recognize the building immediately:
- Covered in tick nests
- Crawling with ticks
- Surrounded by UESC turrets
- Front door locked
Do not waste time at the front door.
How to Enter the Tick-Infested Building
Most players get stuck here.
The door is not meant to open.
Step 1: Circle the Building
Move around the exterior until you find a metal ladder at the back.
Step 2: Climb to the Roof
Watch for snipers and nearby runners. You are fully exposed up here.
Step 3: Melee the Roof Hatch
You cannot shoot it open.
Walk up to the metal hatch and use your melee attack. It breaks instantly.
Drop down inside.
Restore Power Immediately
The building interior is dark and full of tick nests.
The moment you land:
- Find the power console near the front door
- Activate it
- Open the front door for emergency escape
Turning on power triggers a tick swarm.
Be ready.
Clear the Tick Swarm Efficiently
Do not waste ammo on individual ticks.
Instead:
- Shoot glowing nests first
- Use controlled bursts
- Stay near the doorway for an exit route
Destroying nests stops reinforcements.
Once clear, search the room.
Where to Find the NuCal Employee ID
The NuCal Employee ID sits on a table inside the building.
Your HUD should highlight it.
Grab it immediately.
But you are not done yet.
How to Scan the Terminal and Finish the Contract
With the ID secured:
- Follow your objective marker
- Open the interior door to the terminal room
- Prepare for a second ambush
More ticks spawn inside.
Clear them fast.
Then interact with the terminal and initiate the scan.
The upload takes a few seconds. Stay alert and watch entrances.
Once the completion banner appears, the contract is done .
Extraction Strategy (Do Not Get Greedy)
The contract completes only after scanning.
You do not need to extract to receive credit — but you should.
Immediately:
- Sprint to nearest extraction zone
- Avoid unnecessary fights
- Do not loot greedily
Survival equals rewards.
Rewards for Completing Introducing NuCaloric
Completing the contract rewards you with:
- Protector V1 Implants
- Shield Charges
- Patch Kits
- Credits
- Faction XP
This early contract builds your standing and unlocks better faction progression.
Pro Tips for Finishing the NuCaloric Contract in One Run
Bring a reliable mid-range weapon with strong ammo efficiency so you can clear tick nests without wasting resources. Avoid heavy gear because mobility matters more than raw defense inside the Columns building. Move fast, reposition often, and keep your stamina available for emergency escapes. Clear UESC turrets before you fully commit to the breach so they do not pressure you during fights.
After restoring power, always open the front door to create a clean exit route if things go wrong. Expect PvP near Columns since other runners frequently pass through this area. This contract punishes hesitation but rewards preparation, so plan your entry and extraction before you engage. Play Now!
