Bungie is refining how Runners engage with the colony's ruins by splitting the week into two distinct phases. Under this new structure, Ranked play will dominate the mid-week, running from Sunday at 10 AM PT through Thursday at 10 AM PT. Once the competitive window closes, the Cryo Archive schedule takes over for the weekend, offering a specialized window from Thursday morning until Sunday morning.
This split is a smart move for the meta. It prevents the player base from being spread too thin across too many queues simultaneously, ensuring that when you drop into a Ranked match, you're finding high-quality, fast matchmaking. It also gives the Cryo Archive sessions—which often lean into the game's deeper lore and specific loot hunts—a dedicated space where they don't have to compete with the sweatier climb for infamy.
Duo Queue Shifts to Dire Marsh
For those who prefer running with a single partner, the experimental Duo Queue testing is entering a new phase. Starting March 25, the testing grounds are shifting from Perimeter to the treacherous Dire Marsh. This isn't just a change of scenery; the Marsh's dense environment and verticality offer a completely different tactical challenge for pairs compared to the more open layouts of Perimeter.
There is a specific catch for this testing phase that Runners need to keep in mind: exactly two players are required. Bungie has disabled the solo "crew fill" option for this specific Dire Marsh test. If you want to drop in, you'll need to bring a trusted partner from your roster rather than relying on the matchmaking system to find you a random teammate.
- Ranked Window: Sunday 10 AM PT – Thursday 10 AM PT
- Cryo Archive Window: Thursday 10 AM PT – Sunday 10 AM PT
- Duo Test Map: Dire Marsh (Starting March 25)
Whether you're pushing for rank or hunting artifacts in the archives, these clearly defined windows should make planning your sessions much easier. Get your duo partner ready; the Marsh is a lot less forgiving than the ruins of Perimeter.
Soren