DCON terminals are special deposit stations used during certain faction contracts. Instead of extracting with quest items, some missions require you to deliver them to a DCON terminal during the run.
Once the item is deposited, it is automatically transmitted to the faction that issued the contract, meaning the objective is completed even if you die later in the match. These terminals look like small crates with antennas and are usually placed outside buildings or on rooftops.
1. How DCON Terminals Work in Marathon
DCON terminals function as quest delivery points for contracts that require specific items to be transmitted rather than extracted. When a contract requires one, the terminal may appear on the map with a unique crate icon. Typical objectives involving DCON terminals include:
- Delivering Self-Erasing Data Drives
- Depositing Unstable Gunmetal
- Transmitting biohazard samples
- Sending salvage or contract items to factions
For example, the Traxus contract Equitable Distribution requires players to retrieve a data drive from the Hauler area and deliver it to a DCON within a limited time.
NOTE: If the DCON icon does not appear on your map for a contract bug, visit the below-mentioned map locations to use DCON for item transfer; they spawn every match.
2. How to Use DCON Terminal
Using Dcon
When you’re completing a contract that requires item delivery, check your map and move to the DCON terminal marked and follow these steps:
- Approach the DCON with the required quest item.
- Interact with the terminal to open its inventory.
- Transfer the item into the terminal.
- Close the interface to transmit the item.
Once deposited, the system sends the item back to the faction automatically, completing the contract step.
NOTE: DCON terminals cannot store items or send normal loot back to your vault, meaning they only function for specific quest objectives.
3. All DCON Locations in Marathon
DCON terminals appear in fixed positions across each map, allowing players to learn their locations and plan routes during contract runs.
All DCON Locations on Perimeter
DCONs perimeter
The Perimeter map contains four DCON terminals spread across the outer edges of the map. These terminals are positioned around the edges of the map, which makes them convenient drop-off points for contracts that start in central locations like Hauler or Station.
| Location | Where to Find It |
|---|---|
| North Relay | On the roof of a bunker northwest of the North Relay compound |
| Station | Northeast of the Station compound near the northern walkway |
| Overflow | West of the Overflow main building near the cliffs |
| South Relay Hills | On top of a bunker in the hills south of the South Relay POI |
All DCON Locations on Dire Marsh
DCONs Dire Marsh
The Dire Marsh map currently features three DCON terminals placed around major points of interest. These terminals are often located in exposed areas, which means approaching them carefully is important since other players may be waiting nearby.
| Location | Where to Find It |
|---|---|
| Complex | Outside a building south of Complex, east of AI Uplink |
| Quarantine | Outside a building in the marsh directly south of Quarantine |
| Greenhouse Hills | On the south side of the hill structures north of Greenhouse |
4. Contracts That Use DCON Terminals
Equitable Distribution contract
Several faction contracts require the use of DCON terminals to complete objectives. Some of the known ones include:
- Equitable Distribution
- Deconstructed I
- Nano Metrics I
- Inventory Control I
These missions usually require collecting an item somewhere on the map and delivering it to the nearest DCON terminal to complete the step. Because the delivery is immediate, you do not need to extract after depositing the item, which reduces the risk of losing progress.
5. Tips for Using DCON Safely
Since DCON locations are fixed and often used during contracts, they can attract enemy players looking to ambush runners trying to complete objectives. A few simple strategies make them much safer to use:
- Scout the area first before interacting with the terminal
- Deposit items quickly, as you remain vulnerable during the interaction
- Plan routes around nearby DCON locations when starting contract runs
- Avoid late-match deliveries, when PvP activity usually increases
