Marathon is brutal. In fact, according to Server Slam statistics, Perimeter had a depressing 41.8% exfil rate and Dire Marsh clocked in at a bafflingly low 35.6%. In other words, most players who set foot on Tau Ceti don't make it out, losing whatever loot they brought in or collected along the way.
The good news is that you're not solely reliant on getting new, stronger gear (and holding onto it) to move up in the world. Similar to Arc Raiders' skill tree, you can unlock permanent faction upgrades to give you a little boost, thanks to the generosity of the various corporations vying for control over Tau Ceti—and you.
