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Marathon combines the intense, challenging, and resource-limited feel of an extraction shooter with the diverse skills found in hero or team-based games with class systems. The different character types are called Runner Shells, and each one influences how you fight and collect loot across various locations.
Are you someone who prefers to support your team? Or do you like to stay on the move and be quick? Maybe you enjoy playing solo and avoiding others. Let’s go over each Marathon Runner Shell and what they can do.
Vandal
This class is tough for new players. Vandal focuses on speed and mobility. You get a special slide move that covers more ground and builds momentum, but it uses heat and you can’t shoot while sliding. Vandal can also double jump, helping you access high spots or reach distant places—just watch your heat level.
Their prime ability boosts your movement and aiming skills and lowers your heat production. Vandal also carries a cannon that pushes enemies back when struck. Managing heat can be difficult early on, but if you master agility, this Shell is great for flanking and quick escapes.
Thief
If loot gathering is your main goal, Thief is your best choice. Its primary ability, Pickpocket Drone, lets you steal loot from other players by attacking them with a rope—though you’ll need to hit again to pick up the loot after the first hit.
Thief also has a grappling hook for reaching high places or shortening distances, and it doesn’t require anything to hang onto for it to work. The X-Ray Visor highlights loot containers based on their rarity and can also mark enemies on sight.
This character isn’t built for combat but excels in stealth and loot collection. You can add explosives to your drone to attack enemies from a distance, which adds a surprise element.
Destroyer
The most straightforward Shell, Destroyer is still powerful. Its prime ability, Search and Destroy, uses support missiles fired while you shoot enemies, helping to clear out foes quickly.
You can sprint faster by pressing twice, but that increases your heat. You can also activate a thruster in mid-air to dodge or close distance—though it raises your heat too. The Riot Barricade creates a shield that absorbs damage and isn’t affected by your heat, making it a useful defensive tool. Destroyer offers a balance of offense and defense, suitable for newcomers.
Assassin
Perfect for players who like to be sneaky and strike from the shadows. Assassin uses smoke and camo to hide and confuse enemies. Activating Active Camo makes you invisible to both AI and players, though you can still be seen if you’re close or move directly at your enemies.
Its prime ability, Smoke Screen, throws a smoke bomb that creates a small area of concealment, giving you brief invisibility even while moving. The class is mainly about stealth and hit-and-run tactics rather than direct combat.
Triage
If you enjoy being the team medic, Triage is essential. Its prime ability, Reboot+, allows you to revive allies from a distance, saving time and risk compared to getting close.
Triage also has a Med-Drone that replenishes health, shields, and slows down the demise of injured teammates. While not the most aggressive class, Triage is vital for supporting your team and keeping everyone alive, especially in squad play.
Recon
The tracker and scout of the group, Recon specializes in locating enemies. Its prime ability, Echo Pulse, automatically marks nearby enemies and robots, providing valuable intel to your team.
The tactical, Tracker Drone, pursues enemies, overheats them, and reveals a trail to their position once their shield is down. Skilled Recon players can keep enemies exposed and provide crucial information during combat, making escapes and engagements well-informed.
Rook
Note that Rook cannot be used in team play with friends, as it’s designed for solo runs. It’s a loot-focused class with lower risk. You spawn later in matches and can use your prime ability, Rejuvenate, to slowly heal yourself—useful when you’re in a pinch but slow to recharge.
Its tactical, Signal Mask, lets you pass through enemy units unnoticed. Rook is best suited for quick loot runs, exploring the map without drawing attention, but requires playing alone with full squads for the best experience.
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