Marathon has unveiled its first four playable Runners: Blackbird, Glitch, Locus, and Void. This diverse roster showcases a variety of skills and weaknesses, catering to different playstyles. The game will feature two additional characters at launch, with the extraction shooter set to release on PC and consoles on September 23. The revival of the Marathon franchise was announced in May 2023, marking it as the first extraction shooter in this long-dormant series.
This title is also significant as it will be the first game released by Bungie under the ownership of Sony Interactive Entertainment, following their acquisition in July 2022 for a deal valued at $3.6 billion. In a recent reveal, Bungie provided new insights into Marathon, confirming it as a paid game. Just a month prior to the second anniversary of the game’s announcement, the developer showcased gameplay footage along with a nine-minute animated short that introduces the game’s world. As part of this reveal, Bungie presented the four classes, referred to as “Runners,” in the game.
The four newly revealed characters offer unique strengths and weaknesses. Void and Blackbird are more defensively oriented, albeit in different ways. Void specializes in stealth and strategic escapes, utilizing smoke grenades and an active camo suit to employ hit-and-run tactics. On the other hand, Blackbird excels in reconnaissance, scouting enemy positions rather than sneaking around.
Players who favor aggression can adopt Locus, who possesses strong offensive capabilities but may lack in other areas. The final class introduced is Glitch, a quick Runner who leverages superior positioning to outmaneuver opponents. Bungie has hinted at two more classes that will be revealed before the game’s launch, and it’s possible these will be available during the upcoming closed alpha test, although participants must adhere to an NDA, minimizing character leaks.