Marathon Devs Reveal Details on Runner Shells

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A new video from the game Marathon gives players a detailed look at the Runner Shells feature.

Bungie’s upcoming first-person shooter, Marathon, is set to launch in March 2026, and the developers are gradually revealing more information about it. After recently announcing pricing, battle passes, and new features, they’re now focusing on ‘Runner Shells’ – the customizable, bioengineered bodies players will control in the game.

Each Marathon Runner Shell Has Its Own Archetype

In the game Marathon, players control customizable characters called Runner Shells as they explore the Tau Ceti system. Each Shell has a unique class – like scout, saboteur, or medic – influencing how players approach challenges. These characters also have easily recognizable designs, letting players quickly identify each other and coordinate their strategies.

The game lets players create unique characters and play however they want by mixing and matching different cores, implants, weapons, and modifications. We’ll be sharing details about visual customization options soon.

Runner Shell Cores and Impants

In Marathon, players can tailor how each of their Runners plays using Cores and Implants. Cores generally work with a single Runner, enhancing or changing its abilities. Implants are more versatile, working with any Runner and providing extra stats, plus a random benefit. Better Implants also come with a guaranteed bonus perk.

In Marathon, players can customize their character’s abilities to create a play style that fits them best. For instance, those focusing on fast movement can upgrade the Vandal suit to allow for a triple jump and increased speed, jump height, and heat resistance. By combining different cores, implants, weapons, and modifications with Runner Shells, players have a lot of options. You can find more details about these systems in the latest developer diary.

Marathon Runner Shells Archetypes and Abilities

Bungie has revealed information about the core design and powers of Runner Shells in the game Marathon. Here are the details:

Destroyer

  • Archetype: Combat specialist
  • Armed with a personal defense barricade, missile systems, and movement thrusters, Destroyer shells are designed to bring the fight to enemy threats.

Assassin

  • Archetype: Shadow agent
  • Synthetic smoke deployment and camouflage technology allow Assassin shells to plan unseen strikes or take cover during hostile engagements.

Recon

  • Archetype: Intel specialist
  • Recon shells excel at identifying threats and tracking movements using echo pulses, tracker drones, and holographic footstep trails.

Vandal

  • Archetype: Combat anarchist
  • Vandal shells traverse ground at incredible speeds, using their advanced movement and knockback cannon to disrupt combat.

Thief

  • Archetype: Covert acquisitions
  • With enhanced visors and piloted butterfly drone, Thief shells can locate and acquire loot, then use their grapple to push an advantage or make an escape.

Triage

  • Archetype: Field medic
  • Triage shells help keep themselves and allies alive using deployable healing drones, onboard reboot abilities, and combat buffs.

Rook

  • Archetype: Scavenger
  • The Rook frame is designed for scavenger mode, a unique way to play Marathon. As Rook, you’ll drop into a match that’s already in progress as a solo player. You won’t be able to bring a loadout, but you also aren’t risking anything, which makes Rook an excellent option for scavengers.

Details about the Runner Shells were found through Bungie’s new blog post.

Also, Joseph Cross, a senior art director on Marathon, recently left Bungie before the game was released. We’d love to hear what you think about the Runner Shell details and everything else! Share your thoughts in the comments, and join the official TopMob Discord server to chat with other fans.

Stay updated with the latest tech news from TopMob! We’ve learned a new Life is Strange game will be announced next week. And be sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter so you don’t miss out.

Written by

Sam Sepiol

News Writer

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2026-01-15 19:49