Marathon Unveils 4 Initial Classes with 2 More to Debut at Launch

Marathon has just rolled out its initial lineup of four playable Runners: Blackbird, Glitch, Locus, and Void. This new roster promises a rich mix of skills and limitations, catering to varied playstyles. Plus, fans can look forward to two more characters making their debut when the game hits both PC and consoles on September 23.

In the recent reveal, Bungie showcased Marathon, offering a glimpse into the gameplay and introducing some of its character classes. These additions add depth to the reboot, which was first announced back in May 2023. Marathon is not just a milestone for the legacy series; it’s Bungie’s first foray into the extraction shooter genre. Moreover, it marks the studio’s inaugural game release as a part of Sony Interactive Entertainment, following the $3.6 billion acquisition in July 2022.

Just shy of the two-year mark since the game’s grand announcement, Bungie has pulled back the curtain on Marathon. During the reveal, fans were treated to a range of gameplay clips and a captivating nine-minute animated short that delves into the game’s universe. The highlight was undoubtedly the introduction of four Marathon Runners: Blackbird, Glitch, Locus, and Void, each bringing a unique flair to the table.

The unveiled characters offer players a broad spectrum of strategies. Void and Blackbird lean towards defensive tactics—though their approaches vary significantly. Void thrives in stealth with tools like smoke grenades and an active camouflage suit, ideal for hit-and-run gameplay. Blackbird, meanwhile, eschews stealth for superior battlefield intelligence, allowing players to strategically scout enemy positions.

Here’s a closer look at the presently confirmed classes for Marathon, highlighting their voice actors and gameplay styles:

• Blackbird (Voiced by Nika Futterman): Specializes in scouting opponent locations, promoting a strategic, cautious playstyle.
• Glitch (Voiced by Erica Lindbeck): Fast, nimble, and masters at seizing advantageous positions over foes.
• Locus (Voice Actor TBA): Excels in offense with a penchant for aggression but lacks strong defenses.
• Void (Voiced by Elias Toufexis): Masters stealth, equipped with active camo and smoke grenades, favoring hit-and-run tactics.
• Two Unannounced Classes: Details are forthcoming, set to be revealed before Marathon’s launch.

For those who prefer a more direct approach, Locus stands out with its robust offensive capabilities, although it may require strategic thinking due to its weaker defenses. Meanwhile, Glitch brings speed and agility to the forefront, using her quick reflexes to secure key positions and outmaneuver adversaries.

While Bungie is keeping a few secrets in reserve, they promise that two additional classes will be introduced at the time of launch. Details about these new characters should surface ahead of Marathon’s release on September 23. Players eager for an early taste might get a preview during the closed alpha test, though participation requires signing an NDA, minimizing premature leaks.