Marathon Unveils Four Classes, Plus Two More to Debut at Launch

Marathon has rolled out a tantalizing glimpse into its gameplay, unveiling four unique classes to eager fans. As Bungie’s next big release looms on the horizon, even more character archetypes are set to join the fray from the get-go.

The franchise’s unexpected return was first announced in May 2023. Aside from being the first extraction shooter in the long-delayed series, it’s notable for marking Bungie’s debut under Sony Interactive Entertainment’s wing, after their acquisition in July 2022. This hefty $3.6 billion deal marked a significant moment in the gaming world.

Today, April 12, just shy of two years since we first heard rumblings, Bungie gave us an exciting preview of Marathon. The Sony-affiliated studio dropped some eye-catching gameplay clips alongside a nine-minute animated short that sets the stage for the game. During this reveal, they introduced us to four playable classes, known as “Runners” in Marathon’s distinctly cyberpunk lingo: Blackbird, Glitch, Locus, and Void.

The lineup presents a colorful variety. Each character brings their own unique strengths and weaknesses to the table, offering players a range of playstyles. Void and Blackbird lean towards defense, but in very different ways. Void is a classic stealth expert, bringing tools like smoke grenades and an active camouflage suit to avoid detection and stage quick, nimble attacks. Meanwhile, Blackbird prefers a strategy driven by knowledge, being adept at pinpointing enemy positions.

On the more aggressive side, there’s Locus, who stands ready to charge into the fray with a strong offense, though at the expense of defensive capabilities. Lastly, there’s the nimble Glitch, who excels at outmaneuvering opponents through clever positioning.

There’s an air of mystery as well, with Bungie holding back details on two additional classes set to launch with the game. Speculation should heat up as we approach Marathon’s release date on September 23, with more likely to be revealed. The upcoming closed alpha might showcase all six classes, but participants will be under strict NDAs to prevent leaks.

In this rollout, Bungie continues to captivate with its foray into the extraction shooter genre, promising an exciting mix of strategy and action as they tip their hands to the next era of Marathon.