Marathon: What are the Runner Shells? Bungie Explains All in a 9-Minute Video

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Discovering Marathon’s Runner Shells: The Destroyer and The Assassin Revealed

Bungie has revealed more details about Runner Shells in their upcoming game, Marathon. These “Shells” are specialized, high-tech exosuits that players will inhabit while exploring Tau Ceti IV. More than just classes, these Shells define a player’s in-game identity, with each one tailored to a specific playstyle with unique abilities, stats, and a recognizable silhouette from 50 to 60 meters away. Bungie emphasizes player customization, providing the “ingredients” to tailor Runner Shells to individual preferences. Nuclei serve as powerful, mix-and-match bonuses that can significantly alter gameplay. Shell types range from long-range snipers to close-quarters brawlers. Examples of Runner Shells include: The Destroyer: An aggressive, offense-oriented Shell inspired by futuristic Mjolnir armor, designed for charging into battle and absorbing damage. It features thrusters for rapid dashes or evasive maneuvers, along with a shock-absorbing barricade to attract enemy fire. Its primary ability, “Search and Destroy,” locks onto targets with thermal-guided missiles. The Assassin: Ideal for stealth enthusiasts, this Shell specializes in infiltration, eliminating fall damage and providing temporary invisibility. However, movement increases visibility, and sudden actions break the camouflage. It also includes a smokescreen ability.

Runner Shells in Marathon: The Scout (Fun Police), Vandal, Thief, and Emergency Frame Explored

The Scout (Fun Police): This Shell excels at tracking enemies, utilizing a drone that detonates upon reaching its target. Equipped with a helmet that identifies players and AI, it can also detect enemy footprints. Players can personalize their Runners using Buildcrafting elements such as cores, implants, and weapon mods. Cores serve as powerful bonuses that can significantly alter gameplay. Other Runner Shells include: The Vandal: Focused on rapid movement, this Shell offers enhanced jumping and sliding capabilities, including a double jump. Its primary function is combat on the fly, allowing players to quickly engage, disrupt, and retreat. The Thief: This Shell features an X-ray visor for locating loot through walls and a mechanical drone that retrieves stashes, even from AI characters. Its grappling hook improves with a filled backpack. The Emergency Frame: Functioning as a combat medic, this support-oriented Shell revives teammates using amplifier gauntlets, deploys medical and shield drones, and shares consumables. However, some of its skills also boost weapon performance and apply electromagnetic interference.

Marathon’s Solo Adventure: Introducing ROOK and UESC Allegiance

Bungie also introduced ROOK, a special Frame for players who want to join ongoing game sessions solo without starting gear; any items found are retained. The game presents players with a choice when encountering ROOK, which appears as an ally of UESC forces: assist or eliminate it. Marathon is scheduled for release in March 2026 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

In Case You Missed It

Intrigued by the boundaries of indie gaming? Then don’t miss Marcus Thompson’s latest piece, “It’s Absurd for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to be Game of the Year and Best Indie,” published on December 16th. Thompson delves into the controversy surrounding this year’s sensation, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, exploring whether its recognition challenges our traditional definitions of ‘indie’. With nine wins at The Game Awards and praise from French President Emmanuel Macron, it’s a debate you won’t want to miss. Dive in right here It’s Absurd for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to be Game of the Year and Best Indie. Meanwhile, Jonathan Dubinski and Carlos Mendoza have been reporting on an unexpected turn of events at Bungie’s Marathon. Just months before its release in March 2026, Joseph Cross, the game’s art director, has departed from the company. First, Dubinski explored this surprise departure in “Marathon’s Art Director Departs Studio After 14 Years” (published Dec 19, 2025), amidst a plagiarism scandal involving artist Fern Hook’s work. Then, Mendoza revealed more insights into Cross’ exit and its implications for Marathon in his article “Marathon’s Art Director Leaves Bungie,” published on December 18th. Check out their analysis here Marathon’s Art Director Departs Studio After 14 Years and here Marathon’s Art Director Leaves Bungie.