Marathon's free loadout class comes with some limitations

While Marathon Featuring different character “shells” for players to try out, it also has a free loadout option called Rook, though in an effort to balance it out, the shell has some limitations that aren't present in some other extraction shooters. It's been a rollercoaster of a year MarathonAfter a poor testing period last year, including various controversies such as art plagiarism, which eventually saw the game delayed to 2026. However, after the game's re-reveal this month, things seem to be in a much more positive place.

With more development time, it looks like Bungie has taken the feedback to heart, not only fixing the art issues, but further improving the game with highly requested features like proximity chat and solo queue, as well as adding more environmental detail, better lighting, and more content in general. MarathonWith a release date set for March 5, earlier than many people expected, Bungie also promised players a free-to-play weekend ahead of its launch to give fans a taste of what they can expect on Day 1. MarathonAn extraction shooter at its core, the game shows few differences from its competitors.

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Marathon's “free loadout” comes with limitations

One such gameplay variation is the use of shells, essentially character classes that each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Each shell fills a specific archetype MarathonIncluding combat specialist Destroyer, support focused Triage, and Loot Goblin known as Thief. Bungie hopes that players will find a shell that best fits their playstyle, with more ways to customize and tailor the overall experience.

Marathon Free Loadout also has its own version called Rook, which lets players enter games with basic gear provided without risking any of the items the player has earned. As a safer option, Marathon Rook is adding some restrictions so the class isn't seen as an easy button for players. Specifically, players who select Rook will be loaded into the game later than other players, while being able to queue solo and not when in a group. The idea here is that by entering a round late, other players who risked their gear get first crack at their best loot, while rookie players simply have to scavenge and hope not to be targeted by other players. While the rook is easy to spot based on appearance, this class comes with a passive cloaking mechanism, so NPC enemies will completely ignore them.

These restrictions may be in response to what is happening with Embark Studios and the massively popular game, ARC RaidersAt this time. Many players are disappointed by this ARC Raiders A version of a free loadout, letting players swap in random basic gear, potentially losing their own items when participating in PvP or making off with massive loot. The difference is that even base level weapons like the stitcher are very effective, allowing players to still be competitive without risking dying. Another element is to select a free loadout ARC Raiders Outside of the small inventory there are many restrictions and no safe pockets. Players can initially load into games and feel confident that the level 1 weapon they have will still be competitive.

However, Embark is aware of the frustrations surrounding the transplanted use of free loadouts. While nothing has been confirmed, some studio members, such as design lead Virgil Watkins, have confirmed that the studio may change how free loadouts work. ARC RaidersPotentially changing what types of items are given, perhaps modifying the number of inventory slots, or making the entire loadout heavier to begin with. Alternatively, Embark has considered adding a high-level raid with restrictions that prevent using free loadouts to enter. For now, nothing is set in stone, but if Bungie's Rook is in consideration Marathon gains traction, perhaps it could push Embark to make some changes of its own.