In Marathon, modifying your Runner's Shell allows you to customize your play style in a way that suits you best. A plethora of augments and gadgets are available to install in your Shell, and taking advantage of those options can mean life or death in the middle of combat. One of the most important attachments to consider are Cores. In this Marathon guide, we'll explore how Cores work and where you can find them.
Best PC Settings for Marathon (Optimization Guide)
While Marathon is reasonably optimized on PC, players can further improve its performance by trying these best settings and achieving higher FPS.
Marathon: Cores Explained
Core Essentials
A Runner's Shell contains a variety of slots meant for augments and gadgets, such as grenades, shield mods, and Implants. Two of those slots are reserved specifically for Cores, which are modules meant to modify your Runner's unique abilities in certain ways.
While Implants help boost your Runner's overall stats and can be equipped to any Shell, Cores are typically used to grant additional traits and perks for specific Shells. As such, most Cores can only be equipped on its respective Shell. There are, however, certain Cores that can be used universally.
The Thief's Partner in Crime Core, for example, allows your Pickpocket Drone to periodically release a pulse that pings nearby hostiles. The Vandal's Microjet Efficiency Package grants an additional charge for your Microjets, allowing you to triple jump and generate less heat.
Other Cores, like Trophy Hunter, grant Tactical and Prime ability energy after defeating UESC commanders. Loot Tracker, on the other hand, pings nearby loot containers after using a Prime or Tactical ability.
Like most items in Marathon, Cores can have varying rarities – Standard Cores, like Trophy Hunter and Loot Tracker, are more generalized and help provide universal perks. As such, you'll find them often, and they can normally be equipped onto any Shell. Enhanced and Deluxe Cores are less common, and are typically used for specific Shells, as they grant more unique ability modifications. Superior and Prestige Cores are rare, so you'll need to brave high-tier points of interest and locked rooms for a chance to find them.
How to Get Cores in Marathon
You can obtain Cores through various methods in Marathon. However, the most common places to find Cores are:
- Armory: Some Factions, like Sekiguchi, will often offer Cores for sale through Bartering or with Credits.
- During a Run: Cores can be found in facilities, either out in the open or within a Core Storage container.
- Dead Runners: Like most items, Cores can be ripped off of dead Runners during a raid.
Try searching high-tier loot areas in each zone, like Overflow and Station on Perimeter, for Cores and Core Storage containers.
Like Implants, Cores can be swapped in and out of your Shell at any time, even during a run. Utilizing your Cores can dramatically change the way your Runner feels, and allows players to customize their play style in a variety of unique ways. If you're playing during the Marathon Server Slam, be sure to take advantage of Cores to help grind your way to level 30 and obtain all the rewards.
