Playing an extraction shooter can be a ruthless experience. Marathon is no different, as one wrong turn could mean losing everything you have to another Runner. Luckily, there's the Rook, a Shell with nothing to lose and everything to gain. New players won't immediately have access to the Rook Shell, however. This Marathon guide aims to explain how to unlock and play as the Rook.
Marathon: Which Runner/Class Should You Play With?
Players will take the role of different Runners in Marathon, each featuring a distinct playstyle through their abilities, here's who to pick.
How to Unlock the Rook in Marathon
Reach Season Level 3
To unlock the Rook in Marathon, you first must reach Season Level 3. Your Season Level is your overall player level and is not tied to Faction ranks. To gain Season Level experience, simply complete successful runs and contract missions. Your experience will naturally increase, yielding more based on your performance in a run. Most activities, like destroying UESC forces, looting containers, and killing other Runners, will all yield experience.
Once you've reached Season Level 3, head to the Shells menu to select the Rook.
Rook Limitations
Unlike normal Runner Shells, Rooks are limited in what they're capable of in terms of what they can bring and how they enter a run.
- Rooks can only enter a run solo.
- Rooks begin with a limited loadout, which includes a random basic weapon, depleted consumables, and a light shield.
- Rooks cannot engage in Contracts.
- Rooks have restricted zone access.
While the Rook cannot bring anything (excluding their preset loadout) into a run, all items looted will return with them upon a successful exfil. They also have the same augmentation slots that normal Shells do, meaning any Implants or Cores found can immediately be equipped in a run. Rooks also start with a backpack, granting them increased carrying capacity during a raid.
The Rook's backpack and shield mod will both be destroyed upon exfiltrating.
If you're low on supplies and gear, or just don't want to risk losing anything in a raid, the Rook is the perfect Shell for quick scavenging runs.
Rook Abilities and Stats in Marathon
Though the Rook is limited in capabilities, it still has a Tactical and Prime Ability at its disposal. It does not, however, have any Passive Traits.
|
Name |
Type |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Recuperation |
Prime |
Activate your prototype frame's emergency repair system to slowly restore health. Interrupted when you take damage. |
|
Signal Mask |
Tactical |
Activate a temporary holodisplay mask to deceive UESC forces, making them unaware of your presence. Disrupted when you sprint or take damage. |
Using Signal Mask, the Rook can blend in with other UESC forces, giving you the element of surprise on other players or an escape plan in sticky situations. If you're damaged as the Rook, use Recuperation to restore a moderate amount of health.
By default, the Rook has little to no attribute points for the 13 core stats. Rooks have Heat Capacity, Loot Speed, and Fall Resistance at 20, and all other stats at zero. This is why it's important to find and equip Implants while raiding as a Rook, as you'll need all the additional stat bonuses you can get to survive.
If you're playing Marathon during the Server Slam test, make sure to earn all rewards for reaching Season Level 30 before it's over.
