New Marathon details from Chinese event tease broad customisation options, and a massive selection of guns at launch

Bungie's Marathon is almost here, and that means we'll be hearing more and more about it in the coming weeks as the game breaks into Steam's top sellers and gets more folks talking. Regardless of what ends up happening after launch, it seems the relaunched marketing campaign is working wonders in the post-Arc Raiders era.

Now, via Marathon HQ, we've learned new details on the game's customisation and weapon options. Moreover, it appears that Chinese influencers, streamers, and games media were mostly blown away by what they saw during a recent event.

When it comes to launch-day skins, it seems the game will feature at least six skins for each Runner, one based on each faction. The X/Twitter post above shows screens from the event and some of those early cosmetics. Considering how paper-thin other multiplayer games are on that front at launch, Bungie might be off to a great start when it comes to unlockables.

The full rundown of information extracted from the event is even juicier, as it reveals 28 guns with "two or more skins" will be available at launch; some cosmetics even alter the model, so you won't have to wait very long to get substantial visual redesigns. On that front, there was praise for the "massive upgrade" the game's overall look has received since last year, with many voices saying the environments are "giving off a much darker and mysterious tone."

When it comes to systems and mechanics, it looks like the skills and perks are fairly flexible when it comes to builds, something worth taking into account when you team up with a group of Runners. Another highlight was how expensive meds and shields were, at least during this preview session, with early-game PvP also being described as a "guaranteed loss" even if it's tempting to take on human enemies that are described as "loot pinatas."

Image credit: Bungie

The PvE crowd might also be in for a surprise, as it appears the NPC enemies are ruthless and "constantly calling in reinforcements" instead of going offline once a hot area is cleared. On top of that, watch your surroundings, since "environmental hazards like poison gas vents, perimeter turrets, and landmines are everywhere as well."

Last but not least, Wccftech also shared some extra tidbits from the event, with a special focus on the game's ongoing narrative, which will be told through "roguelike adventure" seasons during which players have to get stronger to tackle increasingly difficult runs as mysteries unfold. As a reminder, if you're killed in action, you'll lose your valuable loot and equipment.

At this point, it's safe to say Marathon's take on the extraction shooter subgenre will be completely different from Arc Raiders, so it'll be interesting to see how these two heavy hitters coexist together if Bungie's latest doesn't land with a thud.