Marathon contains many different classes in the form of Runner Shells. You have ones that focus more on offensive tactics, others that are better at stealth, and some unique ones with their drones that gleefully take out enemy loot. Then there's Vandal.
While it can be argued that all Runner Shells are strong and you can succeed with any of them as long as you know your way around the maps and shooting, it's also true that some classes are much more complicated than others. Let's learn more about the Vandal, take a deep dive into their possible builds and abilities in Marathon.
Vandal overview
If you are a newbie, this character may not be for you. First, it takes a lot of practice to learn how to use Vandal's buff moves effectively, as you have to learn to feel the character, when to launch and use Power Slide, heat managementand also have a good idea of each of the available maps.
With Vandal, you can freely run to places and reach higher platforms thanks to the integrated double jump. They are possibly the fastest character in Marathonwith fantastic mobility that makes them able to surpass any other character in this regard.
However, as you use the abilities, you will notice how quickly the heat risesand that can leave you in a bad place very quickly. Also with Vandal you have to stand out on your own because yyou don't really have abilities that directly help your team.
Maybe you can use the Disrupt Cannon to push enemies aroundand if they're in cover, you'll cause them to lose it and become available for your allies to see. But at the same time, you can accidentally move them out of sight of your team and spoil the run. We recommend only use it on first damage, until you learn its dark side.
Vandal's Power Slide is also a tricky affair because you can't use it and shoot at the same time. You need to use it to reach places faster, jump and start shooting at opponents, ideally to get a new position that they don't expect. But it's not easy. Also, if you do two Power Slides in a row and don't have the Heat upgrade, you may already be overheated.
Marathon: The Complete Guide to Running Shells
Choose your Shell wisely.
Vandal skills
|
Ability |
Type |
What does it do? |
Base cooldown/duration |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Amplify |
Primary |
You gain a buff where you generate less heat overall and your speed and weapon dexterity increase. |
|
|
Disrupt Cannon |
Tactical |
Turns Vandal's left arm into a cannon that fires, dealing damage and pushing the enemy. Can be charged for a larger blast. |
|
|
Microjets |
Property |
You can jump twice. |
No cooling, but an increase in heat. |
|
PowerSlide |
Property |
It allows you to glide a longer distance and in less time. |
Im Microjets. Two Power Slides and you're overheated. |
The best vandal loadout
You have two ways of looking at it. You either accept it Vandal can be a really fragile Runner Shellespecially if you are taking your first steps in the game, so you equip them with a lot of things to survive. Or you will go another way and equip only the minimum you will need — a decent primary weapon with some ammo — and keep your inventory light.
The best early Vandal Build game
|
Primary weapon |
M77 assault rifle |
|---|---|
|
Secondary weapon |
CE Tactical Handgun |
|
Backpack |
The best available |
|
Shield |
The best available |
|
Device |
Smoke grenade |
|
Cores |
Core Slot 1: Outside of Dodge. (When your shields burst, your generated heat is instantly clean.) Core Slot 2: LABEL! (The Disrupt Cannon deals additional damage and pings targets caught in the explosion.) |
|
Implants |
Head implant: Extended capacitors V2. Trunk implant: Survival Kit V2. Leg implant: Graceful Landing V2 or Distance Runner V2. |
Nothing unique in terms of cheap implants you can equip. These will slightly improve your agility and speed. Then cores are more useful situationally, especially if you learn how to use your Disrupt Cannon well.
Best late game Vandal Build
|
Primary weapon |
V75 SCAR |
|---|---|
|
Secondary weapon |
Combat Shotgun WSTR |
|
Backpack |
The best available |
|
Shield |
The best available |
|
Device |
EMP grenade |
|
Cores |
Core Slot 1: Adrenal nucleus. (While amplified, your movement abilities generate even less heat. Using a cardio kick will increase the duration of Amplify.) Core Slot 2: Mechanized cases. (Your Power Slide reloads your Ballistic Weapons from backup and recharges some of your Volt Weapon's current battery.) |
|
Implants |
Head implant: Regen V4. Trunk implant: Hurting Hands V4 or Survival Kit V4. Leg implant: Bionic Leg Upgrades V5 or V4. |
At the moment, Vandal doesn't have amazing cores for his late game, at least when you see what other options other characters have. If you get a chance to find it, you can replace the mechanized pods with the Prestige Core Microjet Efficiency Package, which allows you to jump a third time. Not a bad mix with Adrenal Core, but nothing amazing either. At least you have better movement!
Marathon: Achievements / Trophies Guide
A short but problematic list.
