Marathon features many different classes in the shape of Runner Shells. You have the ones more focused on offensive tactics, others that are better at sneaking in, and some unique ones with their drones hilariously removing enemies’ 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 get good at the maps and the shooting, it’s also true that some classes are way more complicated than others. Let’s learn more about Vandal, diving deep into their possible builds and abilities in Marathon.
Vandal Overview
If you’re a newcomer, this character might not be for you. First, it takes a lot of practice to learn how to use Vandal’s movements buff effectively, because you need to learn the feel of the character, when to run and use your Power Slide, Heat management, and also have a good idea about each of the available maps.
With Vandal, you are free to run to places and reach higher platforms thanks to their integrated double jump. They are perhaps the fastest character in Marathon, with fantastic mobility that makes them capable of overperforming any other character in this regard.
However, as you use the abilities, you’ll notice how quickly Heat goes up, and it can leave you in a bad spot pretty fast. Also, with Vandal, you kind of have to excel on your own because you really don’t have abilities that directly help your team.
Maybe you can use your Disrupt Cannon to push enemies around, and if they are taking cover, you’ll make them lose it and become available for your allies’ sight. But at the same time, you can move them out of your team’s sight by mistake, ruining the run. We recommend using it just for the damage at first, until you learn its downsides.
Vandal’s Power Slide is also a complicated matter 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 your rival, ideally gaining a new position that they don’t expect. But it’s not easy. Also, if you perform two Power Slides in a row and don’t have Heat upgrades, you might already be overheated.
Marathon: Complete Guide To Runner Shells
Choose your Shell wisely.
Vandal Abilities
|
Ability |
Type |
What It Does |
Base Cooldown/Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Amplify |
Prime |
You gain a buff state where you generate less Heat overall, and your speed and weapon dexterity are increased. |
|
|
Disrupt Cannon |
Tactical |
Transforms Vandal’s left arm into a cannon that shoots a blast, dealing damage and pushing the enemy. It can be charged for a bigger blast. |
|
|
Microjets |
Trait |
You can double jump. |
No cooldown, but increases Heat. |
|
Power Slide |
Trait |
It lets you slide for a longer distance and in a shorter amount of time. |
Idem Microjets. Two Power Slides and you’re overheated. |
Best Vandal Loadouts
You have two ways of looking at this. You either accept that Vandal can be a really fragile Runner Shell, especially if you’re taking your first steps in the game, so you equip them with a lot of things to survive. Or, you go the other way and equip only the minimum that you will need — a decent primary weapon with some ammo — and keep your inventory light.
Best Early Game Vandal Build
|
Primary Weapon |
M77 Assault Rifle |
|---|---|
|
Secondary Weapon |
CE Tactical Sidearm |
|
Backpack |
Best Available |
|
Shield |
Best Available |
|
Equipment |
Smoke Grenade |
|
Cores |
Core Slot 1: Out of Dodge. (When your shields break, your generated Heat is immediately clear.) Core Slot 2: TAG! (Disrupt Cannon deals additional damage and pings targets caught in the blast.) |
|
Implants |
Head Implant: Augmented Capacitors V2. Torso Implant: Survival Kit V2. Legs Implant: Graceful Landing V2 or Distance Runner V2. |
Nothing unique when it comes to the cheap Implants you can equip. These will improve your agility and speed a bit. Then the cores are more situational helpful, especially if you learn how to use your Disrupt Cannon well.
Best Late Game Vandal Build
|
Primary Weapon |
V75 SCAR |
|---|---|
|
Secondary Weapon |
WSTR Combat Shotgun |
|
Backpack |
Best Available |
|
Shield |
Best Available |
|
Equipment |
EMP Grenade |
|
Cores |
Core Slot 1: Adrenal Core. (While Amplified, your movement abilities generate even less Heat. Using a Cardio Kick extends Amplify’s duration.) Core Slot 2: Mechanized Holsters. (Your Power Slide reloads your ballistic weapons from reserves and recharges a portion of your volt weapon’s current battery.) |
|
Implants |
Head Implant: Regen V4. Torso Implant: Hurting Hands V4 or Survival Kit V4. Legs Implant: Bionic Leg Upgrades V5 or V4. |
At the moment, Vandal doesn’t have amazing Cores for their late game, at least when you see what other options other characters have. If you get the chance to find it, you can switch Mechanized Holsters with the Prestige Core Microjet Efficiency Package, which will let you jump a third time. Not a bad mix with Adrenal Core, but nothing amazing either. At least you have better movement!
Marathon: Achievement/Trophy Guide
A short but troublesome list.
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