Marathon Has a Major Advantage Over Arc Raiders

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Bungie’s new extraction shooter, Marathon, is generating a lot of conversation. This is partly because of the company’s past successes with games like Halo and Destiny, but also due to issues with Marathon’s development and some recent choices made with Destiny 2. The positive launch of Arc Raiders, another extraction shooter, has also added to the discussion. Despite a bumpy development process, Marathon has a key advantage that could help it succeed where other games in the genre have struggled.

Marathon focuses on a fast-paced cycle of collecting resources, surviving, and competing against both other players and computer-controlled enemies. Conflict is central to the game, and Bungie, known for its excellent shooting mechanics, is expected to deliver a truly polished and satisfying combat experience thanks to their decades of experience in shooter game development.

Bungie’s Gunplay is Second to None

Bungie has always been known for making weapons feel great in their games. Many consider Halo to have set the standard for satisfying and precise shooting, and Destiny 2 built on that with smooth movement and rewarding impact. These games have really influenced how shooters are designed. This expertise is a big benefit for Marathon, especially in the extraction genre, where good gunplay is essential for success.

Early feedback from playtests and online discussions shows players are really enjoying how the shooting feels in Marathon. Compared to other games where you collect loot while fighting, Marathon‘s gunplay is particularly satisfying. Because the action is so quick and chaotic, responsive controls are crucial. Success often depends on split-second reactions – who shoots first or who has the better gear. Bungie has a strong track record of making great-feeling guns in their games, and Marathon seems to be their best work yet in this area.

Good gunplay is essential for extraction shooters, but it’s often hard to combine satisfying weapon mechanics with complex gameplay. While we don’t know the exact number of weapons yet, Bungie has said players will be able to customize them with attachments. This customization will let players truly master their loadout and understand exactly what they’re bringing to each mission, which could be a key strength of the game, much like the original Marathon.

Arc Raiders Is Fun, but Its Guns Needs Work

I’ve been playing ARC Raiders, and honestly, I’m really digging it. It’s an extraction shooter, and they’ve nailed the atmosphere. The environments look great, the sound design is top-notch – seriously, it makes every fight feel intense and keeps me on the edge of my seat. Plus, the loot system feels really familiar and satisfying, like a good throwback to some classic games in the genre. A lot of people on Steam and Reddit seem to agree – it’s just a really engaging and fun experience overall.

Even when people are generally enjoying discussions about the game, the shooting mechanics consistently come up as a problem. While the weapons feel responsive, players have criticized them for not always registering hits properly and for lacking clear feedback when you do hit something. Many describe the gunplay as feeling weak and unsatisfying, which makes combat less exciting. This could explain why some players prefer to focus on the cooperative, non-player versus player aspects of the game instead.

Players often found the shooting in Marathon to be more enjoyable and responsive than in Arc Raiders. This difference in how the games feel greatly influences how people perceive them overall. It doesn’t necessarily mean one game is better, but when shooting is a core part of the experience, it needs to be polished. Arc Raiders has its strengths, but even after many hours of gameplay, the weapons can be frustrating – especially when better gear doesn’t guarantee success against players with standard weapons.

I’m confident Bungie will deliver fantastic shooting mechanics in Marathon. While I usually prefer a more cautious approach in Arc Raiders, the player interactions always leave me wanting a more intense experience. With the Shells and the weapons shown so far, Marathon has the potential to be one of the most diverse and thrilling shooters we’ve seen in a while.

Marathon Can Showcase the Shooter Aspect of Extraction Shooters

What could really set Marathon apart is Bungie’s experience in making shooters that simply feel good to play. In games where you try to extract loot, the excitement of going into dangerous areas and surviving depends on trusting your weapons and how easily you can move. When a gun feels strong, reliable, and consistent, every decision matters, and every fight becomes a chance to show off your skills. This is likely where Marathon will have the edge.

Despite some player frustration, many Marathon fans are optimistic about the game’s strong shooting mechanics and believe they’ll be key to its success. Players familiar with similar games like Escape from Tarkov or ARC Raiders have pointed out that solid gunplay can keep them hooked, even if other aspects of the game aren’t perfect. It’s important for extraction shooters to feel fair and rewarding to retain players, and with Bungie’s history of creating excellent shooters, that shouldn’t be a problem here.

Marathon still needs to polish its overall experience – things like AI, the richness of the game world, and making sure all features are complete – before it launches in March 2026. Arc Raiders has already demonstrated excellent shooting mechanics, and Bungie has the skill to match that. However, Marathon also needs to focus on these supporting details. If Bungie succeeds, the satisfying feel of the weapons could be what sets Marathon apart and makes it a leading extraction shooter, even if it doesn’t quite reach the same level as Arc Raiders in other areas.

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2026-01-24 20:11