Key Takeaways
1. Many weapons in Bungie’s new game, Marathon, pay tribute to iconic weapons from Halo: Combat Evolved in both design and functionality.
2. The CE Tactical Sidearm is a clear homage to the Halo Magnum, featuring a similar look and precise operation.
3. The Magnum MC in Marathon acts as a spiritual successor to the Halo Magnum, delivering strong impact and performance.
4. The V11 Punch resembles the Halo Plasma Pistol, with features like shield-draining capability and similar firing mechanics.
5. The BR33 Volley Rifle is viewed as a homage to Halo 2’s Battle Rifle, offering similar firing patterns and customization options for enhanced performance.
Gamers have noticed that many weapons in Bungie’s new extraction shooter, Marathon, pay tribute to famous weapons from Halo: Combat Evolved, not just in their designs and skins but also in how they operate.
Bungie’s Legacy with Halo
This is to be expected, as Bungie was behind the original Halo: Combat Evolved from 2001, along with Halo 2 (2004), Halo 3 (2007), Halo 3: ODST (2009), and Halo: Reach (2010). The studio collaborated with Microsoft on most of these games until they officially parted ways with the company in 2007. Even after that, Bungie was still contracted to complete ODST and Reach before they could fully transition to the Destiny franchise.
Marathon’s Release and Influences
Fast forward 16 years, and Bungie is still referencing Halo in their latest title, Marathon, which came out on 5 March 2026. The weapons in the game show a strong influence from Halo, and players on X have eagerly pointed out these hidden references.
To begin with, the most clear nod to Halo: CE is the CE Tactical Sidearm. As the title indicates, it pays homage to Combat Evolved. Its look also resembles the Halo Magnum, having a similar grip and short barrel.
Weapon Functionality and Design
While it may appear familiar, gamers say it operates more like the sidearms from newer Halo games. Essentially, it’s a toned-down version of the Halo Magnum, but it remains precise and is great for quick switches to primary weapons.
In terms of performance and gameplay, Bungie has found a spiritual successor to the Halo Magnum in the Magnum MC. Although it looks quite different from the original, the Magnum MC in Marathon delivers the same intense impact with its strong vertical recoil and can eliminate UESC NPCs with a single shot.
Marathon’s V11 Punch closely mirrors the Halo Plasma Pistol. Just like the Plasma Pistol, the V11 Punch has a fast-firing primary mode and a powerful charged secondary shot.
Shared Features and Nostalgia
But that’s not all. The V11 Punch is designed to drain shields. In Halo, a charged hit could completely destroy enemy Spartan shields, while in Marathon, the V11 Punch uses Volt Battery rounds that gradually wear down enemy shields. Additional similarities include a nostalgic overcharge sensation and similar recoil when releasing a charged shot.
Many Halo enthusiasts believe that Marathon’s BR33 Volley Rifle is both a mechanical and spiritual homage to Halo 2’s Battle Rifle, often referring to it as a “perfect match.” The semi-automatic BR33 Volley Precision Rifle shoots a three-round burst just like the Halo 2 Battle Rifle.
Like the Battle Rifle, Marathon’s BR33 Volley experiences minimal recoil during combat. Players can also modify the BR33 Volley Rifle with the Lockout Muzzle Brake, making it perform almost exactly like its predecessor in terms of stability and accuracy while firing from the hip.
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