FACTIONS
6 FACTIONS DOCUMENTED — TAU CETI IV POWER BROKERS
CyberAcme
Shell technology and survivability upgrades
The megacorporation at the intersection of software, hardware, and identity. CyberAcme's ONI system is installed in every Runner Shell by default — they own the tech that keeps you coming back after death. Focused on extracting materials from Tau Ceti IV to upgrade your shell.
Extract rare bio-synthetic components from marked caches
↳ Shell upgrade module
Survive X engagements in a single run without dying
↳ Faction XP + Credits
NuCaloric
Biological resources, healing, and historical investigation
An agricultural and resource megacorporation that controls the food, energy, and biological networks that keep Runners operational in the field. NuCaloric's agent Gaius is investigating why the original Marathon expedition to Tau Ceti IV failed over a century ago.
Collect biological samples from NuCaloric-marked zones
↳ Med-kit upgrade
Heal X total health across multiple runs
↳ Healing speed boost
Traxus
Resource extraction, economics, and weapon acquisition
The wealthiest and most powerful faction in Marathon — described as 'the most powerful corporation in Marathon's human history.' Traxus OffWorld Industries operates from the shadows through agent Vulcan, seeking to recoup their investment in the failed UESC Marathon mission through resource extraction and economic control.
Extract high-value cargo from Traxus-marked locations
↳ Traxus credits bonus
Disrupt UESC supply chains and salvage valuables
↳ Loot value multiplier
MIDA
Destruction, sabotage, and explosives
A political movement turned terrorist organization originating from Mars — their name carries weight from the original Marathon lore. Through agent Gantry, MIDA wants to see the UESC, the corporations, and the colony burned to the ground. Specializes in physical destruction and digital sabotage.
Plant explosives on UESC infrastructure at marked locations
↳ Grenade + Claymore unlock
Upload malware into UESC dropships during a run
↳ MIDA weapon skin
Arachne
PvP combat dominance and kill-based progression
A mysterious death cult obsessed with the thermodynamics of violence and pushing Runner Shells to their absolute limits. Arachne's agent Charter rewards those who dominate other players — this is the most PvP-oriented faction in Marathon. They value combat mastery above all else.
Eliminate X enemy Runners in a single session
↳ Intel package + scan upgrade
Deal the killing blow to Runners without using abilities
↳ Damage upgrade
Sekiguchi
Shell technology research and Weaveworm engineering
The company behind Runner Shell (biomata) technology — specifically the WEAVEworm system used to create shell bodies. Sekiguchi Genetics agent Nona oversees experiments related to Runner shell capabilities and the Weaveform cloning technology. They hold the patents that make respawning possible.
Recover lost research documents and terminals from Tau Ceti IV
↳ Sekiguchi precision mod
Complete runs with advanced implants equipped
↳ Weapon accuracy upgrade