A player known only as Steve has become an internet sensation after reaching level 45 in Bungie's extraction shooter Marathon without fully grasping the game's fundamental mechanics. The story, shared on Reddit by user Carpocalypto, details how Steve's playthrough consisted almost entirely of killing robots, foregoing crucial actions such as extracting, looting, completing contracts, engaging other players, or purchasing upgrades.
Steve, a 46-year-old who previously played titles like Madden and Call of Duty, had a history with the older Marathon games on Mac. He reportedly assumed the primary objective of the new online extraction FPS was simply to eliminate robotic adversaries. This singular focus led to a gameplay experience devoid of many core elements that define the genre. According to his friend, Steve had never extracted from a match, never completed a quest, never claimed a codex entry, and had only used free kits. He was unaware of his character's rocket ability and was even unsure about distinguishing between player-versus-player combat and encounters with non-player characters. His in-game vault, intended for loot, was apparently mistaken for a trophy case showcasing items collected from defeated robots.
When Steve's friend guided him through the game's various menus and systems, his reaction was reportedly one of disbelief, repeatedly exclaiming, "Are you fucking kidding me?"
While some online commenters have expressed skepticism regarding the veracity of the story, the original poster provided video evidence to support the claim. The narrative has resonated with many in the gaming community, who recognize the phenomenon of players engaging with games in unconventional ways. Developers often acknowledge that even the most carefully crafted tutorials cannot account for every player's unique approach.
Following this revelation, Steve has become more aware of Marathon's systems. He has since begun playing Thief, reaching level 52, and has managed to extract from matches, engage enemy runners, and enjoy the game with his friend's assistance. He has even successfully extracted on his own.
Reflecting on Steve's initial experience, the author of the viral post expressed a touch of melancholy, noting that Steve's time with Marathon as a solo PvE robot-killing simulator is over. However, a subsequent message from Steve indicated continued enjoyment of the game, stating, "Bro. Exfilling while I’m mid-firefight with a huge amount of loot and still smoking fools is next to heaven!" This suggests Steve has adapted well to the game's evolving live-service nature.