Very few games in recent memory have arrived with as much baggage as Bungie's Marathon. The hello and Fate 2 The developer's first brand-new universe in over a decade has spent much of its pre-launch life mired in delays, backlash in early testing, internal instability, and a slew of controversies that have kept it in the headlines for reasons largely unrelated to gameplay. Between leaked footage, heated debate in the community, and questions about where Bungie's priorities really lie, Marathon It's often felt like a project that just couldn't take a break before getting a chance to prove itself, with a long, bumpy road to releasing just a handful of game experiences.
The problem is that all that noise can easily overshadow what it is Marathon This is exactly what it is: a PvPvE extraction shooter where every second counts and the reward is often worth the high risk that comes with pursuing it. This isn't a traditional Bungie campaign, and it's not trying to be one destiny. However, Bungie is one of the top developers when it comes to gunplay and seeing the rise in prominence after the success of the extraction shooter genre of games. ARC Raiders, MarathonThe legacy may not end as soon as public opinion believes. To really understand Marathon Going into launch, it helps to step back from the controversy and see clearly what Bungie is actually playing into players' hands.
What exactly is a marathon?
1990, 2026 is described as a modern reimagining of Bungie's original trilogy of first-person shooters. Marathon It takes the setting and lore of those games and places them within the framework of a PvPvE extraction shooter with a loop like games. Escape from Tarkov. essentially, Marathon Sees players enter the dark sci-fi world of Tau Ceti IV, where they scavenge its realms for valuables and try to extract them without being harmed by the players or the game's AI enemies.
Marathon features at a glance
- PVPVE Extraction Shooter Focused on high stakes risk and reward gameplay.
- Dark SCI-FI world Set on the enemy planet Tau Ceti IV.
- Runner-based players Cybernetic freight control with unique capabilities.
- Extraction-driven loop Where a successful escape secures loot and progress.
- Solo and squad play Supporting single players or teams of up to three.
- Bungee-style gunplay Focusing on precision shooting with strategic movement.
- Gear-based progression Tied with weapons, implants, and loadouts.
- Group Agreements Which offers unique, attractive incentives.
- Seasonal live content With developed story elements and updates.
- Proximity voice chat which allows for spontaneous social encounters.
- Full cross-play support on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
- Cross-save functionality Allowing progress to be carried across platforms.
Like other Bungie games Fate 2 Known for their gunplay, this will probably be the defining feature of the set Marathon Except for other withdrawal shooters. ARC Raiders It seems to have taken over the scene with its immersive and evolved gameplay, but Marathon It still has a lot to offer in terms of gameplay, especially when it comes to how the gameplay feels. Furthermore, the developer's preference for different playstyles in character classes and worlds. destiny will take to Marathon Also, what some games in the extraction shooter genre are known for.
Six equipped runner shells provide different playstyle foundations to build, such as Destroyer, Recon, and Thief.
These classes offer different playstyles in the form of six unique runner shells, and each gives players access to numerous build styles, including modable weapons, body implants, and core system upgrades. Apart from the customization aspect of gameplay that comes with buildcrafting, Marathon The world of Tau Ceti IV will allow players to further personalize their experience by completing faction agreements for six competing factions, each of which comes with unique incentives. By completing said contracts, players can increase their power through seasonal unlocks such as runner shell upgrades, stronger starting loadouts, increased vault space, and special items.
opposite ARC Raiders at launch, Marathon Upon release players will be allowed to queue in solo, duos and trios lobbies, offering more options on how to approach the gameplay. It also offers the unique option of sneaking into progressive lobbies as a rookie without any starting gear. Marathon Proximity also features chat, so the possibilities for casual social gameplay are essentially endless. Interestingly, Proximity Chat wasn't originally planned to be built in Marathon At launch, but that stance changed during development.
Finally, the elimination is traditionally in shooter games, when players successfully evacuate from a round in MarathonThey'll advance their weathering powers, earn cosmetics, and be able to use their loot to improve their builds. Seasons in the game are expected to run on a three-month cycle, although that may change, and each new season will bring major changes to areas, weapons, events, and more. Marathonthe story of
Later in Season 1, players will be able to participate in a more competitive-oriented Rating mode.
Marathon edition and pricing
Marathon There are a few different editions with the Standard Edition priced at $39.99, the Deluxe Edition priced at $59.99, and the Collector's Edition asking for $229.99. The Standard Edition contains only the base game and main seasonal content, but the Deluxe Edition and Collector's Edition include a variety of bonuses, including cosmetics, unique items, and physical collectibles. Players can also pre-order Marathon For various cosmetic items and a handful Fate 2 Prizes too.
|
edition |
price |
material |
|---|---|---|
|
standard version |
$39.99 |
Base game and core seasonal content |
|
Deluxe Edition |
$59.99 |
All standard edition content plus additional cosmetics, premium passes, and unique items |
|
Collector's Edition |
$229.99 |
All Deluxe Edition content and physical collectibles (such as figurines, patches, postcards) and digital extras |
finally, Marathon Will be available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5And it will support cross-play and cross-save, letting players enjoy the game on multiple platforms if they so choose. PC players will be able to play the game on Steam, but there is no confirmation if the game will eventually be available on the Epic Games Store.
Despite the obstacles that have yet to be overcome, Marathon Ultimately either living or dying is based on players actually getting into it, experiencing it firsthand. All the noise leading up to launch has been impossible to ignore, but what it will contribute to the breakout shooter genre, if anything, will be the biggest statement yet. Bungie has a clear lane here, and if Marathon The experience it offers when it launches on March 5, 2026, the conversation around it is rapidly changing.
- issued
-
March 5, 2026
- ESRB
-
Juvenile / blood, violence, user interaction
- Multiplayer
-
Online multiplayer, online co-op
