Bungie’s new game, Marathon, has faced a lot of challenges before it even launched. After more than ten years, this is Bungie’s first completely new game world, but its development has been rocky. It’s been delayed multiple times, received negative feedback during testing, and been plagued by internal issues and controversies – all of which have overshadowed the actual gameplay. Leaked videos, heated discussions among players, and concerns about Bungie’s focus have created a difficult path to release, a struggle very few games endure before players even get a chance to experience them.
It’s easy to get caught up in the surrounding drama, but at its core, Marathon is a thrilling PvPvE extraction shooter where quick thinking and a willingness to take risks can lead to great rewards. It’s different from the typical story-driven Bungie game and isn’t aiming to be the next Destiny. However, considering Bungie’s reputation for excellent shooting mechanics and the growing popularity of extraction shooters like ARC Raiders, Marathon might have a brighter future than some people think. To really get what Marathon offers, it’s best to look past the negativity and focus on the game Bungie has actually created.
What Marathon Actually Is
The 2026 game Marathon is a fresh take on Bungie’s classic first-person shooters from the 90s. It draws inspiration from the original games’ story and setting, but plays like a PvPvE extraction shooter—similar to Escape From Tarkov. Players explore the sci-fi world of Tau Ceti IV, searching for valuable items and trying to escape with their loot while battling both other players and 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 hostile planet Tau Ceti IV.
- RUNNER-BASED PLAYERS controlling cybernetic mercenaries with unique abilities.
- EXTRACTION-DRIVEN LOOP where successful escapes preserve loot and progress.
- SOLO AND SQUAD PLAY supporting lone players or teams of up to three.
- BUNGIE-STYLE GUNPLAY focusing on precision shooting with tactical movement.
- GEAR-BASED PROGRESSION tied to weapons, implants, and loadouts.
- FACTION CONTRACTS that offer unique, lucrative incentives.
- SEASONAL LIVE CONTENT including evolving narrative elements and updates.
- PROXIMITY VOICE CHAT that allows for emergent social encounters.
- FULL CROSS-PLAY SUPPORT across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
- CROSS-SAVE FUNCTIONALITY allowing progression to carry across platforms.
Image via Bungie Like other Bungie games such as Destiny 2, Marathon will probably be recognized for its excellent shooting mechanics, helping it stand out from other games in the extraction shooter category. While ARC Raiders has gained popularity with its immersive experience and changing gameplay, Marathon still has the potential to deliver compelling gameplay, particularly in how fun it feels to play. Plus, drawing on Bungie’s history with Destiny, Marathon will feature unique character classes and different ways to play, something that’s relatively uncommon in extraction shooters.
Choose from six different Runner outfits, each offering a unique way to play the game. Options like the Destroyer, Recon, and Thief let you customize your approach.
The game features six different character classes, each offering a unique way to play. Players can heavily customize their character with a wide range of modifications to weapons, body implants, and core systems, creating countless builds. Beyond character customization, Marathon lets you personalize your experience by taking on contracts for six competing factions on Tau Ceti IV. Completing these contracts unlocks seasonal rewards, such as improved character shells, better starting gear, more storage space, and exclusive items, helping you grow in power.
When Marathon launches, players will have more ways to play than in ARC Raiders. You’ll be able to team up solo, with a partner, or in groups of three. A unique feature is the ability to join ongoing matches as a Rook, starting with no equipment. Plus, Marathon includes proximity chat, which opens up tons of opportunities for spontaneous and social gameplay. The developers initially didn’t plan to include proximity chat at launch, but decided to add it during the game’s development.
Like many extraction shooter games, successfully completing a round in Marathon lets players become more powerful throughout the season, unlock cosmetic items, and use the gear they collect to enhance their character builds. Seasons are planned to last about three months, though this timeframe is subject to change. Each new season will introduce significant updates to the game’s locations, weapons, events, and overall story.
Later in Season 1, players will be able to participate in a more competitive-oriented Rated mode.
Marathon Editions and Pricing
Image via Bungie Marathon is available in several versions. The Standard Edition costs $39.99, the Deluxe Edition is $59.99, and the Collector’s Edition is a more expensive $229.99. The Standard Edition includes just the main game and essential seasonal content, while the Deluxe and Collector’s Editions come with extra perks like cosmetic items, special in-game objects, and physical collectibles. You can also pre-order Marathon to receive exclusive cosmetic items and rewards for the game Destiny 2.
| Edition | Price | Contents |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Edition | $39.99 | Base game and core seasonal content |
| Deluxe Edition | $59.99 | All Standard Edition content plus extra cosmetics, premium passes, and unique items |
| Collector’s Edition | $229.99 | All Deluxe Edition content plus physical collectibles (like a statue, patches, postcards) and digital extras |
I’m so excited to hear that Marathon is finally coming to PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5! Even better, it’ll have cross-play and cross-save, which means I can start playing on one platform and pick up right where I left off on another. It’s launching on Steam for PC, but we’re still waiting to see if it’ll be available on the Epic Games Store down the line.
No matter the challenges it’s faced, the success of Marathon will ultimately depend on how players react when they actually get to play it. While there’s been a lot of talk before its release, the game’s true impact on the extraction shooter genre will be the most important thing. Bungie has a great opportunity with Marathon, and if it provides a compelling experience when it launches on March 5, 2026, people’s opinions will quickly change.
Read More
- How to Unlock the Mines in Cookie Run: Kingdom
- Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Remake: What Happens in Mary Read’s Cut Content
- Upload Labs: Beginner Tips & Tricks
- Jujutsu Kaisen: Divine General Mahoraga Vs Dabura, Explained
- Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Chapter 18 Preview: Rika And Tsurugi’s Full Power
- Mario’s Voice Actor Debunks ‘Weird Online Narrative’ About Nintendo Directs
- How to Use the X-Ray in Quarantine Zone The Last Check
- ALGS Championship 2026—Teams, Schedule, and Where to Watch
- The Winter Floating Festival Event Puzzles In DDV
- Top 8 UFC 5 Perks Every Fighter Should Use
2026-01-23 01:05