Bungie is set to revive the classic franchise with Marathon, an innovative first-person extraction shooter. Slated for a March 2026 release, this game promises to offer players a gripping blend of intense gunplay and rich science fiction worldbuilding. As fans eagerly await, the developers have unveiled a new ViDoc, ‘Vision of Marathon’, providing deeper insight into the game mechanics and design philosophy behind this ambitious project.
A New Era of Marathon
Marathon promises to deliver a compelling PvPvE experience, merging the thrill of gunplay with the strategic depth of ‘gunfight poker’. Players will navigate risk and reward to succeed in high-stakes sessions. Bungie is responding to community feedback by incorporating proximity chat, enabling temporary alliances in the heat of gameplay. The game’s visual style is gritty and immersive, highlighting the harsh environments of Tau Ceti IV, where dynamic weather and persistent environmental storytelling enhance player experience.
Zones and Progression
Marathon features four distinct zones, each offering unique challenges and gameplay styles. From the beginner-friendly Outer Rim to the challenging Cryo Archive, players will face various threats and opportunities for loot. Dynamic events will keep each playthrough fresh and unpredictable. Developers have confirmed an ‘absurd’ amount of loot will be available, including over 400 weapon mods and various gameplay-altering items.
The game introduces a progression system tied to different factions, rewarding players with gold-tier items and permanent upgrades. Additionally, the lore-rich Codex will serve as a hub for achievements and narrative exploration, promising no pay-to-win mechanics.
Pricing and Future Content
Marathon will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S|X, with a price set at $39.99/€39.99/£34.99. Players will gain access to all gameplay updates throughout the year, with more details on seasonal content expected in January 2026. Initially slated for earlier release, the game was delayed due to various challenges, with the final date now set for March 2026.
