Everything We Need to Know About Marathon

After years of silence, speculation, delays, and alpha tests, Marathon is finally ready to step back into the spotlight. If you have followed Bungie since the Halo days or spent thousands of hours in Destiny raids, you already know this studio understands gunplay. Now they are bringing that signature feel into a full PvP focused extraction shooter.

In this complete guide covering everything we need to know about Marathon, I will break down the release date, platforms, gameplay systems, Runner shells, seasonal model, story setting, and what makes this game different from other extraction shooters on the market.

Let us get into it.

Marathon Release Date

Marathon officially launches on March 5, 2026.

The game was originally scheduled for September 2025 but was delayed after alpha feedback. Bungie took extra time to refine systems, rebalance progression, and address early concerns. As someone who has seen rushed live service launches crash and burn, I respect that decision.

The Marathon Server Slam event runs from February 26 through March 2, giving players an early hands on experience before launch. This open playtest lets you test mechanics, experiment with Runner shells, and earn Twitch Drops.

If you are serious about understanding the game before release, the Server Slam is the perfect preview.

Marathon Platforms and Cross Play

Marathon will release on:

PC
PlayStation 5
Xbox Series X and Series S

Despite Sony acquiring Bungie in 2022, Marathon is not platform exclusive. Bungie has committed to multi platform support, including full cross play and cross save.

That means you can squad up with friends across platforms and carry progression between devices. PC and Xbox players will not need a PlayStation Network account to play.

For an extraction shooter built around teamwork and PvP encounters, cross play is essential. The larger the player pool, the healthier the matchmaking.

Is Marathon Free to Play

No.

Unlike many live service shooters, Marathon is not free to play. The Standard Edition costs 40 dollars. There are also Deluxe and Collector editions available.

Some players may hesitate at a paid extraction shooter, but a buy to play model can also reduce cheaters and low commitment accounts. In competitive PvPvE games, that matters.

Marathon Setting and Story

Marathon takes place in the year 2893 on Tau Ceti IV, a lost colony world where 30000 inhabitants vanished without a trace.

A massive ghost ship hangs in orbit. Strange signals echo across the planet. Long dormant AI systems and mysterious alien artifacts wait to be discovered.

You play as a Runner, a synthetic mercenary working for one of several factions. Your mission is simple in theory. Drop into hostile zones. Secure loot. Extract alive.

But beneath that loop lies layered sci fi lore.

The original Marathon trilogy released between 1994 and 1996 on Mac systems built a deep narrative involving alien invasions, AI philosophy, civil war, and space exploration. According to Bungie, the new Marathon is not a direct sequel but exists in the same universe.

You do not need to know the original trilogy to enjoy the new game. However, longtime fans will recognize references and deeper lore threads.

Seasonal storytelling will expand the narrative every three months, introducing new zones, events, and discoveries.

Marathon Gameplay Explained

At its core, Marathon is a PvPvE extraction shooter.

You drop into evolving zones on Tau Ceti IV either solo or in a crew of three. Inside each run, you will face:

Other players
AI controlled enemies
Environmental hazards
Dynamic objectives

Your goal is to secure valuable loot, resources, and artifacts, then extract successfully. If you die before extraction, you lose everything you brought in and found.

That high risk structure creates tension. Every decision matters.

Bungie has emphasized that there are multiple ways to win. Surviving is key, but progression also comes through faction contracts, upgrade materials, and long term vendor development.

Gunplay feels tight and responsive, exactly what you would expect from the studio behind Halo and Destiny. Movement, recoil control, and ability timing all reward skill.

Seasonal Model and Gear Resets

Here is something important about Marathon.

Each new season resets all Runners back to square one.

Yes, that means your gear gets wiped.

This system may frustrate some players, but it also keeps the playing field fresh and competitive. Every season introduces new zones, weapons, story content, and events.

Instead of permanent power creep, Marathon focuses on cyclical progression.

As a veteran of multiple live service games, I can tell you that seasonal resets keep communities active. They create shared starting lines and new metas.

Marathon Runners and Class Roles

In Marathon, characters are called Runner Shells. Each functions like a class build with unique strengths.

Confirmed Runner types include:

Destroyer
Aggressive combat specialist with defensive tools.

Assassin
Stealth focused shadow agent.

Recon
Intel gathering specialist.

Vandal
Disruptive chaos fighter.

Thief
Loot focused infiltration expert.

Triage
Field medic and support backbone.

Rook
Scavenger shell with predefined loadout that does not risk previous gear.

Runners allow players to tailor playstyles. Whether you prefer direct combat, stealth infiltration, or support roles, there is flexibility.

Customization extends further through Cores and implants. Cores enhance abilities, while implants modify stats with trade offs. This adds depth to build crafting.

Marathon Economy and Progression

Extraction shooters live and die by their economy systems.

In Marathon, loot gathered during runs can be reinvested into your Runner. Vendor upgrades unlock better gear access, improved storage, and enhanced economy efficiency.

Factions play a major role. Completing contracts for different groups increases reputation and unlocks narrative elements.

Smart players will balance aggressive PvP runs with safe extraction focused missions.

If you are looking to accelerate progression, some players explore Marathon coins through third party marketplaces like PvPBank, but long term success comes from smart resource management and consistent extraction.

PC System Requirements

Minimum requirements include:

Intel Core i5 6600 or Ryzen 5 2600
8 GB RAM
GTX 1050 Ti or equivalent
DirectX 12
64 bit Windows 10

Recommended specs:

Intel Core i5 10400 or Ryzen 5 3500
16 GB RAM
GTX 2060 or RX 5700 XT

These requirements are reasonable for a modern competitive shooter.

Multiplayer Only Focus

Marathon does not include a single player campaign.

The entire foundation is PvP.

However, that does not mean narrative is ignored. Bungie describes a rich immersive world shaped by player choices. Seasonal updates will evolve the environment and potentially unlock new areas based on player discoveries.

For example, a crew might uncover an artifact that opens a new map zone for everyone.

That evolving world concept is ambitious. If executed well, it could differentiate Marathon from other extraction shooters.

Is Marathon a Sequel

Officially, no.

It is not a direct sequel to the 1990s trilogy.

But it shares the same universe, themes, and legacy. Longtime fans will find connections. New players can jump in without prior knowledge.

It is a reboot in spirit rather than a continuation.

Final Thoughts on Marathon

So everything we need to know about Marathon points to one thing.

Bungie is betting big on extraction PvP.

Tight gunplay
Deep build customization
Seasonal resets
Faction progression
Evolving world design
Cross play support

There are risks. Seasonal wipes may divide players. Content depth at launch will matter. Extraction shooters are competitive and demanding.

But if Bungie delivers the gunplay and strategic depth it is known for, Marathon could carve out a serious space in the genre.

Whether you are a solo scavenger, a coordinated trio tactician, or a lore enthusiast chasing secrets on Tau Ceti IV, Marathon looks ready to test your skill and your nerve.

March 5 is not far away.

The question is simple.

Will you extract rich, or will you lose everything trying.