Marathon Release Date Unveiled at Gameplay Showcase

Bungie, the acclaimed developer behind Destiny and Halo, unveiled the release date for their eagerly awaited first-person extraction shooter, Marathon, during a captivating gameplay reveal showcase. Dive into the details about the game and the upcoming Closed Alpha Playtest.

Marathon Coming on September 23

Returning to Tau Ceti

On April 13, Bungie hosted a gameplay reveal showcase for Marathon, their new first-person extraction shooter set in the Tau Ceti universe. The game introduces a thrilling multiplayer dynamic where six teams of three players vie against each other and AI-controlled enemies to collect and extract valuable loot.

This marks a significant shift from the original Marathon series, which began with the single-player focused Marathon in 1994, followed by Marathon 2: Durandal in 1995, and concluded with Marathon Infinity in 1996. These classic games were renowned for their rich, narrative-driven experiences.

In a detailed PlayStation.blog post dated April 12, Bungie's developers outlined what players can anticipate in the new Marathon. Despite the pivot to a multiplayer format, Marathon Narrative Leader Jonathan Goff emphasized that the game would retain the experiential storytelling that defines Bungie's work.

Goff elaborated, "The interweaving of narratives, events, and characters in the original trilogy created a world full of discovery, wonder, and misdirection." He further explained, "Our goal with Marathon is not just to tell a story but to craft worlds where stories naturally unfold."

Making Marathon a "Story Engine"

During the reveal stream, fans observed the game's strong focus on economic elements, with every item in a player's inventory tagged with a sell price and clear indications of what can be extracted. However, Bungie stressed that accumulating wealth isn't the sole focus of the game.

Marathon aims to serve as a "story engine," fostering memorable encounters and lasting experiences, even if players fail missions or exit maps empty-handed. Marathon Game Director Joe Ziegler, in a recent interview with PC Gamer, highlighted this approach, stating, "What we're trying to do is encourage players to embark on adventures and experience survival challenges, crafting their own survival stories. Some of the most memorable gaming moments come from failures or unexpected events." Ziegler underscored that success in Marathon isn't solely about survival but about creating compelling stories from each run.

Working With Fans and Creators

Throughout Marathon's development, Bungie has actively engaged with fans and content creators. Even before full production, players tested early prototypes and provided crucial feedback.

One piece of feedback concerned the maps feeling unfair and overly unpredictable, with issues like spawn camping and pre-taken loot. In response, Ziegler explained, "After receiving this feedback, we revamped our design to ensure each match offers a fresh start for everyone. This allows teams to strategize effectively before each run and compete against others for the desired loot."

Marathon Closed Alpha Playtest

Bungie will launch its Closed Alpha Playtest for Marathon from April 23 to May 4, exclusively for residents in the U.S. and Canada.

The alpha will feature four distinct Runners: Blackbird, akin to Destiny 2's Warlock; Void, equipped with tactical invisibility; Locus, featuring a tactical shield; and Glitch, known for exceptional mobility. Players can explore three maps: Perimeter, a woodland setting for five crews (15 players), and Dire Marsh, a more open environment for six crews (18 players).

To participate, players should join Marathon's official Discord server, navigate to the alpha-access channel, and use the "/alpha" command. Invitations are not guaranteed as this is the game's first public outing.

No announcements have been made regarding additional playtests beyond the specified regions. Marathon is slated for release on September 23, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned to our site for the latest updates on Marathon!