Marathon Gameplay Reveal Confirms Release Date

Bungie, the acclaimed developer behind Destiny and Halo, has officially announced the release date for their eagerly awaited first-person extraction shooter, Marathon, during a captivating gameplay reveal showcase. Dive into the details below to discover what's in store for this thrilling game and how you can participate in the upcoming Closed Alpha Playtest.

Marathon Coming on September 23

Returning to Tau Ceti

On April 13, Bungie unveiled an exciting gameplay showcase for Marathon, their upcoming first-person extraction shooter set in the iconic universe of Tau Ceti. In this multiplayer-centric game, players will form teams of three to compete against other squads and AI-controlled adversaries, striving to secure valuable loot and successfully extract it from the map.

This marks a significant shift from the original Marathon trilogy, which debuted with the single-player focused Marathon in 1994, followed by Marathon 2: Durandal in 1995, and Marathon Infinity in 1996. While the original games were deeply rooted in narrative-driven gameplay, Bungie is now steering the franchise toward a more dynamic multiplayer experience.

In a PlayStation.blog post dated April 12, Bungie's developers shared insights into the game's direction. Despite the transition to multiplayer, Marathon Narrative Leader Jonathan Goff emphasized maintaining the immersive storytelling that has become a signature of Bungie's games. He stated, "The interweaving of narratives, events, and characters in the original trilogy delivered a world of discovery, wonder, and misdirection." Goff further explained that their goal with Marathon is not merely to tell a story, but to create worlds where stories naturally unfold.

Making Marathon a "Story Engine"

During the gameplay reveal, fans observed a strong emphasis on in-game economy, with every item in a player's inventory having a sell price and clear indications of what can be extracted from each map. However, Bungie clarified that accumulating wealth is not the sole focus of Marathon. The developers aim to transform the game into a "story engine," where players can experience memorable battles and create lasting memories, even if they fail a mission or leave a map empty-handed.

Marathon Game Director Joe Ziegler elaborated on this concept in a recent interview with PC Gamer. He remarked, "What we're trying to do is say, 'how do you go on adventures and then feel that survival challenge, that survival story that you're making?'" Ziegler highlighted that some of the most impactful gaming experiences stem from failures or unexpected events, underscoring that success in Marathon isn't just about survival, but about crafting a compelling narrative from each run.

Working With Fans and Creators

Bungie has actively collaborated with fans and content creators throughout Marathon's development, involving them from the early stages and even before entering full production. Early playtests provided crucial feedback that shaped the game's current design. One notable concern was the feeling that maps were unfair and unpredictable, with issues like spawn camping and contested loot.

In response, Ziegler shared that they revised the game's design to ensure each match starts fresh for all players. This change allows teams to strategize effectively before each run and race against other teams to secure their desired loot, enhancing the competitive yet fair nature of the gameplay.

Marathon Closed Alpha Playtest

Bungie is set to launch a Closed Alpha Playtest for Marathon from April 23 to May 4. Participation is currently limited to residents of the U.S. and Canada. The alpha will introduce four distinct Runners for players to experiment with: Blackbird, reminiscent of Destiny 2’s Warlock; Void, equipped with tactical invisibility; Locus, featuring a tactical shield; and Glitch, known for exceptional mobility. Players will also 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 join the playtest, interested players should visit Marathon's official Discord server, navigate to the alpha-access channel, and use the "/alpha" command to sign up. Keep in mind that invitations are not guaranteed, as this is the game's first public outing. No announcements have been made regarding additional playtests outside the mentioned regions.

Marathon is slated for release on September 23, 2025, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned to our updates for the latest news and insights on Marathon!