Everything We Know About Bungie’s Extraction Shooter Marathon: Release Date and Pricing Info
Bungie is widely recognized for its iconic Halo and Destiny franchises, but before making waves in those realms, the studio was crafting the epic sci-fi narrative of Marathon. Now, after many years, Marathon is set to make a comeback as a multiplayer extraction shooter, blending Bungie’s renowned gunplay with a striking visual style. As we gear up for its release in March, here’s everything you need to know about how Marathon is shaping up.
**Release Date**
Marathon is slated to launch on March 5, 2026. Initially, it was set for September 23, 2025, but Bungie decided to delay it to refine the game further and incorporate feedback from players who tested early alpha versions.
**Preorders**
Preorders for Marathon are now available, with options for Standard, Deluxe, and Collector’s Editions. Preordering unlocks exclusive rewards, including weapon cosmetics and bonuses for Destiny 2 players. The Deluxe Edition features the Midnight Decay weapon and Runner shell cosmetic bundle, along with additional perks. The Collector’s Edition comes with a 1/6-scale Thief Runner Shell statue, a collectible miniature WEAVEworm, an embroidered patch, postcards, digital rewards, and more.
**Platforms**
Following Sony’s acquisition of Bungie for over $3.5 billion in 2022, Marathon will not be a PlayStation exclusive. It will be available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, complete with full cross-play and cross-save support. Players on PC and Xbox won’t need a PSN account to join in on the action.
**PC System Requirements**
*Minimum*
– OS: Windows 10 64-bit (latest Service Pack)
– Processor: Intel Core i5-6600 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600
– Memory: 8 GB RAM
– Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti (4 GB) / AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT (4 GB) / Intel Arc A580 (8 GB, with ReBAR on)
– DirectX: Version 12
– Network: Broadband Internet connection
*Recommended*
– OS: Windows 10 64-bit (latest Service Pack)
– Processor: Intel Core i5-10400 / AMD Ryzen 5 3500
– Memory: 16 GB RAM
– Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 2060 (6 GB) / AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT (8 GB) / Intel Arc A770 (16 GB, with ReBAR on)
– DirectX: Version 12
– Network: Broadband Internet connection
**Pricing**
Unlike many live-service games, Marathon will not be free-to-play. The Standard Edition is priced at $40, the Deluxe Edition at $60, and the Collector’s Edition at $170 without a game code and $230 with it.
**Storyline**
While we’ll keep it brief, Marathon’s lore is rich and could rival Destiny’s in depth and complexity. The original games, released exclusively on Apple Macintosh from 1994 to 1996, revolved around themes of space exploration, civil war, alien invasions, and cyborg super-soldiers, all while utilizing a hollowed-out Martian moon for resource transport. The trilogy’s narrative has been cherished by fans for decades, and while prior knowledge isn’t necessary for the new game, there will be nods to the original series that long-time fans will appreciate. The official synopsis teases a ghost ship hovering over a lost colony on Tau Ceti IV, where 30,000 inhabitants have vanished. Players will take on the role of a Runner, exploring the unknown in pursuit of fame and fortune.
**Gameplay**
Winning in Marathon can be achieved through various means, and Bungie aims to make these elements intuitive and engaging. The focus is on making survival and extraction clear and fun, allowing players to grasp essentials like healing and gear organization quickly. Expect to face tough competition from other teams and formidable NPCs, with the risk of losing all loot upon death. Early impressions highlight the gameplay’s potential, though concerns linger about content depth. The seasonal model resets Runners each season, introducing new zones, weapons, and events, but players will have to start fresh with their loot.
**Multiplayer Focus**
Marathon is designed as a multiplayer experience, allowing solo play or teaming up with two others. As a Runner, you’ll navigate the wilds of Tau Ceti IV, competing for survival and riches. Thanks to advanced cloning technology, death isn’t the end; players can shift their consciousness between bodies. There will be various classes to choose from, each with unique roles, such as Destroyers, Recon shells, and Vandals, each bringing distinct skills to the battlefield.
**No Single-Player Mode**
Marathon will not feature a single-player mode, as the PvP experience is the core of the game. Players will influence the world’s narrative through their actions, with opportunities for player-driven stories to unfold in a dynamic environment. Players can opt to play solo or in teams, and the game will evolve with each season, introducing new discoveries and areas to explore.
**Connection to the Original Trilogy**
Bungie has described Marathon as not a direct sequel to the original trilogy but rather a game that exists within the same universe, offering a fresh take while honoring its roots.
