Bungie, the developer behind the iconic games Destiny and Halo, has officially announced the release date for their much-anticipated first-person extraction shooter, Marathon, during a gameplay reveal showcase. Dive into the details of what to expect from the game and how you can participate in the upcoming Marathon Closed Alpha Playtest.
Marathon Coming on September 23
Returning to Tau Ceti
During the gameplay reveal showcase on April 13, Bungie unveiled exciting details about Marathon, an upcoming first-person extraction shooter. Set in the familiar universe of Tau Ceti, the game shifts focus to multiplayer dynamics, where six teams of three players will battle against each other and AI-controlled enemies to secure and extract valuable loot.
This new direction marks a significant departure from the original Marathon trilogy, which comprised single-player, story-driven experiences. The first game, Marathon, was released in 1994, followed by Marathon 2: Durandal in 1995, and Marathon Infinity in 1996.
In a detailed PlayStation.blog post dated April 12, Bungie's developers outlined the game's evolution. Despite the shift to multiplayer, Marathon Narrative Leader Jonathan Goff emphasized that the game would retain the experiential storytelling that has defined Bungie's legacy. He noted, "The interweaving of narratives, events, and characters in the original trilogy delivered a world of discovery, wonder, and misdirection." Goff added, "At the end of the day, our goal with Marathon is not to tell a story, but to build worlds in which stories can and will unfold."
Making Marathon a "Story Engine"
The gameplay reveal showcased a strong emphasis on the economy within Marathon, with every item in a player's inventory having a sell price and clear indications of what can be extracted from a map. However, Bungie clarified that accumulating wealth is not the sole focus of the game.
The developers aim to make Marathon a "story engine," where players can forge memorable experiences and narratives, even in failure. Marathon Game Director Joe Ziegler shared with PC Gamer, "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?' Some of the best survival stories and moments I've had in gaming are actually failures or weird things that have happened, right?" Ziegler underscored that success in Marathon isn't just about surviving, but also about crafting compelling stories from each run.
Working With Fans and Creators
Throughout Marathon's development, Bungie has actively collaborated with fans and content creators. Early prototypes were tested by players even before the game entered full production, resulting in valuable feedback that shaped the game's design.
One key piece of feedback was the perception of map unfairness and unpredictability, with concerns about spawn camping and pre-claimed loot. In response, Ziegler explained, "After hearing this feedback, we moved to the design we have today, where each match is a fresh start for everyone. This consistent starting point means you and your teammates can better strategize before each run, and then you can race enemy teams to fight for the loot you’re looking for."
Marathon Closed Alpha Playtest
Bungie is set to conduct a closed alpha playtest for Marathon from April 23 to May 4, exclusively for residents in the U.S. and Canada.
Participants will have the opportunity to try out four unique Runners: Blackbird (akin to Destiny 2’s Warlock), Void (with tactical invisibility), Locus (equipped with a tactical shield), and Glitch (featuring exceptional mobility). The alpha will feature three maps: Perimeter, a woodland setting for five crews (15 players), and Dire Marsh, a more expansive map for six crews (18 players).
To join the playtest, players can visit Marathon's official Discord server, navigate to the alpha-access channel, and use the "/alpha" command to sign up. Note that participation is not guaranteed due to the limited nature of this closed alpha.
No further playtests have been announced beyond the U.S. and Canada at this time. 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 on Marathon!
