Marathon News

Bungie's Marathon reboot now has what you have to hope will be its final release date, following a rocky development path featuring plagiarism scandals and indefinite delays. The futuristic shooter's locked and loaded for March.

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[p]We’re excited to share some big news for Marathon: [/p][p] [/p][p]Marathon releases on March 5, 2026* on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Pre-orders are available now, as is the Collector’s Edition and a new gameplay trailer.    [/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]The latest gameplay trailer is narrated by Gantry, the faction agent for MIDA. [/p][p][/p][p]Factions and their agents are one of the ways you’ll experience the story and world of Marathon. As you complete priority contracts for each of the six factions, you’ll learn more about their identities, motivations, and rivalries as you work together to uncover the mysteries of Tau Ceti’s fate. [/p][p][/p][p]Combining world design, gameplay, and discoverable narrative to build a rich, living world to discover is key to Marathon’s DNA.  [/p][p][/p][p]Completing contracts, finding narrative items, and other achievements will unlock entries in your Codex, which you can view outside of life-or-death runs.   [/p][p][/p][p]As you collect the colony’s lost audio and text logs, stumble across cryptic graffiti, dig into abandoned colony systems, and aid factions in pursuit of their various goals, you’ll begin a journey into the unknown that is only just beginning.   [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Today we’re also excited to announce the English-language voice cast of Marathon. [/p][p][/p][p]At launch, Marathon features the voices of...  [/p][p]Krizia Bajos, Samantha Béart, Beau Bridgland, Ry Chase, Roger Clark, Darin De Paul, Jennifer English, Dave Fennoy, Nika Futterman, Morla Gorrondona, Reina Guthrie, Donnla Hughes, Keston John, Sohm Kapila, Rich Keeble, Elliot Knight, Erica Lindbeck, Piotr Michael, Brent Mukai, Neil Newbon, Ariana Nicole George, Emily O'Brien, Lee Shorten, Jason Spisak, Ben Starr, JB Tadena, Fred Tatasciore, Craig Lee Thomas, Elias Toufexis, Oliver Vaquer, Scott Whyte, Tracy Wiles, Erin Yvette     Marathon will also have fully-localized dialogue for all of our supported languages, with those voice casts to be introduced at a later date. [/p][p]   [/p][p][/p][p]Marathon is available in Standard and Deluxe editions for Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with full cross-play and cross-save**. [/p][p]Pre-order rewards [/p][p][/p][p]You can pre-order Marathon now on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. [/p][p][/p][p]Pre-ordering Marathon grants you access to additional rewards, including weapon cosmetics for Marathon at launch, plus rewards for Destiny 2 linked to your Bungie.net account. Head here for more information. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The Marathon Standard Edition includes:   [/p][p][/p][p]Access to all gameplay updates (maps, Runner shells, events, etc.) as the year progresses [/p][p]Pre-order Marathon and also receive the following: [/p]

• [p]ZERO STEP 004 CE Tactical Sidearm Style [/p]

• [p]ZERO STEP RC Weapon Charm [/p]

• [p]ZERO STEP SHIFT Weapon Sticker [/p]

• [p]APOGEE INTERCEPT Background [/p]

• [p]APOGEE INTERCEPT Emblem [/p]

[p]Plus the following pre-order rewards for Destiny 2 linked to your Bungie.net account: [/p]

• [p]UESC Echo-type Shell Exotic Ghost  [/p]

• [p]UESC Rover Exotic Ship  [/p]

• [p]UESC Sprinter Exotic Sparrow[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The Marathon Deluxe Edition includes: [/p]

• [p]All Standard Edition content   [/p]

• [p]1x Premium Rewards Pass Voucher [/p]

• [p]200 SILK Rewards Pass Tokens, used to unlock rewards in the pass  [/p]

[p]Weapon Cosmetics:  [/p]

• [p]MIDNIGHT DECAY Misriah 2442 Pump Shotgun Style  [/p]

• [p]MIDNIGHT DECAY Overrun AR Style  [/p]

[p]Runner Shell Cosmetics: [/p]

• [p]MIDNIGHT DECAY Vandal Shell Style   [/p]

• [p]MIDNIGHT DECAY Destroyer Shell Style   [/p]

• [p]MIDNIGHT DECAY Assassin Shell Style   [/p]

• [p]MIDNIGHT DECAY Thief Shell Style [/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]The Marathon Collector’s Edition features a premium unboxing experience inspired by Sekiguchi Genetics’ shell-weaving process. Unbox to reveal a 1/6-scale Thief Runner Shell statue, collectible miniature WEAVEworm, embroidered patch, postcards, digital rewards, and more. [/p][p]Head on over to the Bungie Store or check out the video to learn more.   [/p][p] [/p][p][/p][p]We want to take a minute to say thank you to the dedicated community of players who’ve been playtesting Marathon since last April. Your feedback and support have been invaluable, and we can’t wait to see more players on Tau Ceti soon. [/p][p][/p][p]We'll share more information about the open preview weekend at a later date.    [/p][p][/p][p]Join our community Discord and follow us on social for the latest news: [/p]

• [p]TikTok [/p]

• [p]Instagram [/p]

• [p]Twitter [/p]

• [p]YouTube [/p]

• [p]Discord [/p]

[p]*Internet connection and online multiplayer subscription may be required. [/p][p]**Cross-save requires an internet connection, and for each system you play on: 1) a copy of the Marathon game compatible with your system (other versions sold separately); and 2) system network account linked to your Bungie.net account. [/p]

[p]In December, we shared a new look at Marathon in our ViDoc, where we dove into things like immersion, zones, new features since alpha, and more. Today we want to share more about Runner shells, the moddable biosynthetic bodies you’ll inhabit on your runs to Tau Ceti. [/p][p][/p][p]You can watch the full video now.[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]Runner Shells: Tools for Survival [/p][p]As a Runner, you’ve sacrificed your physical form and transferred your consciousness into a biosynthetic shell designed to help you survive Tau Ceti—or at least make it so dying isn’t a permanent affliction. Each Runner shell is built around a different gameplay archetype, such as intel gathering, combat disruption, or combat healing. With distinct silhouettes, shells allow you to evaluate player threats and strategize your next steps on the fly. [/p][p][/p][p]Each Runner shell’s playstyle can be customized using the cores, implants, weapons, and mods you bring on your runs. We’ll talk about the ways you can customize your shells visually in the future, including more details on the earnable cosmetics you’ll unlock through the Codex and other ways.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Customize Your Playstyle [/p][p]There are multiple ways you can play each Runner shell, and the gear you equip allows you to push each archetype in different directions. [/p][p]For example, with Vandal you can lean into a mobility build, with powerful map traversal and repositioning. Equip cores that turn your double jump into a triple jump, and implants that increase your base movement speed, jump height, and improve your heat capacity. [/p][p]Or you could go for a more chaotic and disruptive playstyle. For example, there's a combination for Vandal that lets you turn your arm cannon into a self-propel, which you can then fire downwards to propel yourself into the air, use your airtime to position where to land, then deal AoE damage wherever you fall without taking fall damage. [/p][p]Combine your cores, implants, and Runner shells with the weapons and mods at your disposal to craft your unique playstyle and theorycraft new ways to survive and reach greater heights.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Cores and Implants – What's the Difference?[/p][p]Cores and implants both modify your Runner shell, but they do so in different ways. [/p][p]Cores are generally designed for one specific Runner shell, and they tend to buff or modify the way your abilities work. For example, one of Thief's cores gives you a second charge of your Grapple Device, and another causes your Pickpocket Drone to periodically ping nearby enemies while it’s not being piloted. [/p][p]Implants can be used by any Runner shell, and they grant additional stats as well as a random perk. The highest-tier implants also have a bonus fixed perk, such the implant Ping+ V5, where your pings remain attached to enemies for a short period of time after breaking line of sight. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Runner Shell Rundown[/p][p]Head over to today’s video to learn more.[/p][p][/p][p]Runner Shell – Destroyer [/p]

• [p]Archetype: Combat specialist [/p]

• [p]Armed with a personal defense barricade, missile systems, and movement thrusters, Destroyer shells are designed to bring the fight to enemy threats. [/p]

• [p]📺LEARN MORE[/p]

[p][/p][p]Runner Shell – Assassin [/p]

• [p]Archetype: Shadow agent [/p]
• [p]Synthetic smoke deployment and camouflage technology allow Assassin shells to plan unseen strikes or take cover during hostile engagements. [/p]
• [p]📺LEARN MORE[/p]

[p][/p][p]Runner Shell – Recon [/p]

• [p]Archetype: Intel specialist [/p]
• [p]Recon shells excel at identifying threats and tracking movements using echo pulses, tracker drones, and holographic footstep trails. [/p]
• [p]📺LEARN MORE[/p]

[p][/p][p]Runner Shell – Vandal [/p]

• [p]Archetype: Combat anarchist [/p]
• [p]Vandal shells traverse ground at incredible speeds, using their advanced movement and knockback cannon to disrupt combat. [/p]
• [p]📺LEARN MORE[/p]

[p][/p][p]Runner Shell – Thief [/p]

• [p]Archetype: Covert acquisitions [/p]
• [p]With enhanced visors and piloted butterfly drone, Thief shells can locate and acquire loot, then use their grapple to push an advantage or make an escape. [/p]
• [p]📺LEARN MORE[/p]

[p][/p][p]Runner Shell – Triage [/p]

• [p]Archetype: Field medic [/p]
• [p]Triage shells help keep themselves and allies alive using deployable healing drones, onboard reboot abilities, and combat buffs. [/p]
• [p]📺LEARN MORE[/p]

[p][/p][p]Scavenger Mode – Rook [/p]

• [p]Archetype: Scavenger [/p]
• [p]The Rook frame is designed for scavenger mode, a unique way to play Marathon. As Rook, you’ll drop into a match that’s already in progress as a solo player. You won’t be able to bring a loadout, but you also aren’t risking anything, which makes Rook an excellent option for scavengers. [/p]
• [p]📺LEARN MORE[/p]

[p][/p][p]More Marathon news is on the way, so stay tuned to our social channels and join our community Discord to keep up with the latest updates. 🐛 [/p]

• [p]Discord [/p]
• [p]Twitter [/p]
• [p]Instagram [/p]
• [p]TikTok [/p]
• [p]YouTube [/p]

[p]Since the Alpha playtest in April, we’ve been quietly iterating on Marathon alongside a dedicated community of players. Every closed playtest was a chance for us to hear candid feedback about what’s working, what needs work, and where Marathon can shine. [/p][p]Today we’re sharing a new look at Marathon–and the impact of the fusion between the community’s feedback and our vision for Marathon. [/p][p][/p][p]You can watch the full ViDoc now. [/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h2]Marathon Releases March 2026[/h2][p]Marathon releases March 2026, targeting a price of $39.99/€39.99/£34.99. We’ll announce additional regional pricing as we get closer to launch. [/p][p]Purchasing Marathon will give you full access to the game, including a roadmap of free gameplay updates as the year progresses. This will include new maps, new Runner shells, events, and more, starting with the exploration of UESC Marathon's Cryo Archive in Season 1. [/p][p]We also want to ensure you are logging in because you love the game, not from fear of missing out—so Marathon's Rewards Passes will not expire, and you’ll be able purchase and unlock prior Passes. [/p][p]Finally, and most importantly, we believe in preserving competitive integrity in Marathon, so survival will never come down to how much money you spend. [/p][p]We’ll share more about our plans for seasonal content, a roadmap, and details about when you’ll be able to try the game as we get closer to launch. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]ViDoc Highlights[/h2][p]Today we shared new gameplay footage and we dove into how we’re embracing the survival extraction challenge and dark, sci-fi world of Marathon. [/p][p]Highlights include timestamped links if you'd like to learn more.[/p][p][/p][p]New features since alpha, including... [/p]

• [p]Proximity chat [/p]
• [p]Solo queue [/p]
• [p]Rook, a Runner shell used to scavenge matches in progress[/p]

[p]The world and fantasy of Marathon [/p]

• [p]Ways we’re doubling down on the dark, gritty, and grounded sci-fi world [/p]
• [p]Your role in Marathon–you are the Runner, and you transfer your consciousness into different shells designed with unique capabilities[/p]

[p]Improved visual fidelity and immersion, including... [/p]

• [p]Dead Runners drop as corpses that decay over time [/p]
• [p]Deepened environmental storytelling [/p]
• [p]The role of audio[/p]

[p]Introduction to Marathon’s four zones (maps) [/p]

• [p]Three surface zones–Perimeter, Dire Marsh, and Outpost [/p]
• [p]The first zone on the UESC Marathon–Cryo Archive, an end-game challenge[/p]

[p]Loot and customization [/p]

• [p]Weapons and mods, including ways to customize your gun in unique ways (like turning the Battery SMG into the Needler) [/p]
• [p]Runner shell archetypes and ways to customize your playstyles[/p]

[p]Factions and progression [/p]

• [p]Factions and the jobs they’ll ask you to do in game, like MIDA requesting you blow up a UESC dropship [/p]
• [p]Faction upgrade trees and the capstone rewards you’ll earn each season [/p]
• [p]The Codex, a collection of your achievements and narrative discoveries; progress to earn exclusive cosmetics and lore[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][h2]What’s Next for Marathon? [/h2][p]We’ll be sharing more gameplay–and other surprises–and chatting with the community more often as we prepare for release in March 2026.[/p][p][/p][p]You can keep up with the latest news on... [/p]

• [p]Discord [/p]
• [p]Twitter [/p]
• [p]Instagram [/p]
• [p]TikTok [/p]
• [p]YouTube[/p]

[p]Looking forward to getting Marathon into your hands next year 🐛[/p][p][/p][p][/p]

[p]Steam signups for Marathon's NDA’d Closed Technical Test are now open. Hit “Request Access” on the Store page! You’ll receive an email from Steam closer to the test if you’re accepted.[/p][p][/p][p]The Closed Technical Test will be available in North America and Europe from October 22, 10 AM PT – October 28, 10 AM PT. For more info, read last week’s post. [/p]