After years of dedicating themselves to the Destiny universe, Bungie is returning to its roots with a reboot of their classic Marathon franchise. This isn’t a simple remaster, however. This new Marathon is a bold reimagining, taking the form of a sci-fi extraction shooter, a significant departure from the original’s Doom-like gameplay. With Bungie’s proven track record in creating compelling sci-fi worlds, expectations are high. Here’s everything we know so far about Marathon.
A body on a futuristic operating table in the Marathon trailer.
Release Date
While initially slated for an earlier release, Marathon is now targeting a 2025 launch window following some internal restructuring at Bungie. The latest official updates suggest that the game is progressing well, but we likely won’t see substantial reveals until mid-2025.
Platforms
Despite being acquired by PlayStation, Bungie has reaffirmed its commitment to multi-platform releases. Marathon is currently confirmed for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
Trailers and Developer Updates
Soldiers survey a watery battlefield in the Marathon trailer.
The initial teaser trailer offers a glimpse into Marathon’s atmospheric sci-fi setting, showcasing a character navigating a crashed spaceship embedded within a moon. Quick cuts hint at potential enemies and creatures, culminating in the character’s demise at the hands of a robotic sniper. While devoid of gameplay, the trailer establishes a sense of mystery and intrigue.
In a subsequent developer update, Game Director Joe Ziegler emphasized the importance of player-driven storytelling in Marathon. Player choices and actions will directly influence the narrative, a unique approach for a game without a traditional single-player campaign. The story and lore will unfold organically through the PvPvE experience. One example cited involved players potentially uncovering hidden areas within the game world, opening up new exploration possibilities for everyone. Bungie has also stated their intention to honor the original Marathon lore and universe while creating a distinct, standalone experience.
A separate developer video, though not a trailer, featured concept art for two Runners known as Stealth and Thief, offering a sneak peek at character design.
Gameplay
Marathon gameplay concept art
Marathon shares some similarities with Destiny, being a persistent-world, first-person shooter with a sci-fi setting. However, Marathon carves its own path by embracing the extraction shooter genre. Players assume the role of Runners, venturing onto the planet Tau Ceti IV to scavenge valuable loot. The objective is to extract with this loot, using it to upgrade their characters and gear. Players can embark on these runs solo or in teams of up to three, seeking alien artifacts, weapons, and other equipment. While the core gameplay loop is established, specific mechanics and details remain shrouded in mystery, awaiting future reveals.
Pre-orders
Pre-orders for Marathon are not yet available. We’ll update this article with pre-order information as it becomes available, closer to the game’s 2025 release.
