Marathon The Game Overview: Unpacking Bungie’s Bold New Shooter

Marathon The Game Overview
15 Apr 2025 ~12 min read

Our overview of Marathon the Game delves into one of Bungie’s most ambitious upcoming sci‑fi PvP extraction shooters. In this hands‑on preview, we break down the official release date, gameplay mechanics, narrative setting, and more.

What is Marathon the Game?

Marathon is a fresh take on the first‑person shooter, blending intense player‑versus‑player combat with exploration and survival elements. Often described as an “extraction shooter,” it challenges you to venture into hazardous zones, secure valuable loot, and extract safely before elimination strikes.

A unique aspect of Marathon is its unforgiving approach to death—if you’re eliminated, you lose all the gear you brought into the match. This high-risk system heightens every encounter as teams of three players, known as Runners, battle against rival squads and hostile environments.

Bungie has confirmed that Marathon is entirely multiplayer. Departing from the classic ’90s Marathon games, there’s no single‑player campaign. Instead, the game offers a rich, evolving narrative conveyed through seasonal updates and in‑world lore, marking Bungie’s innovative reimagining of competitive sci‑fi shooters.

Marathon Platforms

Marathon is set to launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. PC players can access the game via Steam, where the official store page is now live for wishlisting. The title supports full cross‑play, allowing gamers on PC and consoles to either unite or compete together.

Please note that the game will not be available on older generation consoles, such as the PS4 or Xbox One.

Furthermore, Bungie has provided an option for players who prefer not to engage in cross‑platform matchmaking, ensuring a comfortable competitive experience. A cross‑save functionality will also enable you to carry your progress seamlessly between different platforms.

Marathon Release Date
Marathon The Game Overview

One of the most frequently asked questions about Marathon the Game is, “When is the release date?” Bungie has officially confirmed that Marathon will launch on September 23, 2025. Announced during a showcase event, this release date marks the moment when players worldwide can begin their missions in the game’s challenging universe. After the official launch, additional content—including endgame challenges, seasonal storytelling, ranked modes, and community events—will be introduced.

Marathon Closed Alpha

To engage the community early, Bungie is opening a closed alpha test starting in late April 2025 for players in North America. These early testing phases (with beta tests to follow) will allow the developers to gather valuable feedback and fine-tune the gameplay experience before the full release. Although participation will be limited during the initial playtest rounds, multiple testing phases are planned. For the latest updates on alpha invitations and further testing rounds, please refer to dving.net.

Marathon Gameplay
Marathon The Game Overview

On April 12, 2025, Bungie released an impressive gameplay trailer that showcased the immersive setting, dynamic combat, and a host of details sure to capture the interest of both longtime fans and newcomers. Here’s a closer look at Marathon’s gameplay and what players can expect.

How Does a Marathon Match Work?

In Marathon, you and two teammates form a fireteam of three Runners and drop into dangerous zones. Each match is a PvPvE encounter, where you face off not only against opposing player squads but also contend with AI-controlled enemies roaming the environment.

Your main objective is to scavenge valuable loot—such as weapons, tech, and artifacts—spread across one of three known maps and complete optional objectives (known as contracts). Once you’ve collected what you can, you need to reach the extraction point and get out alive. Remember, if you get eliminated before extraction, you lose all the gear you’ve gathered during that run.

Matches typically last between 20 and 30 minutes, growing more intense as time runs down. In the final moments, remaining teams frequently engage in a tense showdown over the last available extraction zone. This core gameplay loop is all about balancing risk and reward—do you grab one more piece of loot and risk an ambush, or head to safety early?

Marathon Weapons

Marathon’s combat experience is designed to resonate with FPS fans, especially those familiar with Bungie’s earlier titles. Expect crisp gunplay and smooth movement from a studio known for decades of shooter expertise.

The game features an extensive arsenal of futuristic weapons—from reliable kinetic rifles and hand cannons to more advanced tech like arc blasters. Every Runner can customize their loadout before deployment, and during a match, you might also find opportunities to loot higher-tier weapons and armor upgrades.

Marathon Runners: Classes and Abilities

Marathon The Game Overview

In Marathon, the playable characters—known as Runners—function as the game’s classes or heroes. Each Runner is a cybernetic mercenary with its own set of skills. In the latest gameplay reveal, four distinct Runner classes were showcased, each with unique Prime and Tactical abilities (similar to an ultimate and a secondary skill) along with a couple of passive traits. The known classes are:

• Blackbird

• Glitch

• Locus

• Void

Every Runner’s abilities determine their role within a squad, and a well-balanced team can leverage these strengths for powerful synergies. For instance, while Glitch can neutralize enemy defenses, Locus might advance for the kill, or Blackbird’s drone can mark an opposing team member, setting up a flank by Void.

Bungie has emphasized that these classes are flexible. Players will likely have options to customize their loadouts and possibly adjust abilities through mods or gear. Additionally, new Runner types may be introduced in future seasons.

Blackbird
Blackbird serves as a stealth-oriented infiltrator, excelling in reconnaissance and target acquisition to help the team identify threats early.

• Prime Ability: “Echo Pulse” – reveals nearby enemies

• Tactical: “Tracker Drone” – deploys a drone to scout or tag targets

• Trait 1: Interrogation

• Trait 2: Stalker Protocol

Glitch
Glitch is the tech-savvy disruptor, primarily supporting the team by throwing enemy setups off balance.

• Prime: “Amplify” – temporarily boosts team damage or enhances ability effects

• Tactical: “Disruptor” – short-circuits enemy shields or gear

• Trait 1: Microjets

• Trait 2: Power Slide

Locus
Locus is built for frontline assault, favoring aggressive play and holding positions in intense firefights.

• Prime: “Search and Destroy” – marks high-value targets and increases damage against them

• Tactical: “Riot Barricade” – deploys cover or creates a shield wall

• Trait 1: Thruster

• Trait 2: Tactical Sprint

Void
Void is the cunning ambush expert, specializing in causing confusion and flanking enemies—perfect for players who prefer striking from the shadows.

• Prime: “Smoke Screen” – creates a large, obscuring smoke field

• Tactical: “Active Camo” – provides temporary invisibility

• Trait 1: Shadow Dive

• Trait 2: Shroud

Marathon Factions
Marathon The Game Overview

In Marathon, the game’s universe is governed by various powerful factions, and your Runner acts as a mercenary taking on jobs for these groups. At launch, the game will feature six distinct factions, each offering contracts (missions or objectives) during matches that reward you with unique items and upgrades.

The known factions in Marathon include:

• Cyberacme

• Arachne

• Sekiguchi

• MIDA

• Traxus

• NuCal

These factions represent a diverse mix of corporate, military, and covert organizations operating around Tau Ceti IV. During gameplay, you may encounter terminals or items associated with these groups. By accepting a contract from a faction—such as securing a rare artifact or eliminating a specific target—you’ll earn reputation with that faction.

Progress in Marathon is closely tied to this reputation system. Bungie has emphasized that the faction system plays a major role in the game’s seasonal progression. Each season may introduce new contracts or even entirely new factions, thereby expanding the narrative and strategic options. This system encourages continuous play and improvement, even if you occasionally lose your loot, as your standing with these factions will persist and grow.

Marathon Lore
Marathon The Game Overview

The events of Marathon unfold in the year 2893 on the distant planet Tau Ceti IV. In this reimagined universe, you step into the role of a Runner tasked with scavenging the ruins of an abandoned colony to claim the remaining valuable loot.

No prior familiarity with the original trilogy is required to enjoy this fresh reboot. Bungie has focused on environmental storytelling and seasonal narrative updates rather than a traditional single-player campaign. The unfolding story evolves through regular updates and world events, enriching the game’s universe over time.

Each season introduces new story elements—whether through cinematic sequences or in-game discoveries—that further develop the tale. Future updates may answer long-held questions about the fate of missing colonists or reveal emerging threats hidden on Tau Ceti IV, with clues scattered throughout the environment.

Marathon the Game FAQ

Marathon The Game Overview

Lots of questions about Marathon keep emerging as the release approaches. Below, we’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Is Marathon a Sequel or a Reboot of the Old Marathon Games?

Marathon (2025) is best described as a spiritual remake set within the same continuity as the original 1990s Marathon trilogy. It isn’t a direct narrative continuation and is designed as a multiplayer-only experience. However, the game retains key thematic and lore elements—such as the iconic Marathon ship and the name “Marathon.” New players don’t need previous knowledge of the older series, while longtime fans may catch subtle Easter eggs and references.

Will Marathon Have a Single-Player or Campaign Mode?

No, Marathon is a multiplayer-only title. Bungie has confirmed that there will be no dedicated single-player campaign. The focus remains on PvP and cooperative PvE elements integrated into each match, with storytelling delivered through multiplayer gameplay and seasonal content rather than standalone missions.

Is Marathon Free-to-Play?

At present, Bungie has not detailed the monetization model for Marathon. It remains unconfirmed whether the game will be free-to-play or require an upfront purchase. Given Bungie’s previous approach with Destiny 2—free-to-play with optional expansions and season passes—there is speculation that Marathon might follow a similar model, although nothing has been officially announced yet.

How Many Players Can Play Together in Marathon?

In Marathon, gameplay is structured around three-player squads. Each fireteam comprises up to 3 Runners. Matches typically feature several teams (roughly 5-6 per match), which means around 15-18 players overall. You can team up with friends or rely on matchmaking to form your squad; note that a dedicated solo mode will not be available at launch.

Does Marathon Support Cross-Play and Cross-Save?

Yes, Marathon will fully support cross-play between PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, allowing players on different platforms to team up or compete against one another. If you prefer to limit matchmaking to your own platform, Bungie will provide an opt-out option for cross-platform play. Additionally, the game supports cross-save functionality, ensuring that your progress—including characters, gear, and stats—carries seamlessly between platforms.

What is an “Extraction Shooter” in Marathon?

An extraction shooter emphasizes survival and loot extraction over simply racking up kills. In Marathon, after dropping into a map, your objective is to gather valuable equipment or complete specific contracts, then reach a designated extraction point to secure your loot and complete a run. If you are eliminated before extraction, you lose all the collected rewards. This gameplay approach is reminiscent of titles like Escape from Tarkov and Hunt: Showdown, with Marathon bringing a distinctive sci‑fi twist and Bungie’s signature flair.

Will Marathon Have Seasons or Updates?

Absolutely. Marathon is envisioned as a live service game with regular seasonal updates. Each season is expected to introduce new content—maps, Runner classes, additional weapons, narrative elements, and gameplay improvements. Bungie has hinted at a “season-to-season story,” so you can look forward to ongoing narrative developments alongside new challenges.

Can You Customize Your Runner or Loadout?

While detailed information on customization remains under wraps, Bungie has indicated that players will have several ways to personalize their experience. You will choose one Runner class to play and, within that class, likely have options to customize your loadout (weapons and gear) and even your character’s appearance. Expect to unlock or earn different weapons and tech, meaning that even players using the same class can approach matches with varied equipment. There will also be options for skins or armor variants to further individualize your Runner.

In summary, Marathon the Game blends Bungie’s signature combat style with the strategic depth of extraction shooters. This FAQ provides an overview of its core gameplay loops, faction dynamics, and customization options. Prepare your fireteam and get ready to dive into the universe of Tau Ceti IV.