Bungie’s new extraction shooter Marathon is waiting in the wings. Here’s everything you need to know about the release, classes, and gameplay.
With Marathon, Bungie returns to its roots, unveiling a futuristic extraction shooter steeped in the aesthetic of a sci-fi nightmare. This spiritual successor to the classic of the same name launches very soon and takes you to the hostile planet Tau Ceti IV, where you fight to survive as so-called Runners. We’ve rounded up all the key details on the release date, platforms, editions, and content.
What kind of game is Marathon?
Marathon is a survival extraction FPS developed by Bungie, the studio behind Halo and Destiny. You step into the role of bio-cybernetic Runners exploring a lost colony on the planet Tau Ceti IV.
Along the way, you’ll face not only hostile security drones and rival Runners, but also the dangers of a constantly shifting planet.
A recently released gameplay trailer showcases the game’s stylized world, complete with neon-colored weapons and hostile environments that evoke a blend of cyberpunk and retro-futurism.
Marathon is fully localized, including German voice acting, and features a high-profile English voice cast with familiar names such as Roger Clark, Nika Futterman, and Fred Tatasciore.
Marathon: release date and platforms
Marathon launches worldwide on March 5, 2026, for PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The game supports full cross-play and cross-save across all platforms, letting you carry your progress seamlessly between console and PC.
Price, preorders, and Marathon editions
Preorders are already live. In addition to the Standard and Deluxe Editions, Bungie is also offering a limited Collector’s Edition. A special Marathon-themed DualSense controller has also been announced and will launch the same day.
Marathon will be available in three different versions: Standard, Deluxe, and Collector’s Edition. Each comes with its own set of content, ranging from cosmetic items to physical collectibles.
Standard Edition
Price: $39.99
The Standard Edition is the base version of the game and includes:
- Access to all gameplay updates during the first year (maps, Runner shells, events)
- Preorder bonuses:
- ZERO STEP 004 – Tactical sidearm
- Weapon charm and sticker in the ZERO STEP style
- APOGEE INTERCEPT background and emblem
- Destiny 2 rewards:
- UESC Echo-Type Shell (Exotic Ghost)
- UESC Rover (Exotic ship)
- UESC Sprinter (Exotic Sparrow)
Deluxe Edition
Price: $59.99
The Deluxe Edition includes all Standard Edition content and adds:
- 1× Premium rewards pass voucher
- 200 SILK tokens to unlock additional rewards
- “Midnight Decay” weapon skins for shotguns
- Cosmetic Runner shells for Vandal, Destroyer, Assassin, and Thief
Collector’s Edition
Price: $236.99 (without the game: $177)
The Collector’s Edition is available exclusively via the Bungie Store or PlayStation Direct and includes:
- A 1:6 Thief Runner statue with LED lighting
- A WEAVEworm mini figure
- An embroidered iron-on patch
- Six exclusive art postcards
- Lenticular poster and premium hexagon-style packaging
- All Deluxe Edition content as a digital game code
- In-game bonus content (ZERO STEP background and emblem)
Are there additional rewards for Destiny 2 players?
Yes. Bungie is offering extra rewards for Destiny 2 players, all heavily inspired by Marathon’s visual style:
- Exotic weapon ornament for the MIDA Multi-Tool
- Legendary shader in iconic Marathon green
- Exotic multiplayer emote “Wait for Exfil”
These rewards are unlocked via Eververse and linked through your Bungie.net account.
The Marathon Limited Edition controller
Alongside the game, a limited-edition Marathon-themed DualSense controller launches on March 5, 2026. Featuring striking graphic elements inspired by the game’s visual identity, the controller will be available worldwide for €84.99 and can be preordered starting January 29, 2026.
Marathon: story and setting
In Marathon, you dive into the world of Tau Ceti IV, an abandoned colony filled with danger and valuable resources. As cybernetic mercenaries known as Runners, you fight solo or in squads against hostile Runners, AI security forces, and alien threats.
Your goal is to loot powerful weapons and gear—and make it out alive. Death is always close, but if you survive, you keep your haul and can upgrade your Runner for future missions.
The story loosely connects to Bungie’s original Marathon trilogy from the 1990s. You’ll uncover references to events from the classic series while also unraveling entirely new mysteries. The developers promise a moody, secret-laden world where players must piece together the narrative themselves.
Gameplay and classes in Marathon
Marathon features PvPvE gameplay, letting you face off solo or in teams against both human opponents and AI-controlled enemies. Every run is a race for valuable loot—but only those who survive get to keep it.
You choose from multiple classes with unique abilities that can be further specialized through gear. Whether you prefer an aggressive frontline fighter, a nimble scout, or a stealthy saboteur, your playstyle defines your character.
Gunplay is designed to feel fast and precise, drawing on Bungie’s extensive shooter experience. Alongside modern firearms, you’ll discover exotic weapons as well. Between matches, you outfit your Runner with new gear to prepare for increasingly dangerous challenges.
At launch, Marathon will kick off with a season featuring story content, endgame activities, and live events. Solo players are also promised a dedicated single-player campaign. After release, Bungie plans regular updates with new content, modes, and improvements.
