Marathon Launches March 6 as Bungie's First New IP Since Destiny

Bungie has confirmed that Marathon, their revival of the classic 1994 franchise, launches on March 5, 2026. The PvPvE extraction shooter joins Arc Raiders in the competitive extraction genre and marks the studio's first new IP since Destiny in 2014 and brings the legendary Marathon name into the modern era as a competitive survival experience.

Marathon drops players onto Tau Ceti IV, a lost colony world where a mysterious signal has drawn treasure hunters, mercenaries, and opportunists from across the system. Players take on the role of Runners, cybernetic operatives piloting customizable shells called Death Dealers, competing to infiltrate dangerous zones, scavenge valuable loot, and extract before rival crews or hostile AI eliminate them.

Extraction Shooter Meets Bungie Combat

The core gameplay loop follows extraction shooter conventions, similar to games like ARC Raiders, but with Bungie's signature gunplay polish. Players infiltrate the colony either solo or in crews of up to three, navigating deserted research facilities, rugged landscapes, and security outposts. Each zone features escalating difficulty, with the most valuable rewards hidden in the most dangerous areas.

Death comes with consequences. Runners who fall in combat lose their equipped gear, creating high-stakes decisions about when to push deeper and when to extract with current gains. The risk-reward tension that defines the extraction genre gets amplified by Bungie's fast-paced combat and ability systems.

For players who prefer solo experiences, Marathon offers private lobbies where AI threats replace human opponents. The Rook mode provides another option for lone wolves, allowing solo players to infiltrate other teams' sessions with minimal starting equipment for high-risk, high-reward gameplay.

Runners and Factions

Customization runs deep through Marathon's progression systems. Death Dealers serve as the foundation, with each shell offering distinct playstyle possibilities that players can further modify through weapons, body implants, and core system upgrades.

Six competing factions offer contracts and seasonal progression paths. Completing faction objectives unlocks shell upgrades, new loadout options, and expanded vault storage. The faction system provides structure for long-term engagement beyond individual extraction runs.

The UESC Marathon itself, the orbital vessel that serves as the game's namesake, functions as an end-game destination. This raid-like location features enhanced security challenges and exclusive rewards for crews capable of breaching its defenses.

Cross-Play Launch

Marathon releases simultaneously on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam with full cross-play and cross-save functionality from day one. Players can squad up regardless of platform and carry their progression across devices.

Pre-orders are now available on all platforms. The Standard Edition is priced at ¥4,480 (approximately $30), with pre-order bonuses including exclusive cosmetic items. Players with linked Destiny 2 accounts receive additional rewards including an exotic Ghost shell, ship, and Sparrow in Destiny 2.

The game was originally scheduled for September 2025 but was delayed to allow additional development time for AI combat systems and improvements to solo and duo gameplay experiences.

For more information, visit the official Marathon website.