For a long time, the future of the new Marathon was a bit of a mystery. Originally revealed as a modern take on Bungie’s classic 90s franchise, the game faced a series of hurdles that kept fans guessing. From internal leadership changes to a significant delay last year, the path to launch has been anything but simple. However, the developers have spent that extra time refining the experience, moving toward a grittier and more intense atmosphere that they believe will better suit the high-stakes world of extraction shooters.
The core of the game puts you in the shoes of a “Runner,” a cybernetic mercenary tasked with exploring the ruins of a lost colony on the planet Tau Ceti IV. Unlike traditional shooters where you simply aim for a high score, the goal here is to find valuable loot and technology and make it out alive. If you fall in battle, you lose what you were carrying, which adds a layer of tension to every encounter. Bungie has designed several different character classes, known as Shells, each offering unique abilities to help players navigate the dangerous landscape and outsmart rival factions.
This release is particularly important for Bungie as it marks their first major new title since being acquired by Sony. To ensure everyone can play together, the game will feature full cross-play and cross-save support from day one. This means you can team up with friends regardless of whether they are playing on a console or a computer, and your progress will follow you if you switch between platforms.
You can look forward to playing Marathon when it officially launches on March 5, 2026. The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC via Steam. The standard version is priced at forty dollars, while a sixty-dollar deluxe edition is also available for those who want extra cosmetic items and a rewards pass. If you decide to pre-order, you will also unlock several digital bonuses, including specific gear for use in Destiny 2.
