After years of development and delays, Bungie’s extraction shooter Marathon finally has a concrete release date. The studio behind Destiny and Halo is betting big on this PvPvE survival experience—and it’s arriving sooner than you might think. Here’s everything you need to know before dropping onto Tau Ceti IV.
Table of Contents
- Quick Answer
- Release Date & Platforms
- What Is Marathon?
- All 7 Runner Classes Explained
- Gameplay Mechanics
- Pricing & Editions
- FAQ
Quick Answer
- Release Date: March 5, 2026
- Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam)
- Price: $39.99 (Standard), $59.99 (Deluxe)
- Genre: Extraction shooter with PvPvE gameplay
- Cross-play: Full cross-platform support confirmed
- Team Size: Solo, duo, or 3-player squads (up to 18 players per match)
Release Date & Platforms
Marathon releases on March 5, 2026 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Pre-orders are available now.
Unlike some recent Sony-published titles, Marathon won’t require a PlayStation account to play on PC or Xbox. Bungie has also confirmed full cross-play and cross-save functionality, letting you squad up with friends regardless of platform and keep your progress synced across devices.
This marks Bungie’s first completely new release since Destiny 2 launched in 2017, making it a pivotal moment for the studio.
What Is Marathon?
Marathon is a first-person extraction shooter set on the lost colony of Tau Ceti IV in the year 2893. Players take on the role of “Runners”—humans who have traded their biological bodies for specialized cybernetic shells—hired by factions to infiltrate the abandoned colony, fight rival Runners and alien threats, and extract with valuable loot.
The gameplay loop follows the extraction shooter formula: deploy into a shared environment, scavenge for loot, complete objectives, and attempt to extract before getting eliminated. Die before extracting and you lose everything you collected—but successful extractions let you keep your gear for future runs.
What sets Marathon apart is its focus on PvP encounters alongside PvE elements. While you’ll face AI-controlled enemies and environmental hazards, the primary threat comes from other players. Matches feature up to six three-player teams (18 players total), though you can also queue solo or as a duo at a competitive disadvantage.
All 7 Runner Classes Explained
Marathon features seven distinct Runner Shells, each with unique abilities and playstyles. Think of them as character classes that can be further customized with cores, implants, and weapon mods found during runs.
1. Destroyer
The tank archetype. Destroyer features a deployable barricade and movement abilities designed for charging into battle. If you played Titan in Destiny, you’ll feel right at home.
2. Assassin
Built for stealth and quick eliminations. Assassin excels at ambushes and getting out before enemies can react.
3. Recon
The information specialist. Recon abilities focus on detecting enemies and providing intel to your squad.
4. Vandal
A mobility-focused Runner with double jumps and an arm cannon. Find the right cores and you can turn that double jump into a triple jump, or use the cannon’s knockback as a repositioning tool.
5. Thief
Equipped with a grappling hook and loot-stealing drone. Thief is designed for hit-and-run tactics—grab what you need and disappear before anyone can stop you.
6. Triage
Marathon’s healer class, but don’t expect a passive support role. Triage still packs firepower-enhancing abilities, making it a combat threat while keeping your squad alive.
7. Rook (Solo-Only)
A unique seventh shell exclusively for solo queue. Rook can join ongoing matches with a free loadout—no risk if you die. It features an ability to mask yourself from PvE enemies, letting you loot hotspots or clean up after fallen players with reduced risk.
Gameplay Mechanics
Buildcrafting
Beyond choosing a Runner Shell, Marathon features deep customization through cores and implants. Cores are shell-specific mods that enhance your class abilities, while implants work across all Runners.
Example: Vandal’s core can negate self-damage from the arm cannon, turning the knockback into pure mobility. Another lets you deal damage to nearby enemies after a long fall.
Seasonal Resets
Here’s the controversial bit: Each new season resets all Runners back to square one. Your arsenal disappears. Bungie says seasons will add new zones, weapons, events, and story content—but losing your hard-earned loot might sting.
Proximity Chat
Marathon includes proximity voice chat, adding tension (and opportunities for negotiation or betrayal) when you cross paths with rival Runners.
Evolving Narrative
Rather than a traditional campaign, Marathon’s story unfolds through seasonal events shaped by player actions. Think Destiny’s live events, but with extraction shooter stakes.
Pricing & Editions
Marathon is not free-to-play. Here’s how the editions break down:
Standard Edition ($39.99)
- Base game
- Access to all gameplay updates (maps, Runner shells, events)
- Pre-order bonus: ZERO STEP 004 CE Tactical Sidearm Style, Weapon Charm, and Shift set
Deluxe Edition ($59.99)
- Everything in Standard
- Bonus cosmetics and day-one content
Collector’s Edition
Bungie is also offering a physical Collector’s Edition through the Bungie Store with exclusive memorabilia—no game code included (sold separately).
Pro Tips
- Don’t sleep on Rook: If you’re new to extraction shooters, Rook’s free loadout means zero risk while learning maps and mechanics.
- Save cores for your main: Cores are shell-specific—don’t waste good rolls on a Runner you rarely play.
- Proximity chat is a double-edged sword: You can hear enemies, but they can hear you too. Use it strategically.
- Extract early if you’ve got good loot: Greed kills. A successful small haul beats a failed big one.
- Seasonal resets mean experimentation is free: Try weird builds—everything’s getting wiped anyway.
FAQ
Q: Is Marathon free-to-play?
A: No. The Standard Edition costs $39.99, with a Deluxe Edition at $59.99.
Q: Do I need PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass to play?
A: Online subscriptions will likely be required for console multiplayer, though PC players won’t need any additional subscription.
Q: Is Marathon related to Bungie’s classic Marathon games?
A: It’s set in the same universe and shares lore connections with the 1990s trilogy, but this is a completely different genre and gameplay experience.
Q: Can I play Marathon solo?
A: Yes. You can queue solo or with up to two squadmates. The Rook shell is specifically designed for solo players.
Q: Will there be a beta before launch?
A: Bungie ran closed alpha tests in 2025. No public beta has been announced before the March 5 launch.
Summary
Marathon represents Bungie’s biggest gamble in over a decade. After a troubled development cycle, the extraction shooter is finally ready for launch on March 5, 2026. With seven distinct Runner classes, deep buildcrafting, and cross-platform play at $39.99, it’s positioned to make a splash in a competitive genre. Whether the seasonal reset model proves popular remains to be seen—but if you’re a Destiny fan hungry for PvP-focused action, Marathon deserves your attention.
