Bungie has finally shared an update for Marathon, detailing extensive changes to the game’s tone, visuals, and gameplay features, and confirming a new release window. The Sony-owned studio says it’s “embracing a dark sci-fi world and survival extraction challenge” to deliver a more ominous gaming experience. The marathon, which had been postponed indefinitely, will now start in March 2026.
The new look of marathon
Destiny 2 developer has revealed Marathon’s new look in a 23-minute video, showcasing all the changes coming to the PvPvE extraction shooter. Bungie calls the results a “fusion of community feedback and our vision for Marathon.”
Bungie says player feedback from Marathon’s closed beta earlier this year made it clear that the game’s world didn’t feel “dangerous” and alive. “The studio has made some changes to make the game feel more tense and threatening, closer to the survival genre.
Bungie says Marathon World is now grittier and more grounded, with improved visual fidelity, more detailed environments and improved weather effects. The game will also be more immersive with better environmental storytelling and audio.
Marathon has also received new features since the Alpha, including close chat, solo queues, and a new mode where players can join ongoing matches to earn loot. Loot will include weapons and mods, runner shell prototypes, and other loot to help customize your play style.
Bungie confirmed that Marathon will launch with four maps – three ground-level zones including Perimeter, Dire Marsh and Outpost, as well as the first zone on the UESC Marathon – Cryo Archive, an end-game challenge.
It seems Bungie has taken note of the success of Arc Raiders and made some changes to make Marathon a more tense, gritty extraction shooter.
Marathon will now offer proximity chat and private queue capabilities
Photo credit: Sony/Bungie
Marathon launch window and pricing
The studio confirmed that Marathon will be released in March 2026. Price is $39.99 USD / €39.99 / £34.99. Additional regional pricing will be announced closer to launch. The game will be released on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X.
Purchasing Marathon will give players full access to the game, including a roadmap of free game updates. Bungie promises post-launch support in the form of new maps, new runner shells, events, and more. “We’ll be sharing more plans for seasonal content, a roadmap and details on when you can try the game as we get closer to launch,” the studio said.
Marathon was originally planned to launch on September 23rd on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X. However, Bungie delayed the escape shooter’s release indefinitely in June after a lackluster response to its alpha playtest in May and a plagiarism scandal that raised questions about the originality of the game’s art style.
Earlier this month, the artist, whose work was used without permission in the marathon, said the issue had been resolved with Bungie and Sony Interactive Entertainment to their satisfaction.