Bungie, the acclaimed developer behind Destiny and Halo, has officially announced the release date for their eagerly anticipated first-person extraction shooter, Marathon, during a captivating gameplay reveal showcase. Dive into the details below to discover what awaits in the game and how you can participate in the upcoming Closed Alpha Playtest.
Marathon Coming on September 23
Returning to Tau Ceti
On April 13, Bungie unveiled a detailed gameplay reveal for Marathon, setting the stage for its launch on September 23, 2025. This multiplayer-focused title diverges significantly from the original trilogy, which comprised Marathon (1994), Marathon 2: Durandal (1995), and Marathon Infinity (1996). Unlike the story-driven, single-player experiences of the past, the new Marathon will immerse players in intense multiplayer action, pitting six teams of three against each other and AI-controlled foes in a race to secure and extract valuable loot.
In a PlayStation.blog post dated April 12, Bungie's developers offered insights into what players can expect. Despite the shift towards multiplayer, Marathon Narrative Leader Jonathan Goff emphasized the team's commitment to maintaining the experiential storytelling that has defined Bungie's games. "The interweaving of narratives, events, and characters in the original trilogy delivered a world of discovery, wonder, and misdirection," Goff remarked. He further elaborated, "At the end of the day, our goal with Marathon is not to tell a story, but to build worlds in which stories can and will unfold."
Making Marathon a "Story Engine"
The gameplay reveal showcased Marathon's emphasis on in-game economics, with every item in a player's inventory having a sell price and clear indications of what can be extracted from each map. However, Bungie clarified that accumulating wealth is just one aspect of the game. Marathon Game Director Joe Ziegler, speaking to PC Gamer, outlined their vision of making Marathon a "story engine" that fosters memorable experiences and lasting stories, even in the face of mission failures or empty-handed exits. "What we're trying to do is say, 'how do you go on adventures and then feel that survival challenge, that survival story that you're making?' Some of the best survival stories and moments I've had in gaming are actually failures or weird things that have happened, right?" Ziegler explained, highlighting that success in Marathon is measured not just by survival but by the richness of the stories players create.
Working With Fans and Creators
Throughout Marathon's development, Bungie has actively engaged with fans and content creators, incorporating feedback from early playtests. One significant piece of feedback addressed the perceived unfairness and unpredictability of map designs, where players could camp spawns or find their desired loot already taken. In response, Ziegler noted, "After hearing this feedback, we moved to the design we have today, where each match is a fresh start for everyone. This consistent starting point means you and your teammates can better strategize before each run, and then you can race enemy teams to fight for the loot you’re looking for."
Marathon Closed Alpha Playtest
Bungie is set to launch a Closed Alpha Playtest for Marathon, running from April 23 to May 4, exclusively for residents in the U.S. and Canada. Participants will have the chance to explore four distinct Runners: Blackbird (akin to Destiny 2’s Warlock), Void (with tactical invisibility), Locus (featuring a tactical shield), and Glitch (known for its exceptional mobility). The playtest will include three maps: Perimeter, a woodland setting for five crews (15 players), and Dire Marsh, a more expansive terrain for six crews (18 players).
To join the playtest, interested players should visit Marathon's official Discord server, navigate to the alpha-access channel, and use the "/alpha" command to sign up. Please note that participation is not guaranteed, as this is a closed alpha, marking the game's first public outing.
No further playtests have been announced beyond the specified regions. Marathon is slated for release on September 23, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates by checking out our dedicated article below!
