Marathon Release Date Unveiled at Gameplay Showcase

Bungie, the renowned developer behind Destiny and Halo, has officially announced the release date for their highly anticipated game, Marathon, during its gameplay reveal showcase. Dive deeper to discover what awaits players 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 gameplay reveal showcase for Marathon, their new first-person extraction shooter set to launch on September 23, 2025. In this multiplayer-centric game, players form teams of three to compete against five other teams and AI-controlled adversaries, aiming to secure loot and successfully extract valuable items. This marks a significant shift from the original Marathon trilogy, which consisted of single-player, story-driven titles released between 1994 and 1996.

In a detailed PlayStation.blog post dated April 12, Bungie's developers provided insights into the upcoming game. Despite the focus on multiplayer dynamics, Marathon Narrative Leader Jonathan Goff emphasized that the game will retain the experiential storytelling that has defined Bungie’s previous works. He highlighted the narrative depth of the original trilogy and explained, "The interweaving of narratives, events, and characters in the original trilogy delivered a world of discovery, wonder, and misdirection." Goff further elaborated, "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 a strong emphasis on in-game economy, with every item in a player's inventory having a sell price and clear indicators for extractable items on the map. However, Bungie clarified that accumulating wealth isn't the sole objective of Marathon. The developers aim to transform Marathon into a "story engine," where players can create memorable experiences and narratives, even from failed missions or empty-handed escapes.

Marathon Game Director Joe Ziegler shared with PC Gamer, "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 emphasized that success in Marathon is not solely about survival but about crafting a compelling story from each run.

Working With Fans and Creators

Throughout Marathon's development, Bungie has actively collaborated with fans and content creators. From early prototypes to pre-production phases, player feedback has been integral. One key issue raised was the unpredictability and perceived unfairness of map designs, such as the ability to camp spawns indefinitely or the possibility of other teams snatching desired loot.

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 host a Closed Alpha Playtest for Marathon from April 23 to May 4, exclusively for residents in the U.S. and Canada. Participants will have the chance to try out four unique Runners: Blackbird, reminiscent of Destiny 2's Warlock; Void, equipped with tactical invisibility; Locus, featuring a tactical shield; and Glitch, known for its superior mobility. The alpha will include three distinct maps: Perimeter, a woodland setting for five crews (15 players), and Dire Marsh, a more open environment 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. Keep in mind that this is a closed alpha, and receiving an invitation is not guaranteed.

No further announcements have been made regarding additional playtests outside of the specified regions. Marathon is scheduled for release on September 23, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned to our updates for the latest news on Marathon!