Marathon, the highly anticipated reimagined PvP extraction shooter developed by the renowned Sony-owned studio Bungie, is set to launch on September 23, 2025. Gamers can look forward to an exciting closed Alpha test starting on April 23, 2025. Bungie has recently unveiled Marathon's release date through a series of engaging teasers, showcasing thrilling gameplay and stunning cinematics that you can find embedded below.
Set in the treacherous and enigmatic landscape of Tau Ceti IV, Marathon immerses players in a team-based extraction shooter experience. As a Runner, you take on the role of a cybernetic mercenary who has forsaken their human form to inhabit a biosynthetic shell, equipped with unique abilities and stats. This mechanized form allows for both tactical and fast-paced combat as you engage in battles alongside your crew of up to three players.
In Marathon, you will face off against rival Runners in expansive zones accommodating up to 18 players, alongside various security forces and otherworldly threats. Your mission is to scavenge valuable resources from the remains of a lost colony to secure glory and fortune. With six different classes—four of which have been revealed—players can choose from stealthy Void, tanky Glitch, as well as Locus and Blackbird. All four classes will be accessible in the upcoming Alpha test, allowing for diverse team compositions without restrictions on class selection.
The environments of Tau Ceti IV are designed for scavenging, filled with weapons, materials, and equipment. Players will have the opportunity to earn sponsorship from various factions to help replenish their armory. Marathon emphasizes teamwork through contextual pings, shared objectives, and down-but-not-out mechanics, making it perfectly suited for fireteam tactics. However, if you prefer to go solo, you can opt out of crew queues and pursue your own path to glory as an independent Runner.
Before each deployment, you'll strategically build your loadout and select a Runner to ensure you're well-equipped for the challenges ahead. The primary objective is straightforward: infiltrate zones, gather as much loot as possible, and escape alive. However, be warned—dying will leave all your gear vulnerable for others to claim. Surviving, on the other hand, allows you to carry loot into future runs, enhancing your power and filling your vault over time. While death is a common occurrence in Marathon, it’s never truly the end of your journey.
Bungie promises to deliver best-in-class first-person multiplayer action, featuring dynamic and tactile gunplay. The unique playstyles and customizable builds of Runners foster highly strategic team fights. With timed matches, dynamic events, variable weather, and unpredictable players, Bungie asserts that no two matches will ever be the same. Players can also look forward to endgame challenges, ranked play, secrets, seasonal storytelling, community events, and many more exciting features in Season One.
Marathon will be available on PC via Steam, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, supporting full cross-play and cross-save functionalities. Importantly, players on PC and Xbox will not need a PlayStation Network account to enjoy the game. This was clarified by the Marathon team in response to a community query, ensuring a seamless experience for all gamers.
Get ready to dive into the intense world of Marathon, where strategy, teamwork, and survival skills will determine your success. With its innovative gameplay and immersive environments, this upcoming title is poised to become a standout in the realm of PvP extraction shooters.
