Marathon Release Date Unveiled at Gameplay Showcase

Bungie, the renowned developer behind Destiny and Halo, has officially announced the release date for their eagerly awaited first-person extraction shooter, Marathon, during a gameplay reveal showcase. Dive into the details of what to expect from the game and how you can participate in the upcoming Closed Alpha Playtest.

Marathon Set to Launch on September 23, 2025

On April 13, Bungie unveiled captivating gameplay details for Marathon, marking a significant shift from the series' original single-player narrative focus to an engaging multiplayer experience. In Marathon, players will form teams of three, competing against other squads and AI-controlled adversaries in a race to secure valuable loot and successfully extract from the map.

This new direction diverges from the original Marathon trilogy, which started with the groundbreaking 1994 release and continued with sequels in 1995 and 1996. The earlier games were celebrated for their deep, story-driven single-player campaigns.

In a post on the PlayStation.blog dated April 12, Bungie's developers, including Marathon Narrative Leader Jonathan Goff, emphasized their commitment to preserving the essence of experiential storytelling that has defined Bungie's games. Goff highlighted, "The interweaving of narratives, events, and characters in the original trilogy delivered a world of discovery, wonder, and misdirection." He further explained that the aim with the new Marathon is to "build worlds in which stories can and will unfold," rather than focusing solely on a linear narrative.

Crafting Marathon as a "Story Engine"

During the reveal stream, it became evident that Marathon places a significant 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. However, Bungie clarified that accumulating wealth is not the sole focus of the game.

Marathon Game Director Joe Ziegler, in a recent interview with PC Gamer, elaborated on the game's direction, aiming to make Marathon a "story engine." He noted, "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?'" Ziegler emphasized that the most memorable gaming experiences often stem from failures or unexpected events, suggesting that success in Marathon will be measured not just by survival, but by the richness of the stories players create.

Collaboration with Fans and Creators

From its inception, Bungie has actively engaged with fans and content creators during Marathon's development. Early prototypes were playtested by the community, providing crucial feedback that has shaped the game's evolution. A key piece of feedback was the feeling that maps were unfair and unpredictable, leading to adjustments in the game's design to ensure a fresh start for each match. This change allows players and their teams to strategize effectively and compete more fairly for loot.

Marathon Closed Alpha Playtest Details

Bungie is set to launch a Closed Alpha Playtest for Marathon from April 23 to May 4, exclusively for players in the U.S. and Canada. Participants will have the chance to explore four unique Runners: Blackbird, similar to Destiny 2's Warlock; Void, offering tactical invisibility; Locus, equipped with a tactical shield; and Glitch, known for exceptional mobility. The playtest 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 Closed Alpha, interested players should visit the official Marathon Discord server, navigate to the alpha-access channel, and use the "/alpha" command. Invitations, however, are not guaranteed as this is the game's first public playtest.

No further playtest announcements have been made for regions beyond the U.S. and Canada at this time. Marathon is scheduled for release on September 23, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms. Keep an eye on our updates for the latest on Marathon!