Bungie's Marathon: What We Know So Far

Bungie is going back to its roots. After more than two decades since the last title in the original Marathon series, the iconic name is returning in an entirely new form — a PvP-focused extraction shooter set in a dark sci-fi universe. Unlike Destiny, this isn't a shared-world looter shooter. Instead, Marathon is positioned as a high-stakes competitive experience that merges Bungie’s legendary gunplay with tactical survival gameplay.

The Return of a Classic

The original Marathon trilogy launched in the mid-90s and served as Bungie’s foundational work before Halo. With rich lore, AI-driven storytelling, and innovative combat, it helped define early narrative shooters. But this isn’t a sequel or a reboot in the traditional sense.

Bungie has clarified that the new Marathon is not a direct continuation of the original trilogy. However, it borrows key lore, themes, and aesthetics — particularly its cyberpunk tone and artificial intelligence motifs. The game is set on the planet Tau Ceti IV, the same location where much of the original trilogy unfolded.

A Bold Shift to Extraction Shooter

What sets the new Marathon apart is its genre shift. Bungie has described it as a PvP extraction shooter — similar in spirit to games like Escape from Tarkov, The Cycle: Frontier, and Dark and Darker. Players will drop into hostile environments, compete against other squads, secure loot, and extract — or die trying.

Matches are expected to feature multiple three-person fireteams scavenging for valuable items while navigating environmental hazards, opposing teams, and dynamic objectives. It’s less about traditional deathmatch and more about risk-versus-reward gameplay.

Bungie emphasizes that persistence and decision-making will play key roles. Your gear, your discoveries, and your ability to survive will all matter.

Narrative Through the World

Despite being PvP-only, Marathon won’t be lacking in narrative. Bungie has stated that story will be delivered in a diegetic and emergent way, through the world itself. Players will uncover mysteries, interpret visual storytelling, and piece together the fate of a lost civilization.

You're not a Spartan or a Guardian this time — you’re a Runner, a cybernetic mercenary hired to retrieve valuable artifacts and data from Tau Ceti IV. The world is one where post-human entities control vast technology, and AI remnants echo through forgotten cities.

Bungie wants the lore to feel earned, discovered through exploration, extraction logs, environmental clues, and season-long arcs.

Game Engine and Visual Style

Marathon is being built using the latest version of Tiger Engine, Bungie’s proprietary technology also used in Destiny 2. Trailers showcase a vivid, neon-soaked art style full of cyberpunk flair and abstract geometry.

The visuals lean into a stylized aesthetic — crisp silhouettes, bold lighting, and surreal environments that evoke both mystery and hostility. It’s not meant to be photorealistic but rather iconic and alien.

The use of color coding for teams, extraction zones, and loot is reportedly a key part of the visual language, assisting players in identifying threats and objectives quickly.

Competitive Design With Bungie DNA

Marathon is PvP-first, but it’s not an esports title — at least not yet. Bungie describes it as an experience that rewards skill, planning, and adaptability. Players must manage limited resources, choose whether to engage or evade, and decide what loot to risk taking back to the ship.

Guns will be modular, with customizable scopes, barrels, and attachments. Loot will range from rare alien tech to tactical gear upgrades. Some items may have persistent effects or even unlock narrative triggers.

Bungie also teased a system where player decisions impact the world, with evolving zones and story arcs that shift based on extraction outcomes over the course of a season.

Will Marathon Have PvE?

As of now, Bungie says Marathon is strictly PvP. However, AI-controlled threats like environmental hazards, robotic sentries, and mutated fauna are likely. These would serve to create pressure and unpredictability.

While there are currently no plans for a campaign or PvE mode, Bungie hasn’t ruled out co-op missions or seasonal narrative events that could add PvE elements.

Live Service and Seasons

Like Destiny 2, Marathon will operate on a seasonal model, with new gear, narrative developments, and gameplay mechanics added over time. However, it will differ in key ways:

• Players won’t be locked into power levels
• Gear rarity is not the focus — utility and synergy are
• Cosmetics will be front and center, with Bungie promising a “distinctive” visual economy

Progression is designed to emphasize reputation, extraction success, and risk management, not just grinding.

Crossplay, Platforms, and Release Date

Marathon will launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with full crossplay and cross-save at launch. Bungie wants players to be able to squad up with friends regardless of platform.

While a concrete release date hasn’t been announced, internal sources suggest a 2025 release window, likely Q4.

A closed alpha is expected to begin later this year, with limited invites going out to Bungie.net users.

Community and Competitive Hopes

Fans are excited, but also cautious. Bungie’s recent layoffs and pressure from Destiny 2’s player decline have raised eyebrows. However, the team working on Marathon is said to be independent from the core Destiny team, giving them creative autonomy.

Some in the extraction shooter community hope Bungie will finally deliver a polished, balanced, and well-supported competitor in a genre dominated by smaller studios. Others worry about monetization and seasonal burnout.

If Bungie can capture the tactical thrill of extraction gameplay while infusing it with Halo-grade polish and Destiny-style flair, Marathon could become a new tentpole franchise.

Final Thoughts

Marathon represents more than just the revival of an old IP — it’s a test of Bungie’s ability to innovate outside the Destiny mold. By embracing the tension of extraction shooters and fusing it with rich lore, responsive gunplay, and modern visuals, they’re aiming to redefine competitive sci-fi shooters.

Whether you’re a lore nerd, a gunplay purist, or a fan of high-stakes PvP, Marathon is a game to watch.

For more on Bungie’s direction and upcoming titles, check out PlayStation Stars Shut Down and our deep dive into Destiny’s PvP Future.