At the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, Bungie made a significant announcement regarding the revival of its classic 1994 sci-fi first-person shooter, Marathon. However, the game’s development has faced challenges, raising concerns about its release timeline.
Since its initial unveiling in May 2023, feedback from the gaming community has been less than favorable. By October 2023, rumors began swirling about a potential delay, particularly after Bungie underwent substantial layoffs affecting the studio’s workforce.
In November 2023, early playtesting revealed further issues, with participants expressing reluctance to engage with the game if it were released immediately. This sentiment heightened fears among fans, especially after Bungie’s unexpected loss of approximately 40% of its workforce on July 31, 2024. Concerns grew about the future of the Marathon project and its association with the well-loved Destiny series.
Fortunately, those initial fears have dissipated, especially following Marathon’s showcase on April 12, which reignited excitement among enthusiasts of Bungie’s renowned game development.
Is There a Release Date for Marathon?
Marathon is set to launch on September 23, 2025. Alongside this announcement, Bungie plans to conduct a closed Alpha test, allowing a select number of players to experience the game prior to its official release.
Will Marathon Be Free to Play?
No, Marathon will not follow a free-to-play model. According to a recent report from TheGamePost, the game is expected to launch at a price point of $40, which is more affordable than typical AAA titles but still higher than many free-to-play competitors.
While Bungie has not yet disclosed the official price, they have reiterated that Marathon will not be classified as a ‘full-priced’ game, with plans to reveal more details in the summer.
How to Register for Marathon’s Alpha
Participating in the Alpha testing phase currently requires navigating some logistical challenges. Interested players must join Bungie’s official Discord server and complete a series of steps, contending with high traffic volume that may complicate interactions with the bot used to register.
For a comprehensive guide on enhancing your chances of securing a spot in the Alpha, check out our detailed instructions. Keep in mind, the Alpha will have a limited participant pool, and participants must agree to not record or publicly discuss their gameplay experiences during this period.
Marathon’s Alpha testing will be available on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC platforms, running from April 23 to May 4.
Trailers
The initial trailer provided a sneak peek into the gameplay, showcasing intense gunfight sequences set on an otherworldly planet, highlighting the extraction shooter dynamics.
Following this, Bungie released a series of teasers that gradually built anticipation, culminating in a substantial reveal on April 12, 2025.
Marathon, Bungie’s next big multiplayer game, will be releasing on September 23, 2025pic.twitter.com/1iZTuKsOnc
— dexerto (@dexerto) April 12, 2025
In addition to the gameplay trailer, a cinematic trailer was released, revealing several story elements. While primarily a multiplayer experience, Marathon will feature an ongoing narrative component for players to explore.
Gameplay Insights and Leaks
This new iteration of Marathon reimagines Bungie’s first foray into the shooter genre, a title that predates even the iconic Halo series. Launched nearly a decade before Halo, the original Marathon is remembered as one of the pioneering first-person shooters, arriving just after the groundbreaking Doom.
In this reboot, players can select from various Runners, each equipped with unique abilities. Teams of three will compete in exhilarating PvPvE matches with up to 18 players.
So far, four distinct Runners have been unveiled:
- Void: This stealth-oriented character excels at evading direct confrontations while gathering loot.
- Glitch: With enhanced mobility, this Runner disrupts and damages opponents, gaining an upper hand in encounters.
- Locus: A robust Runner designed for aggressive play, capable of absorbing damage with a larger health pool but slower movement speed.
- Blackbird: Focused on reconnaissance, this Runner can reveal enemy positions, making it invaluable for strategic positioning.
Successful players who gather loot and manage to extract successfully will benefit from better equipment. However, mortality during gameplay results in the loss of all collected items. Unlike games such as Escape from Tarkov, Marathon incorporates revive mechanics akin to those found in Apex Legends, offering players a chance to re-enter the fray.
As it stands, that is what we know about Marathon. Bungie remains tight-lipped about further details as they prepare for the Alpha build and the official launch scheduled for later in 2025.
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