Marathon Release Date Unveiled at Gameplay Showcase

Bungie, the developer behind Destiny and Halo, unveiled the release date for their highly anticipated first-person extraction shooter, Marathon, during a captivating gameplay reveal showcase. Dive into the details about what you can expect from the game and how to participate in the upcoming Closed Alpha Playtest.

Marathon Coming on September 23, 2025

Returning to Tau Ceti

On April 13, Bungie hosted a gameplay reveal showcase for Marathon, their new first-person extraction shooter set to launch on September 23, 2025. The game introduces a dynamic multiplayer experience where six teams of three players compete against each other and AI-controlled enemies to secure loot and successfully extract items. This marks a significant shift from the original trilogy, which comprised Marathon (1994), Marathon 2: Durandal (1995), and Marathon Infinity (1996), all focused on single-player, story-driven gameplay.

Despite this transition to a multiplayer-centric design, Bungie remains committed to preserving the experiential storytelling that has defined their games. In a PlayStation.blog post dated April 12, Marathon Narrative Leader Jonathan Goff emphasized the goal of creating worlds where stories naturally unfold. He noted, "The interweaving of narratives, events, and characters in the original trilogy delivered a world of discovery, wonder, and misdirection. Our aim with Marathon is not to tell a story but to build worlds in which stories can and will unfold."

Making Marathon a "Story Engine"

During the reveal stream, fans observed Marathon's strong focus on in-game economy, with every item in a player's inventory carrying a sell price and clear indications of what can be extracted from a map. However, Bungie clarified that accumulating wealth is just one aspect of the game. Marathon Game Director Joe Ziegler shared with PC Gamer that the game aims to be a "story engine," generating memorable experiences and narratives, even from failures or unexpected events. Ziegler stated, "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."

Working With Fans and Creators

Bungie has actively engaged with fans and content creators throughout Marathon's development, incorporating player feedback from early prototypes. One key concern was the unpredictability and perceived unfairness of map designs, leading to adjustments where each match now offers a fresh start for all participants. This change ensures a level playing field and encourages strategic planning before each run. Ziegler explained, "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 launch the Closed Alpha Playtest for Marathon from April 23 to May 4, exclusively for residents of the U.S. and Canada. Participants will have the opportunity to explore four unique Runners: Blackbird, similar to Destiny 2’s Warlock; Void, with tactical invisibility; Locus, featuring a tactical shield; and Glitch, known for exceptional 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 Closed Alpha Playtest, interested players should visit Marathon's official Discord server, navigate to the alpha-access channel, and use the "/alpha" command. Keep in mind that invitations are not guaranteed due to the closed nature of this alpha phase. No additional playtests have been announced for regions outside the U.S. and Canada at this time.

Marathon is scheduled for release on September 23, 2025, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates and details as the launch date approaches.