Bungie will release Marathon in March 2026; gameplay announced in a newly-released ViDoc.
This confirms the window for Bungie's upcoming first-person extraction shooter Marathon to be March 2026. In the ViDoc 'Vision of Marathon', the development team provided an extensive insight into various aspects of the game like its design, core gameplay loops, and world. As for all supported platforms, the game shall release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S|X, with complete cross-play and cross-save support.
Core Gameplay: Gunfight Poker
Marathon's gameplay was described as an amalgamation of the terms "gunfight poker." A high stakes PvPvE loop, where each session forces players to make certain decisions: what gear to risk, when to attempt for better loot, and when to extract. The key idea was to immerse players so that the actual concept of interfaces faded as the tension emerged from a run. In response to community feedback, the inclusion of proximity chat for the creation of temporary alliances will be entertained.
World Design and Immersion
Gritty grounded visuals were given to realize the setting of Tau Ceti IV as hostile and real. An innovative feature is the fact that player corpses are persistent and decay overtime; an intact body indicates the danger was recent whereas a decomposed body suggests a fight was older. This works towards environmental storytelling as well as tactical read. The other primary focus of audio design is working as an information cue for position; for example, different footsteps will sound different, depending on the material on which they're walking.
Four Zones on Tau Ceti IV
There will be four different zones, each with its own unique layouts, threats, and pacing. These zones will also be subject to dynamic weather and large-scale events which can reshape a session.
- Outer Rim: A more spread-out beginner-friendly environment with clearer sightlines and safer pockets patrolled by UESC forces.
- Dread Swamp: An area concerned with environmental horror and dense PvE action, spawning bizarre entities from the ground.
- The Outpost: Cramped and highly vertical UESC facility that offers the highest loot against the highest risk, with hallways, traps, and drones.
- Cryo Archive: The highest end game zone located on the Marathon ship itself, with the hardest content, toughest enemies, and sequential vaults with the best rewards.
Loot, Customization, and Progression
According to Bungie, an "absurd" amount of loot is promised: over 400 weapon mods, multiple implant types, and different Runner "shells" (character types) endorsing playstyles such as tanking or stealth. Gold-tier mods can significantly change a weapon's functionality, e.g., turning an SMG into a needle-rifle. Progression will rely on faction agents who will be handing out contracts. Completing the contracts will increase one's reputation, allowing for the unlocking of permanent base-stat upgrades for the season.
Welcoming of New Blood: Rook System
In guiding novices through the genre, Marathon has Rook: a special mode and prototype Runner shell allowing players to join an ongoing match with minimal gear and no damage to their main inventory, a perfect way of learning maps, scavenging, and testing out tactics.
Pricing and Monetization Model
Marathon will not be free-to-play nor a full-price premium title. Bungie aims for a price of $39.99 / €39.99 / £34.99, granting access to all gameplay updates, including new maps and Runner shells. Developers vow to avoid any pay-to-win features. Furthermore, Rewards Passes will never expire, allowing players to purchase and progress passes in late seasons at their convenience.
