Marathon Release Date Unveiled at Gameplay Showcase

Bungie, the renowned developer behind Destiny and Halo, has officially announced the release date for their highly anticipated game, Marathon, during its gameplay reveal showcase. Dive into the details about what to expect from the game and how you can participate in the upcoming Marathon Closed Alpha Playtest.

Marathon Coming on September 23

Returning to Tau Ceti

On April 13, Bungie showcased the gameplay for their upcoming first-person extraction shooter, Marathon. Set to launch on September 23, 2025, the game will see players engaging in intense multiplayer battles. Teams of three will compete against each other and AI-controlled enemies, focusing on strategic gameplay to secure valuable loot and successfully extract from the map.

This new direction marks a significant shift from the original Marathon trilogy, which was released between 1994 and 1996. The trilogy, consisting of Marathon, Marathon 2: Durandal, and Marathon Infinity, was centered around single-player, narrative-driven experiences.

In a post on the PlayStation blog on April 12, Bungie developers elaborated on the game's new approach. Despite moving to a multiplayer focus, Marathon Narrative Leader Jonathan Goff emphasized maintaining the experiential storytelling that has been a staple of Bungie's games. He stated, "The interweaving of narratives, events, and characters in the original trilogy delivered a world of discovery, wonder, and misdirection." Goff added, "At the end of the day, our goal 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 noted the game's significant emphasis on in-game economy, with every item having a sell price and clear indications of extractable goods. However, Bungie clarified that accumulating wealth isn't the sole focus of the game.

The developers aim for Marathon to function as a "story engine," generating memorable experiences and lasting memories, even in the face of mission failures or empty-handed escapes. Marathon Game Director Joe Ziegler shared with PC Gamer, "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, right?" Ziegler emphasized that success in Marathon isn't just about survival, but about crafting compelling stories from each run.

Working With Fans and Creators

Bungie has actively collaborated with fans and content creators throughout Marathon's development. From the game's early stages, players have been involved in playtesting prototypes and providing critical feedback.

One common concern was the unpredictability and perceived unfairness of map designs, where players could camp spawns indefinitely, or desired loot might already be taken. In response, Ziegler noted, "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. Participation is limited to residents of the U.S. and Canada.

The closed alpha will introduce four distinct Runners: Blackbird, reminiscent of Destiny 2’s Warlock; Void, equipped with tactical invisibility; Locus, featuring a tactical shield; and Glitch, known for exceptional mobility. Players can explore three maps, including Perimeter, a woodland setting for five crews (15 players), and Dire Marsh, a more open environment for six crews (18 players).

To join the playtest, players need to visit Marathon’s official Discord server, navigate to the alpha-access channel, and use the "/alpha" command. Invitations are not guaranteed as this is a closed alpha, marking the game's first public outing.

No further playtest announcements have been made beyond these regions. Marathon is slated for release on September 23, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay updated with the latest news on the game by checking our dedicated articles!