Marathon is the first new project in over a decade from Destiny developer Bungie. A PvP sci-fi extraction shooter that harkens back to the studio’s earlier days, its intense, colourful trails prompt questions about its story and long-term plans.
The game’s many trailers released so far have given us generous looks at its striking aesthetic, fast-paced shooter gameplay, player classes, and the accompanying lore. Here’s everything we know about Marathon, including definitive details about its release date, story, gameplay, platforms, and available editions.
Updated by Fran J. Ruiz on January 22, 2026.
Marathon Release Date
After a number of delays following closed tests, Bungie and Sony (who now controls the veteran developer) have finally locked a release date for the premium extraction shooter:
- Marathon release date: March 5, 2026
Marathon Story
Marathon is not a direct sequel to the original titles, the first of which launched in 1994, “but something that certainly belongs in the same universe and that feels like a Bungie game,” according to the developer.
It aims to honour the original’s mythology, story, and themes, while emphasizing “player-based storytelling.”
It allows players to affect the story of the world through their choices and their actions, enabling the developer to “shape the overall narrative direction of the game experience while giving players a direct sense of agency and power.”
As it won’t feature a campaign, a lot of that rests on the encounters we’ll have with other players, as well as various opportunities to affect the game’s persistent zones. Expect substantial live-narrative events and ongoing storytelling, as the full voice cast suggests a lot of work has gone into that aspect of the game despite its competitive multiplayer nature:
Krizia Bajos, Samantha Béart, Beau Bridgland, Ry Chase, Roger Clark, Darin De Paul, Jennifer English, Dave Fennoy, Nika Futterman, Morla Gorrondona, Reina Guthrie, Donnla Hughes, Keston John, Sohm Kapila, Rich Keeble, Elliot Knight, Erica Lindbeck, Piotr Michael, Brent Mukai, Neil Newbon, Ariana Nicole George, Emily O’Brien, Lee Shorten, Jason Spisak, Ben Starr, JB Tadena, Fred Tatasciore, Craig Lee Thomas, Elias Toufexis, Oliver Vaquer, Scott Whyte, Tracy Wiles, and Erin Yvette.
Marathon Gameplay
Marathon’s gameplay focuses on the PvP side of things, as it lacks a campaign. Dedicated servers, disconnect recovery, and fog-of-war are all part of the developer’s plans.
We’ll step into the shoes of cybernetic mercenaries called Runners, headed for the world of Tau Ceti IV in search of riches, fame, and possibly infamy.
The former include mysterious artifacts, weapons, and implants that make our characters stronger. We’ll be able to shape both our character’s gameplay and looks, as we head into the game’s persistent zones with different classes.
Whether solo or with a crew, the goal is to extract with as much loot as possible while eliminating other players and avoiding to be killed by them.
Certain actions can lead to players or squads unlocking new persistent zones for everybody else, according to the developer, who also confirmed that Marathon will feature seasons and narrative events.
Marathon Platforms and Editions
Sony and Bungie are releasing Marathon simultaneously on PC (Steam), PS5, and Xbox Series X/S with full cross-platform support when it launches on March 5, 2026.
Three different editions will be available at launch. Here’s the full rundown:
Marathon Standard Edition
- Access to all gameplay updates (maps, Runner shells, events, etc.) as the year progresses
- Pre-order Marathon and receive the following: ZERO STEP 004 CE Tactical Sidearm Style, ZERO STEP RC Weapon Charm, ZERO STEP SHIFT Weapon Sticker, APOGEE INTERCEPT Background, APOGEE INTERCEPT Emblem
- Plus the following rewards for Destiny 2 rewards linked to your Bungie.net account: UESC Echo-type Shell Exotic Ghost, UESC Rover Exotic Ship, UESC Sprinter Exotic Sparrow
Marathon Deluxe Edition
- All Standard Edition content
- 1x Premium Rewards Pass Voucher
- 200 SILK Rewards Pass Tokens, used to unlock rewards in the pass
- Weapon Cosmetics: MIDNIGHT DECAY Misriah 2442 Pump Shotgun Style, MIDNIGHT DECAY Overrun AR Style, MIDNIGHT DECAY Vandal Shell Style, MIDNIGHT DECAY Destroyer Shell Style, MIDNIGHT DECAY Assassin Shell Style, MIDNIGHT DECAY Thief Shell Style
Marathon Collector’s Edition
- All Deluxe Edition content (game code version only)
- 1/6th scale Thief Runner shell statue with LED lights
- Collectible WEAVEworm miniature
- Iron-on embroidered patch
- Six art postcards
- Premium hexagon packaging with lenticular poster
- Beautifully designed display box featuring environmental art
- In-game bonus cosmetics for purchasing from the Bungie Store or PlayStation Direct: ZERO STEP Emblem, ZERO STEP Background
Marathon Trailers
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