Bungie is set to launch a closed beta for its Marathon reboot later this month. The game will officially debut on September 23 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X as a paid title, featuring full cross-play and cross-save capabilities.
In a recent gameplay showcase, the renowned FPS developers behind the iconic Halo franchise and Destiny shared exciting details about their return to the classic series. This modern iteration of Marathon transforms the original concept into a multiplayer extraction shooter where squads of three Runners will raid the planet Tau Ceti IV, gather valuable loot, and aim to escape alive to keep their treasures.
For eager players wanting an early experience, a closed alpha playtest is scheduled for April 23, and interested participants can register on the official Discord server for the game, which is expected to launch shortly. Bungie also mentioned plans for Q&A sessions and indicated that they will be evolving the game based on player input both before and after the official launch.
By September, players will have access to six customizable characters and three initial maps, with a fourth map expected to arrive shortly after the launch. The UESC Marathon ship, which plays a significant role in the setting, will introduce new “raid-like” mechanics according to game director Joe Ziegler, who shared insights during a studio Q&A event attended by media outlets.
Our preview of Marathon praised the dynamic gunplay, describing it as a blend of the high points seen in Helldivers 2 and the lows of Concord. “The extraction shooter format has passed through the Bungie action machine with an elegance that feels incredibly engaging,” commented Austin Wood. “It’s refined and outstanding, although its intensity may deter some players.”
Interestingly, Bungie clarified that Marathon will not adopt a free-to-play model, although they did not disclose the price point for launch. Given that Sony’s latest live service titles, like Helldivers 2 and Concord, are also sold as paid games, this announcement aligns with industry trends, particularly for players familiar with Destiny 2’s free-to-play entry.
Seasons for Marathon are designed to last approximately three months and will reset players’ vault and faction progress each time. Bungie promises that new seasons will introduce significant changes that will refresh the game world and its pacing, encouraging players to return following each reset.
To learn more about Marathon’s development and its unique features, keep an eye out for additional announcements from Bungie.